Senior Communications Advisor

City of Chestermere; Chestermere; On-site; CAD 61,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chestermere is seeking a Senior Communications Advisor to lead planning, development, and delivery of high-quality communications across a range of platforms and projects. This role operates with considerable independence, taking direction from leadership and translating it into effective communications strategies and materials.

The Senior Communications Advisor will provide day-to-day guidance, mentorship, and project coordination to the Communications team, helping to build a capable,

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of related and progressive communications experience.
• Experience working in a municipal/public sector environment is considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrated experience across a range of communications disciplines including writing and editing, web content management, social media, graphic design, and photography.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communications strategies that support Council priorities and enhance public awareness of municipal programs, services, projects, and engagement initiatives.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute a broad range of communications projects from concept through to delivery, managing timelines and client expectations.
• Provide senior-level writing, editing, and proofreading services for a variety of materials including news releases, web content, social media, newsletters, speeches, advertising, and corporate publications.
• Maintain and update the City’s website and social media platforms, ensuring content is timely, accurate, and consistent with corporate brand standards.
• Support the City’s corporate photo and video needs, including basic photography, photo editing, and coordination of visual content for digital and print use.
• Develop and produce print and digital communications materials, applying working knowledge of layout and graphic design principles using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite.
• Support senior leadership with issues management and risk communications.
• Support public engagement activities and coordinates communications for major Council, CAO, or corporate projects and initiatives.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, mentorship, and project coordination support to the Communications Advisor and junior team members, helping to prioritize workloads and build team capacity.
• Upholds the City’s brand standards and supports consistent application of messaging, visual identity, and tone across all platforms.
• Maintains confidentiality and ensures the appropriate use of sensitive information in accordance with ATIA/POPA and City policy.
• Participates in the City’s emergency management communications, including crisis and emergency response as required.

Skills

Strong writing and editing

Project coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Organization and multitasking

Interpersonal communication

Education

Degree or diploma in Communications or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

MS Office

Web content management systems

Job description

Position Summary

As a senior member of the Communications team, the Senior Communications Advisor leads the planning, development, and delivery of high-quality communications across a range of platforms and projects. This role operates with considerable independence, taking direction from leadership and translating it into effective communications strategies and materials. The Senior Communications Advisor also provides day-to-day guidance and project coordination to other team members, helping to build a capable, generalist communications function within the City.

As a senior member of the Communications team, the Senior Communications Advisor leads the planning, development, and delivery of high-quality communications across a range of platforms and projects. This role operates with considerable independence, taking direction from leadership and translating it into effective communications strategies and materials. The Senior Communications Advisor also provides day-to-day guidance and project coordination to other team members, helping to build a capable, generalist communications function within the City.

Key Accountabilities

• Contributes to the development and implementation of communications strategies that support Council priorities and enhance public awareness of municipal programs, services, projects, and engagement initiatives.
• Plans, coordinates, and executes a broad range of communications projects from concept through to delivery, managing timelines and client expectations.
• Provides senior-level writing, editing, and proofreading services for a variety of materials including news releases, web content, social media, newsletters, speeches, advertising, and corporate publications.
• Maintains and updates the City’s website and social media platforms, ensuring content is timely, accurate, and consistent with corporate brand standards.
• Supports the City’s corporate photo and video needs, including basic photography, photo editing, and coordination of visual content for digital and print use.
• Develops and produces print and digital communications materials, applying working knowledge of layout and graphic design principles using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite.
• Supports senior leadership with issues management and risk communications.
• Supports public engagement activities and coordinates communications for major Council, CAO, or corporate projects and initiatives.
• Provides day-to-day guidance, mentorship, and project coordination support to the Communications Advisor and junior team members, helping to prioritize workloads and build team capacity.
• Upholds the City’s brand standards and supports consistent application of messaging, visual identity, and tone across all platforms.
• Maintains confidentiality and ensures the appropriate use of sensitive information in accordance with ATIA/POPA and City policy.
• Participates in the City’s emergency management communications, including crisis and emergency response as required.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of this position.

Required Education And Experience

• Degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of related and progressive communications experience.
• Experience working in a municipal or public sector environment is considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrated experience across a range of communications disciplines including writing and editing, web content management, social media, graphic design, and photography.

Expected Skills And Attributes

• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce clear, compelling content in a variety of formats for diverse audiences.
• Working knowledge of web content management systems and best practices for digital content.
• Proficiency in social media platforms and tools, including content scheduling and analytics.
• Working knowledge of graphic design principles and experience with Adobe Creative Suite or equivalent.
• Basic photography skills and comfort with photo editing.
• Proficiency with MS Office and collaboration tools (Teams, SharePoint, etc.).
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with staff at all levels, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of public participation principles (IAP2) and communications standards
• Collaborative team player with a genuine interest in supporting team Chestermere.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment; extended periods of sitting, reading, and screen-based work.
• Occasional travel within the region, sometimes in inclement weather or emergency situations.
• May experience periods of high workload and time pressure.

Required Certifications And / Or Documentation

• Valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s Licence and Driver’s Abstract deemed satisfactory by the City.
• Criminal Record Check deemed satisfactory by the City.
• Professional certification (CMP, APR, ABC) is considered an asset.

Union: CUPE Local 5592

Position Type: Full Time

Location: City Hall

Compensation

Pay: $44.81/hr, after 3 months probation the rate will be $46.15/hr. Pay Grade will be determined by position placement.

Days of Work: Monday to Friday