Communications Advisor - Business Services (Department 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, Communications and Special Projects, is responsible for providing strategic communications advice to clients; supporting the development of strategic communications plans; creating executive-level speaking notes and presentations; developing communications approach and content for digital media including social media, intranet and corporate website; developing and executing event plans to support clients and department; supporting  the department’s media  relations, issues management and stakeholder relations efforts; providing support for corporate-wide initiatives, programs, special projects and communications for the assigned client groups.  

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

•    Provides communications counsel to client groups to determine strategic approaches to internal and external communications, media relations, employee engagement and issues management.
•    Supports the Manager in the development and delivery of departmental communication strategies, programs and services, which includes providing executive communications support to the Commissioner, as needed. 
•    Provides key inputs in the creation and implementation of communications plans and strategies to support corporate events / initiatives, creates media releases and online communication content.
•    Conducts research on best practices to support effective communications, as required.
•    Drafts and edits copy for communication materials following plain language principles.
•    Reviews copy to ensure consistency of departmental messaging.
•    Researches various legislation, policies and programs for background material and content, as required.
•    Conducts situation analyses to help inform strategic approach to complex communications issues, projects or campaigns.
•    Evaluates the effectiveness of communication plans and programs and makes recommendations for improvement, including media monitoring.
•    Monitors communication projects budgets, outputs and deliverable of department specific communication programs for quality and value.
•    Participates on committees, working groups, task forces and special projects, as assigned.
•    Manages information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards. 
•    Participates on committees, work groups, task forces and special projects, as assigned.
•    Supports and coordinates Regional events, as required.
•    Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch, department and corporate goals.

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 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 skills in writing, editing and presenting, using plain language best practices.
•    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.
•    Proven political acuity and skills to respond to and deescalate issues.
•    Demonstrated knowledge, experience and ability in event planning, media relations, communications training, social media, art direction and photography.
•    Understanding of York Region, the nine local municipalities, municipal government and the programs and services provided to the public.
•    Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Legislation, Standards, Acts and Regulations. 
•    Knowledge and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including communication, innovation, teamwork and collaboration, and personal ownership.
•    Computer literacy utilizing Microsoft Office software applications including word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.
•    Proven experience and skills at building internal and external partnerships

Please apply online by 5:00PM EST of the closing date indicated above. As an alternative, you can apply via e-mail to careers@york.ca .

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.