Communications Officer

Durham Region (The Regional Municipality of Durham); Whitby; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham Region in Whitby, Ontario seeks a Communications Officer to lead the Department’s communications strategy and oversee its team of Communication Specialists. The role focuses on strategic planning, media relations, and high-quality internal/external messaging for the Region and its communities.

Reporting to the Communications Manager, you will develop portfolio-specific plans, ensure brand consistency, manage media opportunities, and support Council and leadership communications with

Qualifications

• Degree/diploma in Journalism, Public Relations, Corporate Communications or equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Prefer accreditation with IABC or CPRS.
• Experience supervising staff, preferably in a unionized environment.
• Several years in a media relations/public relations/communications role.
• Strong social media expertise and excellent communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day activities of the Communication Specialists, coaching and mentoring staff to produce best outcomes.
• Develop and implement departmental and Durham Region communications strategies.
• Lead the development of a communications strategy for the portfolio, with measurable plans.
• Write/edit internal/external communications pieces to adhere to CP Style Guide.
• Create communications materials from concept to distribution.
• Provide strategic and tactical communications support to the Manager, Communications.
• Participate in communications process reviews for continuous improvement.
• Advise on responses to inquiries from Council, leadership and the public.
• Contribute to the annual project/editorial calendar and identify positive media opportunities.

Skills

Social media expertise

Communication skills

Problem solving

Intercultural collaboration

Education

Degree/ diploma in Journalism, Public Relations or Corporate Communications

Tools

Graphic arts

Desktop publishing

Job description

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

The Region of Durham is committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion within our organization and the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from people who are Indigenous, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, members of LGBTQ2S+ communities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of our workforce, including those who experience systemic barriers. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process upon request, based on any Code-protected ground.

Number of Available positions:

Vacancies: One (01). This position is located at Regional Headquarters, Whitby, Ontario.

Communications Officer

A highly energetic performer, who thrives in a dynamic, and consistently changing environment, the Communications Officer will play a key role on the management team and help support communication initiatives within all departments. This includes the provision of strategic issues, management support, communications planning, media training and various other responsibilities.

Reporting to the Communications Manager, the incumbent will:

• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the Communication Specialists, distributing and reviewing the work of the team while coaching, advising and mentoring the staff to produce the best outcomes for the Region.
• Be actively involved in the development and implementation of departmental and broader Durham Region communications strategies.
• Lead the development of a communications strategy for their specific portfolio, ensuring tactical completion, measurement and management of the plan.
• Write/edit internal/external communications pieces of all levels ensuring adherence to brand standards and CP Style Guide.
• Create communications materials and tools from concept to distribution.
• Provide strategic and tactical communications support and leadership as per the direction of the Manager, Communications.
• Participate in communications business process reviews to assist with identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Provide advice and analysis to support responses to departmental issues and inquiries from Council, corporate leadership and the public.
• Contribute to annual project/editorial calendar. - Identify and proactively lead and encourage opportunities for positive media coverage for the department and corporation.

The successful applicant will possess:

• Hold a Degree/diploma in Journalism, Public Relations, Corporate Communications or equivalent combination of education and related work experience
• Preferably possess accreditation or membership with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS)
• Have experience supervising, coaching, and mentoring staff, preferably in a unionized environment
• Have several years in a media relations/public relations/communications role
• Possess strong Social media expertise
• Have superior communications skills with demonstrated experience in media and public relations
• Extensive knowledge of the Canadian Press Style Guide
• Experience with various computer programs, including graphic arts, desktop publishing
• Understanding of purchasing and budget processes
• Possess strong problem-solving skills
• Capacity to foster mutual understanding in intercultural and interdepartmental interactions

Management & Exempt Salary Grade 5

• Salary: $99,893 to $124,866 per annum

Conditions of Employment

All applicants are expected to comply with the Region of Durham's Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct Policies throughout the recruitment process. Proof of education, qualifications and any other job bona fide requirements will be required prior to start date.

The Region of Durham is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. If contacted for an employment opportunity and you require accommodation, or if this information is required in an accessible format, please contact us at: [e-mail] and a Recruiter will provide appropriate assistance pursuant to the Region's Accommodation and Accessibility policies. Follow us on social media @RegionofDurham.

The Region of Durham may utilize artificial intelligence to assist in the preliminary assessment of applicant qualifications and submitted materials. These tools are used for the purpose of supporting and enhancing an evaluation by a human decision-maker and any information provided by AI to a human decision-maker is not determinative. Final decisions are made solely by authorized human decision-makers.