Senior Communications Advisor

TOWN OF OAKVILLE; Oakville; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Oakville is seeking a Senior Communications Advisor to lead strategic communications for municipal clients, developing plans across media relations, public engagement, social media and corporate messaging.

You will write materials, manage vendors and budgets, monitor issues, and coordinate responses to media inquiries to support town goals and governance standards.

Join a results‑driven team focused on transparent communication, community engagement and protecting the town’s brand.

Qualifications

• University degree in communications or related field with at least five years in corporate communications or PR.
• Municipal/public sector experience preferred, with governance and community delivery understanding.
• Strong editorial skills and ability to translate complex information into compelling narratives.
• Proven ability to work with senior staff and council members; independent judgment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic communications plans for municipal clients, including issue and reputation management, media relations, public engagement, and advertising.
• Write and edit media briefs, news releases, speaking notes, social posts, newsletters, and web content.
• Ensure initiatives are communicated to employees and the community; manage budgets and third-party vendors.
• Monitor media, coordinate responses to inquiries, and pitch stories aligned with town priorities.
• Foster relationships with government bodies and community partners; support town branding and governance practices.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Public engagement

Crisis communications

Writing and editing

Budget management

Vendor management

Content creation

Education

University degree in communications

Tools

Microsoft Office

CMS (content management systems)

InDesign/Illustrator/Photoshop

Job description

Job Details

Permanent Full Time (Non-Union)

Posting Status

Open to all current Town of Oakville employees and external applicants.

Closing Date

Applications for this position must be received at oakville.ca by no later than 12 p.m (noon) on November 6, 2026.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy and therefore will be filled accordingly.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Reporting to the Manager of Corporate Communications, the Senior Communications Advisor (SCA) is responsible for establishing strategic direction for their clients’ (Town departments) communications initiatives. The SCA has senior level experience developing and implementing effective internal and external communications plans and providing on-going strategic communications advice and support to clients in an effort to build, promote and protect the Town’s brand. The SCA understands and commits to the mission and values of the corporation.

As a Senior Communications Advisor you will:

• Develop and implement custom communications plans – including strategies focused on issue or reputation management, crisis communications, media relations, public engagement, social media, event planning, collateral development, internal communications, promotion, marketing and advertising.
• Write and develop a variety communications material for internal and external audiences, including but not limited to media briefs and speaking notes, news releases, interview backgrounders, social media posts, web and intranet content, staff and resident newsletters, email bulletins, brochure and advertisement copy.
• Ensure organizational initiatives and projects are successfully communicated to employees and community.
• Manage collateral development from inception to completion including project scope and budget requirements, research, concept development, writing, approvals, design, and printing as well as the hiring and tendering of third-party vendors.
• Manage resources to ensure budget, deadlines and deliverables are met.
• Proactively manage the Town’s reputation by identifying potential issues (including contentious ones) and providing advice and solutions.
• Make well-thought-out recommendations to management.
• Proactively monitor media stories/issues relevant to the Town and pitch stories that align with the interests of target publications.
• Coordinate responses to incoming media inquiries, plan and manage media opportunities and provide on-site media support as required.
• Identify, advise and/or manage opportunities to engage the Town’s diverse community in a two-way dialogue as per the Town’s public engagement procedure.
• Provide recommendations and support to clients on advertising and marketing opportunities.
• Be the go-to resource for media and public relations, and provide information, tools and advice for programs and initiatives.
• Review and edit materials for consistency of style, format, readability and accessibility.
• Plan or support the execution of some internal and external events for clients.
• Establish, enhance and maintain productive relationships with other levels of governments and municipal partners.
• Exercise discretion in dealing with sensitive political and confidential corporate issues or materials.
• Other duties as assigned.

How do I qualify?

• Completion of a university degree, diploma and/or post graduate certificate in communications or related field along with a minimum of five years of relevant experience in corporate communications, public relations, and marketing or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Your formal education is augmented by progressively responsible roles that demonstrate deep capability in the skills outlined below.
• Significant experience working in a municipal setting or public sector organization is preferred, with a solid understanding of public sector processes, governance and community-focused delivery.
• Strong political acumen, with expertise in strategic communications planning and execution, promotion, public engagement, issues management, media relations, social media and internal communications.
• Exceptional writing and editorial skills to simplify and translate complex information into compelling narratives that resonate with target audiences.
• A proven track record working collaboratively with senior staff and Members of Council and can work independently and exercise sound judgment with minimal direction.

In addition, your experience and skills include:

• Possess knowledge in current and possible future policies, practices, trends, technology and information related to public engagement, online communications and marketing, as well as internal and external communications.
• Expert knowledge of the changing media landscape and how to leverage traditional and non-traditional forms of media to advance corporate initiatives by reaching target audiences and delivering positive, compelling messages.
• Writing clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles.
• Time management skills in scoping out length and difficulty of tasks and projects; setting objectives and goals and establishing targets and measuring metrics for delivery, quality and productivity.
• Exercising sound judgment and evidence-based decision making in demanding or stressful situations, responding decisively and quickly to emerging opportunities or risks; being cognizant of decisions that may be politically sensitive.
• Demonstrating values and ethics in personal behavior in keeping with corporate values; is widely trusted; maintains honesty and integrity.
• Identifying solutions, alternatives and consequences based upon the evaluation of relevant facts, issues and risks.
• Establishing inclusive, cooperative approaches with staff, peers, superiors and clients.
• Demonstrating an understanding of team member roles and responsibilities and balancing own needs with those of the team or organization.
• Using government assets and resources appropriately and responsibly by understanding and applying related policies and procedures.
• Establishing good relationships with government and community partners and seeking out opportunities for collaboration and strategic alliances as necessary.

Core Knowledge Required for Success:

You are an experienced professional with a comprehensive knowledge of:

• Writing clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles
• Current practices, trends, technology and information relative to corporate communications; including social media other online communication tools.
• CP (Canadian Press) style.
• Microsoft office software and other appropriate applications.
• Familiarity with online content management systems.
• Familiarity with graphic design software e.g., InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop.

Corporate Values:

Teamwork, accountability, dedication, honesty, innovation and respect

DATED:

October 29, 2026

The Town’s recruitment software includes elements of artificial intelligence to assist in the screening and short‑listing of qualified candidates.

This job profile reflects the general requirements necessary to perform the principal functions of the job.This does not include all of the work requirements of the job. Applicants are required to demonstrate through their application and in the interview process that their qualifications match those specified. Applicants may also be required to undergo testing.

Wethank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.