Senior Manager, Communications and External Relations

City of Saint John; Saint John; On-site; CAD 98,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal government in Saint John is seeking a Senior Manager for Communications and External Relations. This role involves leading the communication strategy to connect with residents and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in public affairs, a proven track record in team leadership, and a strong understanding of media relations. The position offers a competitive salary and an inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits plans

Flexible Time Options Program

Community Services Volunteer Program

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in communications or public affairs.
• Minimum 4 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven success in managing communications operations.

Responsibilities

• Translate strategic goals into operational plans.
• Manage a team of communication professionals.
• Drive workflow management for campaigns.

Skills

Strategic planning

Relationship building

Writing and editing

Project management

Political acumen

Interpersonal skills

Bilingualism (English/French)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field

Master’s degree or professional accreditation

Job description

Senior Manager, Communications and External Relations

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Competition Number

25-119

Salary

$98,841.00 - $119,968.00/Year

Job Type

Permanent Full Time

Closing Date

December 5, 2025

Share Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn

Position Overview

Reporting to the Director of External Relations, the Senior Communications & External Relations Manager is a key leader in shaping how the City of Saint John connects with residents, partners, all levels of government, and stakeholders. From media relations, public engagement, and external relations the Senior Communications & External Relations Manager ensures that every message and stakeholder interaction reflects the City’s vision and values.

As the bridge between strategy and execution, this leader inspires collaboration, innovation, and measurable results; leading the transition of strategy into clear, creative, and positive actions. The Senior Communications & External Relations Manager leads a team of talented communications professionals.

If you’re a strategic communications leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and loves seeing your work make an impact in the community, this is your opportunity to lead with purpose and help tell Saint John’s story.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate corporate and departmental strategic goals into operational plans with clear priorities and accountability.
• Manage a team of communication professionals, providing leadership and direction to ensure Council, corporate, and departmental goals are successfully achieved.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture aligned with City values.
• Drive workflow management to balance proactive campaigns and reactive issues.
• Act on behalf of the Director in times of absence, to attend Council meetings, lead crisis or emergency communications, and maintain external relations with partners and representatives in other levels of government.

• In collaboration with the Director, develop and implement communications frameworks (internal and external) across City departments.
• Lead the planning and execution of corporate communications strategies, campaigns, and initiatives.
• Ensure consistent, brand-aligned messaging across all communications materials and channels.
• Champion inclusive and accessible communications that reflect the diversity of the Saint John community and support the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) objectives.
• Strengthen internal communications practices to foster employee engagement, alignment, and a sense of belonging and understanding across all service areas.
• Collaborate with the Director in strengthening government and stakeholder relations through communications planning, messaging, and coordination with provincial, federal, and community partners.
• Assist in preparing materials, briefings, and talking points for intergovernmental meetings and partnership initiatives.
• Monitor performance indicators to assess communications reach and impact.
• Develop policies, standards, and tools that enhance efficiency and clarity across the organization.

• Oversee daily media relations, including inquiries, statements, and approvals.
• Provide timely, strategic advice on emerging issues, risks, and opportunities.
• Support the Director in crisis and emergency communications, ensuring the communications team and organizational readiness and coordination.

• Oversee delivery of public engagement initiatives through the Shape Your City Saint John platform and other channels.
• Ensure engagement is inclusive, accessible, and aligned with Council priorities.
• Monitor community sentiment and trends to inform proactive engagement strategies.

• Ensure consistent application of the City’s brand across all communications and campaigns.
• Lead social media strategy, website content, and online community engagement.
• Collaborate with Envision Saint John and other partners to advance the City’s marketing objectives.

• Develop and manage the departmental work plan, annual reporting, and budget.
• Support the Director in resource/budget planning and vendor management.
• Evaluate communications outcomes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Essential Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations or related field is required.
• A master’s degree or professional accreditation (e.g. APR, CMP) would be considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in communications, or public affairs is required, preferably in the public sector.
• Minimum 4 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Proven success managing communications operations, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in issues management, crisis communications, and digital strategy.

Skills and Competencies

• Ability to plan strategically and execute effectively to achieve objectives.
• Strong relationship building with internal and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities under tight timelines.
• Sound political acumen and professional judgment.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills to inspire collaboration.
• Bilingualism (English/French) considered an asset.

This position may require occasional work outside of regular business hours to support events, media inquiries, or emergency communications, including participation in an evening and weekend on-call rotation.

What We Offer To a Successful Candidate

• Competitive salary
• Competitive vacation entitlement and paid holidays
• Comprehensive group benefits plans
• Participation in a Shared Risk Pension Plan from day 1 of your employment
• Training and Development opportunities
• A diverse and inclusive workplace
• Sponsored employee and family events
• Community Services Volunteer Program that provides for up to 2 days per calendar year to engage in volunteer opportunities to make a difference and give back to the community
• A career that serves and supports your Community

The successful applicant may be eligible to participate in a Flexible Time Options Program which includes the option of working a 4 or 5-day work week, subject to business requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live and which we serve. We encourage and support applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups. Candidates who belong to such groups, who are qualified, will be given preference at the time of selection.

Applications will be accepted through our online system only. Qualified applicants should submit their cover letters and resumes to:
City of Saint John
Attn: Hiring Committee
www.saintjohn.ca (careers)
Only those applicants being considered further will be contacted.