Corporate Communications Advisor

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 an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
• 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 Manager, Corporate Communications, provides strategic communication advice and support to management and the Region; also responsible for supporting the direction of all clients communications and the development of corporate-led governance initiatives to help promote and raise awareness of the Region’s programs and services.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

•    Provides on-going strategic communications advice and support to management and clients, including recommendations on advertising and marketing opportunities.
•    Collaborates with colleagues, departments and other stakeholders to identify strategic and proactive communication solutions, including the development and implementation of internal and external communications plans.
•    Monitors budgets, outputs, outcomes and deliverables of communication plans and projects to ensure quality and effectiveness.
•    Identifies and supports the development of corporate efficiencies, support systems, controls, directives and improvements to maintain and enhance the Region’s presence and to ensure stakeholder communication across the departments is aligned and effective, including corporate communication management systems; corporate-led initiatives; corporate wide publications and communication plans, supporting the Region’s brand and management.
•    Participates in inter-departmental and inter-municipal committees and projects.
•    Supports the planning, development and execution of the corporate media and social media relations strategy, annual coordinated media buys, Regional services communication plan, etc. 
•    Represents the Branch, Department and Region with both internal and external stakeholders and is responsible for ensuring representation aligns with corporate branding and messaging.
•    Responds directly to residents and other stakeholder inquiries and help resolve concerns through education and information, including responding to corporate website inquiries and emails of a public relations nature.
•    Acts as first point of contact for media/journalists, researches media contacts, publications and social media influencers (bloggers) and builds and maintains strong media relationships.
•    Supports the ongoing development and maintenance the corporate media distribution list.
•    Manages information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards. 
•    Supports and coordinates corporate events, as required.
•    Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with branch and department objectives.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

•    Successful completion of a Community College Diploma in Communication, Journalism, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related discipline, or approved equivalent combination of education and experience
•    Minimum of five (5) years communication experience in the development and delivery of strategic communication plans
•    Thorough working knowledge of communication practices including traditional and social media, photography and graphic design
•    Knowledge of content management software, operating systems and computer software; intermediate HTML and CSS skills, image editing and graphic design skills; knowledge of programs and technologies, JavaScript, current levels of Adobe Creative Suite, including Dreamweaver, Flash and Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat,  social media tools, form building tools, an asset
•    Understanding the Regions nine local municipalities, Regional governance municipal government and the programs and services provided to the public, in order to determine the unique and diverse internal communication needs within the varying business units
•    Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Legislation, Standards, Acts and Regulations. 
•    Knowledge and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer services, communication, teamwork, initiative/self-management, accountability, flexibility and adaptability
•    Highly developed writing, editing and presenting skills, using plain language best practices.
•    Experience and demonstrated ability and skills in media relations and training.

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.