Strategic Communications Lead - Hybrid

Niagara Region; Kentucky; Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension plan

Wellness centre

EFAP

Mentorship and training programs

Employee recognition programs

Hybrid work arrangements

Job summary

Niagara Region is seeking a Manager, Strategic Communications to provide strategic leadership across corporate communications, media relations, public engagement and executive communications.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, the role leads a team, guides priorities, and ensures timely, accessible information while upholding the organization’s voice in a hybrid work model at Regional Headquarters in Thorold.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in communications or public relations.
• Professional accreditation in Public Relations preferred.
• Eight (8) years’ experience in issues management, internal communications, public relations, public affairs/relations, social marketing, community consultation and media relations; municipal experience preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in leading people in a large, complex organization is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in managing relationships with elected officials at various levels (municipal, provincial and federal).
• In-depth knowledge of communications technologies and practices, social media, web and multi-media approaches.
• Knowledge of a full range of current communication, media relations, public involvement and public opinion research strategies and how to apply them municipally.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the development of strategic communications functions including issues management, crisis management, public relations, media relations, etc.
• Excellent judgment and discretion, political awareness, and ability to handle confidential matters.
• Excellent written communication skills to prepare materials for diverse audiences with strategic communication in mind.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership for organizational change communications, employee engagement, executive communications and internal communication planning.
• Advises senior leaders on employee communications strategies that strengthen culture, transparency and engagement.
• Works with elected officials to ensure Councillors are prepared with effective communications materials and positioning.
• Leads the intake, assessment and prioritization of communications requests balancing needs with priorities and resources.
• Determines appropriate communications response and resources for complex initiatives.
• Directs and coordinates communications projects across divisions to ensure timely delivery.
• Monitors performance, analytics and stakeholder feedback to support continuous improvement.
• Ensures compliance with policies, accessibility standards and brand guidelines.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Media relations

Public relations

Internal communications

Executive communications

Education

Post-secondary degree in communications or public relations

Professional accreditation in Public Relations

8 years’ experience in PR and media relations

5 years’ experience in leading people

Experience with elected officials at multiple levels

Knowledge of social media and multimedia practices

Ability to lead strategic communications functions including crisis management

Excellent written communication skills

Job description

Niagara Region is seeking a Manager, Strategic Communications to provide strategic leadership across corporate communications, media relations, public engagement and executive communications.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, the role leads a team, guides priorities, and ensures timely, accessible information while upholding the organization’s voice in a hybrid work model at Regional Headquarters in Thorold.