Communications Officer (Full-Time)

Thunder Bay; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal organization is seeking a Communications Specialist to develop communications strategies and manage online presence in Thunder Bay. This role involves working collaboratively across departments and with media to promote services and initiatives. Ideal candidates will have a degree in communications and 2-4 years of related experience. Strong writing, editing, and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Two to four years’ experience in a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in website maintenance.
• Proficient in the use of current related software.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the annual communications plan.
• Provide strategic communication for Corporate initiatives.
• Stage news conferences and media briefings.
• Coordinate Corporate special events and projects.

Skills

Effective communication

Writing and editing

Organizational skills

Project management

Knowledge of HTML

Education

Degree/diploma in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism

Tools

Active Content Management System

Computer software

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Manager Corporate Communications, is responsible for the development of Corporate communications and promotional materials that support the overall communications plan. A key responsibility is keeping current the City of Thunder Bay’s online presence and collaborating with web editors across the Corporation on the website, online tools, and internet to promote City of Thunder Bay services, programs, and initiatives.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates as part of the Corporate Communications Team in developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the annual communications plan.
• Provides strategic and tactical communications for Corporate initiatives as assigned.
• Provides departments with strategic communications counsel, planning and tools to support business goals, engage stakeholders, and facilitate departmental and Corporate alignment with policies and priorities.
• Researches, writes, and assists in editing various regular and recurring communication publications to the community.
• Researches, writes, and distributes Corporate news releases, public service announcements, and background information to the media and others as required.
• Stages news conferences and media briefings to promote Corporate initiatives and major departmental initiatives; evaluates and monitors media coverage.
• Keeps the listing of media contacts current for use by all departments.
• Co-ordinates Corporate special events, displays, promotional materials, and advertising; co-ordinates other special projects, as assigned.
• Researches and prepares letters of welcome and congratulations, speech-writing, and article services for use by senior Corporate spokespersons as required.
• Serves as website content resource for departments, and liaises with web editors and approvers across the Corporation.
• Prepares and analyzes web statistics.
• Works with departments to maintain consistency of Corporate website; keeps current the website’s Visual Identity Guide.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge and awareness of emerging trends, developments, and issues within online and social media.
• Co-ordinates the Corporate employee newsletter and a weekly on-line newsletter to communicate Corporate news to the internal audience; provides vehicles for intra-departmental communication.
• Performs such other related duties as may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

• College or university degree/diploma in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or related field; and
• Two to four years’ experience in a related field
• Demonstrated experience in website maintenance and knowledge of HTML

Skills/Abilities:

• Superior ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Superior writing and editing skills, on-line communications expertise, special event planning, and an understanding of effective graphic design
• Proven organizational skills
• Ability to work to deadlines and handle multiple projects
• Proficient in the use of computers and current related software

Assets:

• Experience with Active Content Management System
• Camera proficiency would be an asset
• Knowledge of the functions of City departments, outside boards, agencies, and local community groups

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Will be required to travel to various work locations and provide own transportation

General Information:

As an equal opportunity employer, the City of Thunder Bay encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE: It is a contravention of the Human Rights Code of Ontario to discriminate on the basis of: race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, age, record of offences, gender identity or gender expression.Therefore, a resume submitted to the City must not include references to any of the above characteristics. Do not include:

• Photos
• Any certificates that have photo identification
• Driver’s licences
• Police records checks

Note: The above documentation will be requested by the Human Resources Division should you be the successful applicant.If a Criminal Record Check is required, it will be requested by Human Resources should you be the successful applicant. Please do not submit your Criminal Record Check with your application.

ACCOMMODATION: Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for all parts of the recruitment process.

PRIVACY:Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, c. 302, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. Questions about this collection of personal information should be directed to the Human Resources Division, 125 Syndicate Ave Suite 42, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 6H8, Telephone: [phone]

The City of Thunder Bayprovidesexceptional quality of life to those wholive, work, and play in Thunder Bay–a culturally vibrant, economically diverse community with a metro population of over 120,000. Located on the north shore of Lake Superior, under the protective watch of the Sleeping Giant, Thunder Bay isrich in people and resources, and connects Northwestern Ontario to the world. We value ourhigh quality of lifeand promote a clean, green, beautiful, and healthy community that provides economic opportunity, respects diversity, and provides affordable and safe neighbourhoods that are accessible to all.

The City of Thunder Bay is a place where art, culture and nature come together!

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