Senior Communications Advisor

City Of Edmonton; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 92,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Edmonton seeks two Senior Communications Advisors to lead a team of communications professionals within the Urban Planning and Economy (UPE) department. You will shape strategic plans for internal and external audiences, provide high-level advisory support, and work with media, marketing, engagement, and external relations teams to deliver integrated campaigns.

Applicants should bring a university or diploma in communications with 4–6 years of supervisory experience.

Qualifications

• University degree in a communications, public relations or a related field, supplemented by a minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in a designated internal communications or public information/affairs position including experience in direct supervision of staff.
• Diploma in communications, public relations or a related field, supplemented by a minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in a designated internal communications or public information/affairs position including experience in direct supervision of staff.

Responsibilities

• Develop, supervise, motivate and recruit to a high-performing team of communications professionals.
• Create, refine, align and implement strategic multidisciplinary plans targeted at internal and external audiences.
• Provide direct strategic and tactical communications advice and support for projects and programs.
• Collaborate with media relations, marketing, engagement, and external/intergovernmental relations staff to ensure cohesive campaigns.
• Support development of new communications channels and editorial alignment of existing channels.
• Identify emerging issues and track team effectiveness and efficiency.

Skills

Team leadership

Strategic communications

Change management

Stakeholder relations

Education

University degree in communications/public relations or related field

Diploma in communications/public relations or related field

Tools

Google Workspace

Adobe Creative Suite

Video editing software

CRM software

Job description

Job Number: 56258Are you a talented communications professional with a passion for topics like city building, zoning, growth planning and the environment? Are you excited to work alongside others in helping to plan and shape the city of the future? Are you a dedicated people leader committed to building a high-performing team?Urban Planning and Economy is looking for two highly creative, strategic, and collaborative Senior Communications Advisors to lead a team of communications professionals in the development and delivery of strategic communications plans and products. Working with a Communications and Engagement Manager and supporting an assigned client area, you will collaborate with colleagues across the department to lead internal and/or external multidisciplinary Communications and Engagement strategies and activities that are delivered on time, on budget, and are consistent with the City’s reputation and programming priorities. A measure of your success will be your commitment to a service-minded orientation.The Urban Planning and Economy (UPE) department shapes Edmonton’s future by integrating Council’s core priorities, Growth Management, Economic Development, Safety and Quality Services, to ensure a prosperous, sustainable, vibrant and safe city. UPE facilitates growth intentionally guided by The City Plan, coordinating land use, mobility, open spaces and public investment to ensure long-term fiscal resilience. UPE acts as a strategic growth partner, attracting commercial and industrial investment to expand the non-residential tax base. The department cultivates a business-friendly environment by streamlining regulatory processes to reduce barriers to investment and business growth. Through strong, relationship-driven partnerships, it builds trust and transparency with the business community and the public.Ultimately, UPE balances efficient service delivery with exceptional livability and environmental stewardship, ensuring Edmonton remains a competitive, affordable and inclusive global destination as it grows toward a population of two million.What will you do?Develop, supervise, motivate and recruit to a high-performing team of communications professionals, demonstrating strong coaching and change management skillsCreate, refine, align and implement strategic multidisciplinary plans targeted at both internal and external audiencesProvide direct strategic and tactical communications advice and support for projects and programsCollaborate with the City’s media relations, marketing, engagement, and external and intergovernmental relations staff to ensure that initiatives and campaigns are comprehensive and delivered in an effective, integrated waySupport the development of new communications channels, and the effective editorial alignment of existing channelsIdentify emerging issues and work with communications teams and clients to address themTrack and report the team’s effectiveness and efficiency in achieving intended outcomesHire and manage external contractors and consultants to plan and execute communications servicesQualifications:University graduation in a communications, public relations or a related field, supplemented by a minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in a designated internal communications or public information/affairs position including experience in direct supervision of staff; OR Diploma in communications, public relations or a related field, supplemented by a minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in a designated internal communications or public information/affairs position including experience in direct supervision of staffAssets:Experience working in a multiservice communications or marketing agencyCertification in change management methodology or accreditation in the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS)Experience working with large organizations, particularly in the public sector or in an agencySkills required for success:Experience and extensive knowledge of the principles, practices and requirements of internal and external communication, mass communication, media relations, marketing and advertising, social media, and public relationsDemonstrated successful experience in a sufficiently complex supervisory role, supplemented by demonstrated collaborative and team building skillsExperience in conducting research into trends, best practices and employee feedback to optimize effective communication planning and project outcomesExperience in successfully creating, developing, implementing and evaluating communication plansUnderstanding of optimal mix of communications and related disciplines to achieve the best outcomesSuperior issues identification and issues management skillsA trusted advisor; proven client consulting and relationship building skillsAbility to prioritize and manage multiple projects and meet deadlinesAbility to focus on customer needs, work through ambiguity, and act as a trusted advisor to a business partner that is growing and evolvingDemonstrated ability to perform as a respectful, inclusive and engaged team memberExcellent written and verbal communication skillsDemonstrated ability to apply creativity, tell a great story, and align communications products with elements of brandExperience and proficiency with contemporary computer technologies (e.g. Google platform, Adobe suite, video editing software, etc.)Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusionConditions of Employment:Applicants may be testedWork Environment:Note: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite as per the Letter of Understanding between the City of Edmonton and Civic Service Union 52The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement, and the incumbent will be notified in advanceAvailability to attend events during the evenings and weekends may be required from time to timeThe 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 2 permanent full-time positionsHours of Work: 33.75 hours per week, Monday to Friday. This position requires the successful candidate to be available for on-call work outside of regular work hours. Hours of work may be subject to the terms and conditions of a variable hours of work program.Salary: $52.414 - $65.871 (Hourly); $92,340.360 - $116,048.230 (Annually)Recruitment Consultant: SM / SOEdmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.Classification Title: Public Information Officer IIIPosting Date: Oct 23, 2026Closing Date: Nov 06, 2026 11:59:00 PM (ABT)Number of Openings (up to): 2 - Permanent Full-timeUnion : CSU 52Department: UPE Communications and EngagementWork Location(s):11th Floor Edmonton Tower, 10111 104 Avenue Edmonton T5J 0J4