Communications Director

Communications Director

P6 Professional Officer 6

Regular/full-time

Office of the Ombudsman

Ombudsman

Winnipeg MB

Advertisement Number: 42351

Salary(s): P6 $72,532.00 - $88,003.00 per year

Closing Date: March 15, 2024

The Manitoba government recognizes the importance of building an exemplary public service reflective of the citizens it serves, where diverse abilities, backgrounds, cultures, identities, languages and perspectives drives a high standard of service and innovation. The Manitoba government supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities).

Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this competition. Consideration will be given to Indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities.

The Manitoba Ombudsman is seeking professional, energetic, responsive and forward-thinking individuals to join our team who are passionate about promoting access to information, privacy, access to justice and dedicated to helping Manitobans. Our team members are provided with challenging and meaningful work, ongoing training and development and the opportunity to participate in a Hybrid work program. Join our team and help make a difference.


The Ombudsman is an independent Officer of the Legislative Assembly with oversight responsibilities under The Ombudsman Act, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), and The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (PIDA). The Ombudsman investigates complaints from the public, or on her own initiative, and reviews administrative decision-makings in support of principles of fairness, openness, and accountability; investigates complaints or, on her own initiative, investigates any decision, act or omission relating to a matter of administration by provincial government departments, agencies, boards, commissions, municipalities and other public bodies; makes public reports when deemed in the public interest; and provides informational and educational services to the public, public bodies, personal health information trustees, and the Legislative Assembly.

The Communications Director serves as the principal communications contact for Manitoba Ombudsman, leads and develops the communications strategies and initiatives of the office and provides direct strategic communications advice to the Ombudsman.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada

• Ability to work a flexible work schedule and ability to travel within Manitoba
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse and Adult Abuse Registry Checks

Qualifications:
Essential Criteria:

• Post-secondary degree (Master’s degree preferred) in communications, social services or other relevant field appropriate to the position with several years direct experience in the areas of communications, (journalism, creative communications, public relations, creative arts, etc.), or public education. A combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in creating communication strategies and plans, including multimedia and public education, and implementing communication related activities and initiatives.
• Experience developing corporate publications and materials such as executive communications, published reports, articles, materials news releases, speeches, presentations.
• Knowledge and understanding of the role of the Ombudsman, its legislation, public administration programs and services and emerging access, privacy and administrative fairness issues in Manitoba,
• Strong analytical and problems solving skills with experience in monitoring and evaluating communications and outreach programs and activities.
• Strong leadership skills and experience in leading projects and directing the work of others.
• Excellent communication skills including writing and presenting reports and other documents to inform, educate and engage diverse audiences.
• Experience effectively communicating sensitive and complex matters to senior management and/or stakeholders, including members of the public.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to deliver project objectives under tight timelines and competing priorities.
• Advanced political acumen, with demonstrated experience managing confidential and sensitive information with excellent judgement, diplomacy and tact.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with a wide variety of people, groups, and organizations.
• Demonstrated innovation and creativity and ability to foster creativity in others.

• Ability to communicate in French.
• Formal training in communications design and editing.
• Experience in media or public relations.

Duties:
Reporting directly to the Manitoba Ombudsman, the Communications Director directs and delivers a comprehensive range of communications services that promote increased awareness and understanding of the office’s mandate under The Ombudsman Act, FIPPA, PHIA and PIDA and encourages compliance with the principals of accountability, administrative fairness and natural justice. Leads and is responsible for the offices: strategic communication planning and issues management; official spokesperson; media management including news releases, backgrounders, and quick response; publication design and production; executive messaging, speech writing, presentation development; staff style/writing guidance and quality assurance; website design and management; social media management; and strategic awareness/outreach implementation.

Apply to:

Competitive Process: The competition will include a board interview(s), and a comprehensive written assessment. The successful candidate will be subject to a six (6) month probationary period.

Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process. When applying to this position, please indicate the advertisement number and position title in the subject line and/or body of your email. Your cover letter, resumé and/or application must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications.

Please be advised that job competitions for represented positions may be grieved by internal represented applicants. Should a selection grievance be filed, information from the competition file will be provided to the grievor's representative. Personal information irrelevant to the grievance and other information protected under legislation will be redacted.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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