Senior Communications Advisor

Town of Oakville; Oakville; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Communications Advisor to lead strategic communications initiatives for town departments. This role involves developing comprehensive communications plans, managing media relations, and engaging with the community to enhance the town's brand. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional writing skills and a strong understanding of public engagement strategies. You'll thrive in a progressive work environment that values work-life balance and offers a hybrid work model. If you're passionate about making a positive impact in the community and have a proven track record in corporate communications, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Hybrid work environment

Defined benefit pension plan

Comprehensive health plan

Life and disability insurance

Qualifications

• Minimum five years in corporate communications or public relations.
• Strong expertise in strategic communications and media relations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement custom communications plans for town departments.
• Manage media inquiries and coordinate public engagement initiatives.

Skills

Strategic Communications Planning

Media Relations

Public Engagement

Crisis Communications

Writing and Editorial Skills

Time Management

Political Acumen

Education

University Degree in Communications

Post Graduate Certificate in Related Field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Graphic Design Software (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)

Online Content Management Systems

Job description

Job Details

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 by no later than 11:59 pm on May 9th, 2025.

This posting will be used to fill a current vacancy and possibly used for future vacancies.

We Offer

• Hybrid work environment
• Progressive work environment that promotes a work/life balance and strives to be a great place for great people to do great things
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Comprehensive health plan complemented with life and disability insurance
  
  

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 the 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.
• Making well-thought-out recommendations to management.
• Proactively monitor for 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.
• Act as the centre of expertise for media and public relations opportunities, 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?

• You have 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 positions with deep experience and competence in the duties and skills noted here.
• You have strong political acumen, and expertise in strategic communications planning and execution, public engagement, issues management, media relations, social media and internal communications.
• You also have exceptional writing and editorial skills simplifying and communicating complex information into compelling narratives that resonate with target audiences.
• You have a proven track record working collaboratively with senior staff and Council and can work independently with minimal direction.
• In addition, your experience and skills includes:
• 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.
• Experience working in a public sector organization and/or a municipal setting.
• 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.
• Familiarity with Graphic design software familiarity; e.g., InDesign, Illustrator, PhotoShop
  
  

DATED: April 25, 2025

This job profile reflects the general details considered necessary to perform the principal functions and shall not be construed as an interpretation of all work requirements inherent in the job. Applicants are required to demonstrate in their applications and in the interview process that their qualifications for the positions match those specified . Applicants may be required to undergo a skills assessment and/or testing.

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