Communications and Policy Assistant

City Of Edmonton; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City Of Edmonton invites applications for a Communications and Policy Assistant to support Councillor Keren Tang and the Ward Karhiio Team. You will prepare communications, manage social media, and help coordinate policy and events to advance the ward’s initiatives.

This public-facing role requires strong written and verbal communication, project coordination, and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including City staff and residents. A hybrid work arrangement may apply.

Responsibilities

• Prepare correspondence, briefings, speeches, newsletters, website blogs, social media posts, presentations, and other ward communications
• Manage social media accounts and websites
• Review, research, and follow up with media inquiries
• Coordinate with Councillor and office staff on communication processes and respond to inquiries by phone, email or in-person
• Be the point of contact for internal departments and external groups to ensure clear information sharing
• Attend meetings and events, including evenings and weekends, and build a strong ward network
• Drive strategic planning and execution for the ward office to deliver on policy vision
• Engage in policy development, research, and synthesis as needed, including preparing briefings and reports
• Organize logistics for ward events and coordinate materials and on-site requirements
• Coordinate Councillor’s schedule and arrange meetings and community events
• Create and maintain documentation, trackers, databases, and records management systems

Job description

Do you like a fast-paced, dynamic, and small-team environment that does impactful work? Consider this opportunity to work directly with Councillor Keren Tang and the Ward Karhiio Team. We are a team dedicated to building public trust and confidence in our local government so that Ward Karhiio thrives. We pride ourselves in being the bridge between Karhiio residents and businesses, and city government. As the Councillor’s Communications and Policy Assistant, you will work closely with the Councillor and Team Karhiio to further advance the vision and mission of the office. In this role, you will work as a team, exercise considerable judgment, independence, and initiative ensuring the variety of demands that arise in the Councillor’s office are handled appropriately.

What will you do?

• Prepare correspondence, briefings, speeches, newsletters, website blogs, social media posts, presentations, and other ward communications
• Manage social media accounts and websites
• Review, research, and follow up with media inquiries
• Work with the Councillor and other office staff on communication processes. Respond to constituent and stakeholder questions and concerns, by phone, email, or in-person, either provide requested information or direct requests appropriately to City Administration
• Be the point of contact for internal departments and external groups and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and information sharing with the Councillor and other office staff
• Attend meetings and events as appropriate with the Councillor (or on behalf of when appropriate), and establish a strong network within the ward and City. This will include evening and weekend events and meetings as needed
• Drive strategic planning and execution for the ward office to deliver on the Councillor's policy vision and platform
• Independently engage in policy development, research, and synthesis on an as-needed basis including preparing briefings, recommendations, and reports to the Councillor
• Organize and coordinate the logistics for relevant ward events and activities including preparing all materials and on-site requirements
• Coordinate the Councillor’s schedule including arranging meetings, appointments, and community/ward events
• Create and maintain documentation, procedures, trackers, databases, and other office management systems to manage information flow and records (i.e., inbox and email management)

Qualifications

• Completed post-secondary diploma or degree and 3 years progressively responsible experience in a related role or field preferred. A master’s degree is an asset
• General understanding of municipal governance and related issues, and knowledge of council initiatives

Assets

• Familiarity with issues and local context within Ward Karhiio
• A valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license (or provincial equivalent) or higher

Skills required for Success

• Strong interpersonal and community organizing/building skills including the ability to connect with a diverse range of individuals including internal departments, community groups, agencies, and industry.
• Ability to effectively use word processing software, Google Suite (Google Docs/Apps), social media accounts, and design and multimedia apps (Canva, CapCut)
• Considerable knowledge and skill in the operation of electronic hardware and software and knowledge of communications media requirements (social, print, television, radio) and related fields of printing, photography, video, multimedia and graphic design
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, formal and informal. Knowledge of other languages is an asset
• Ability and confidence to deal effectively with the public, City employees, other Council members, the Mayor’s office and other Governments
• Exceptional ability to recognize politically sensitive issues and bringing matters of priority to the Councillor’s attention
• Strong analytical thinking skills to solve problems and make informed decisions using thoughtful reasoning and comprehensive analysis skills
• Demonstrate ability to summarize reports, research and analyze information, and write correspondence
• Ability to professionally handle conflict using effective listening and de-escalation techniques
• Demonstrate service excellence, embracing diversity and promoting inclusion
• Demonstrate a strong ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment while managing individual projects independently
• Demonstrate alignment with the City of Edmonton Cultural Commitments of Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent, fostering an environment for others to do the same. For more information on the City’s Cultural Commitments, please visit http://bit.ly/3bH2Ztv
• Demonstrate the foundational competencies, key behaviours and attributes of the City’s six leadership competencies: Courage, Inclusivity, Values-Based Influencer, Collaborative Networker, Systems Thinker and Creative Innovator. For more information on the City’s leadership competencies, please visit http://bit.ly/2PLbz1w

Conditions of Employment

• Candidates will be required to arrange their own transportation and where appropriate will be reimbursed in accordance with City of Edmonton policy. This may require the candidate to obtain business use auto insurance

Work Environment

• Note: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite
• Availability to attend events during the evenings and weekends will be required from time to time
• This is a public facing role and requires engagement and interaction with diverse people from various backgrounds with different needs, expectations and emotional states

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [e-mail]. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits

Up to 1 full-time term position that may continue until October 24, 2029. Hours of Work: 40 hours per week. Salary Range: $80,216.78 - $85,000.00 (Annually).