Communications Advisor, Commissioners Office

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13 Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Supervisor, Strategic Issues and Engagement,, is responsible for developing, planning, implementing and providing department strategic communication advice to the Commissioner’s office; creating departmental executive speaking notes and presentations; providing project leadership advice and communication best practices to departmental senior leadership team, project teams and other internal stakeholders; leads the development of briefings, communications and presentations on behalf of the Commissioner’s office; developing communication guidance documents for staff; in conjunction with Corporate Communications, supports issues management, including political inquiries and media monitoring, and stakeholder relations efforts; develop and implement departmental campaigns and other engagement events; providing support for corporate-wide initiatives, programs, special projects and communications.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATION GOVERNANCE

Departmental Communications functions work in close collaboration with Corporate Communications; consistent with the Region’s communications vision and strategy; supporting the development and implementation of Corporate Communications Initiatives, Programs, Processes, Policies and Protocols.  Corporate Communications provides strategic communications planning, direction and leadership across the Region.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Provides departmental communications counsel to client groups to determine strategic approaches to internal and external communications, media relations, and issues management.
• Supports the Head in the development and delivery of departmental communication strategies, programs and services, which includes providing executive communications support to the Commissioner, as needed.
• Leads the development and implementation of departmental campaigns and other engagement events aimed at increasing stakeholder awareness and advancing the delivery of Department programs.
• Proactively monitors and evaluates progress of departmental communication plans to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and recommends and implements options and/or course of action; provides strategic department communication advice and tactics.
• Develops departmental presentations and/or speaking notes for internal and external stakeholders including surfacing key messages, determining target audience, developing outline and/or storyboard, helping develop visual layout and writing speaking notes tailored to the speaker (e.g. Commissioner).
• Conducts research on best practices, as directed, to support effective communications.
• Research various legislations, policies and programs for background material, as required.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of departmental communication plans and programs and makes recommendations for improvement, including media monitoring.
• Responds directly to stakeholder inquiries and help resolve concerns.
• Represents the department with both internal and external stakeholders and is responsible for ensuring representation aligns with departmental strategic priorities.
• Participates and assists with event, outreach, committees, work groups, task forces and special projects, as assigned.
• Maintains technical and professional knowledge by attending seminars, conferences and training as required, reviewing associated publications.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a University Degree in Public Relations, Communications or Journalism or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ communication experience in the development and delivery of strategic communication plans, executive-level communications support and advice, issues management, internal communications and stakeholder relations.
• Strong knowledge of communication practices and theory, including strategic communications, issues management, internal communications best practices, traditional and social media.
• Highly developed writing, editing and presenting skills, using plain language best practices and Canadian Press Style Guide.
• Demonstrated experience fostering cooperative and collaborative working relationships, leading multiple projects, overcoming change and adversity.
• Experience dealing with confidential materials and exercising good judgement and discretion in dealing with politically sensitive and confidential matters.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Legislation, Standards, Acts and Regulations.
• Knowledge and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer focus, communication, collaboration and personal ownership.
• Understanding of York Region, the local municipalities, municipal government and the programs and services provided.
• Demonstrated experience and demonstrated ability and skills in media relations and training.
• Computer literacy utilizing Microsoft Office software applications including word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.
• Proven experience and skills at building internal and external partnerships.
• Knowledge and experience in environment and construction fields.
• Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to adapt, prioritize and multi-task.
• Ability to travel to offsite locations in a timely and efficient manner, as required.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours, as required.

Please apply online by 5:00PM EST of the closing date indicated above.

All employment opportunities are recorded on a 24-Hour Career Line and may be accessed by calling 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75508. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, York Region uses email as the primary means of communication with candidates and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. Please ensure your email address is up to date, checked frequently (including your spam folder), and accepts messages from unknown users.

York Region is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity, aiming to build a qualified workforce that reflects the population we serve. Should you require an accommodation under the Human Rights Code during the recruitment and selection process, including accessible formats and communication supports, please email careers@york.ca or call 1-877-464-9675 extension 75506. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request during recruitment processes and throughout employment.