Communications Officer

City of Dawson; Dawson City; On-site; CAD 77,900 - 93,016; Full time

Job summary

The City of Dawson is seeking a Communications Officer to provide strategic leadership in communications, branding, and public engagement. The role involves implementing city-wide strategies, guiding initiatives, and ensuring aligned messaging across departments.

Ideal candidates will have a post-secondary education in Communications and a minimum of 2 years in a communications role, preferably within municipal government. This non-union management position offers a salary range of $77,900.00 to $93,016.67 with benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a communications role, ideally in a municipal context.
• Ability to adapt writing style to target audiences.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Establish and implement city-wide communications strategies.
• Guide internal and external communications initiatives.
• Oversee communication systems, including website and social platforms.

Skills

Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills

Attention to detail

Effective presentation skills

Proficiency in web content management

Strong research and analysis skills

Organizational and time management skills

Strong decision making

Education

Post‑secondary education in Communications or related field

Tools

MS Office

Design software

Digital engagement tools

Job description

Dawson City, Yukon, population: 2300, is the heart of Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Traditional Territory and home of the Klondike Gold Rush. Proud of our mining heritage and deep First Nations roots, we are a vibrant northern community known for our arts and culture scene, world-renowned festivals, and growing film industry. Surrounded by vast wilderness and outdoor recreation opportunities, Dawson offers an exceptional quality of life with extensive trails, recreation facilities, a ski hill, golf course, hospital, Yukon University campus, K–12 school, and a strong, welcoming community. As a national historic community, Dawson blends rich history with innovation, diversity, and opportunity—making it an incredible place to build both a career and a life.

Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), this non-union position provides strategic leadership and oversight for corporate communications, branding, and public engagement across the City. The Communications Officer establishes and implements city-wide communications strategies, policies, and standards to ensure aligned messaging and branding across all departments. The role serves as the central advisor on communications, guiding both internal and external initiatives to strengthen the City’s voice, reputation, and public trust.

The position leads municipal communications initiatives, supports and advises departments, and ensures an organization-wide approach to messaging and engagement. It also oversees communication systems and tools—including website, email, social platforms, and telephone systems—and coordinates third-party contracted IT services for the municipality. The Communications Officer supports media relations, emergency communications, and internal communications, while seeking continuous improvement in how the municipality communicates and connects with the public and staff.

If this position interests you, please submit your resume and cover letter clearly demonstrating the qualifications outlined below, as selection for further consideration will be based solely on the information you provide.

• Post‑secondary education in Communications, Public Relations, Public or Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a communications role, ideally within a municipal or government environment
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to adapt writing style to target audiences
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy of work
• Effective presentation skills with the ability to facilitate group meetings and discussions for the purpose of soliciting ideas, gathering feedback, collecting data, and summarizing information
• Proficiency in web content management, design software, and digital engagement tools
• High level of proficiency with MS Office and related office software
• Strong knowledge of office administration practices and principles used in a municipal or government setting
• Strong research and analysis skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, including the ability to meet critical and irregular deadlines
• Strong decision making and proactive approach to problem solving
• Demonstrated ability to act with tact and discretion in managing highly confidential, sensitive, or political matters
• Compassion, good judgement, and cultural sensitivity
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and effectively as part of a team

Applicants able to demonstrate an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

A job description is available upon request.

Closing Date:

This posting will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to applications received before 2pm, Tuesday June 2nd, 2026. Applications to this position must be submitted through this portal. https://cityofdawson.ca/p/careers

Salary & Benefits:

Non-Union management position. Salary range of $77,900.00 - $93,016.67 plus benefits, in accordance with the Management Employment Bylaw.

The City of Dawson thanks all applicants for their interest. Only those applicants who qualify for an interview will be contacted.

To learn more about our community and what we have to offer please visit our website at www.cityofdawson.ca