Communications and Media Relations Lead

National Media Awards Foundation; Surrey; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Surrey is seeking a Communications & Media Relations Lead to plan, develop, and execute strategic communications and media relations initiatives aligned with city priorities. You will act as the primary contact for media inquiries, coordinate messaging, and ensure cohesion with the city’s communications strategy.

You will build relationships with media outlets, prepare statements, and train experts for interviews while monitoring coverage and advising leadership on risks and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of related experience in communications and media relations, preferably in a municipal or public sector environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong writing and editorial abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of communications and media relations strategies, social media best practices, and digital content creation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines and work well under pressure.
• Experience in crisis communications and handling sensitive issues with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with media, internal stakeholders, and the public.
• Knowledge of Surrey’s issues, opportunities, and vision.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements proactive communications and media relations strategies that align with City priorities, Council direction, and community needs.
• Serves as a liaison for media inquiries; prepares and delivers statements, manages interviews, and coordinates media availability.
• Develops and reviews a wide range of communications content to support City priorities, including media releases, speeches, key messages, backgrounders, social media posts, and website updates.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• In collaboration with Strategic Communications, proactively identifies and pitches earned media opportunities to enhance the City’s brand and strengthen public trust.
• Prepares and trains subject matter experts for media interviews.
• Monitors media coverage and public sentiment, providing regular reports and recommendations to leadership on risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Plans and supports City media events and announcements; coordinates logistics, visuals, and media attendance.
• Flexibility in working hours, with the ability to attend after-hours meetings or events as required.

Skills

Excellent oral and written skills

Crisis communications

Media relations expertise

Social media best practices

Editorial abilities

Project management under deadlines

Interpersonal skills

Knowledge of Surrey issues

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications/Public Relations/Journalism or related field

Job description

As one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, City of Surrey is a globally recognized leader in building vibrant, sustainable communities through technology and innovation. City of Surrey employees are talented innovators, inspired by meaningful work and the opportunity to drive our city—and their careers—forward. Build a City. Build a Future.

SCOPE:

Reporting to the Director, Communications & Engagement, the Communications & Media Relations Lead is responsible for planning, developing, and executing strategic communications and media relations initiatives that support the City’s priorities, programs, and services. This role serves as a primary point of contact for media inquiries related to the City, coordinates public-facing messaging, and ensures alignment with the City’s overall communications strategy. The position requires strong political acumen, exceptional writing skills, and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues in a high-profile municipal environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and implements proactive communications and media relations strategies that align with City priorities, Council direction, and community needs.
• Serves as a liaison for media inquiries; prepares and delivers statements, manages interviews, and coordinates media availability.
• Develops and reviews a wide range of communications content to support City priorities, including media releases, speeches, key messages, backgrounders, social media posts, and website updates.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• In collaboration with Strategic Communications, proactively identifies and pitches earned media opportunities to enhance the City’s brand and strengthen public trust.
• Prepares and trains subject matter experts for media interviews.
• Monitors media coverage and public sentiment, providing regular reports and recommendations to leadership on risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Plans and supports City media events and announcements; coordinates logistics, visuals, and media attendance.
• Flexibility in working hours, with the ability to attend after-hours meetings or events as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of related experience in communications and media relations, preferably in a municipal or public sector environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong writing and editorial abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of communications and media relations strategies, social media best practices, and digital content creation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines and work well under pressure.
• Experience in crisis communications and handling sensitive issues with discretion.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with media, internal stakeholders, and the public.
• Knowledge of Surrey’s issues, opportunities, and vision.
• Flexibility in working hours, with the ability to attend after-hours meetings or events as required.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Exempt – Term (1 year)

Job Criteria

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Temporary
• Job function: Consulting
• Industries: Government Administration