Communications Officer - Public Information Officer II

This posting is for One (1) Temporary, Full-Time position that may continue until April 18, 2025

Working as a Communications Officer for the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is complex and challenging. For the right candidate, it’s also rewarding. In this role, you’ll have the chance to work on files that are of critical importance to the community, and that will test your quick thinking and your ability to formulate strategic, thoughtful, and empathetic responses to emerging issues. You’ll be joining a high-performing team, so you’re the type of individual that shows initiative and willingness to step right into working on key issues facing our city.

This is the kind of role where you’ll bring new and innovative ideas forward to educate the public, while having a direct impact on the way Edmontonians view the EPS and its critical role within the community. You are an excellent writer and communicator who stays on top of current events and can strategically anticipate and plan for how they could impact the organization. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your critical thinking and issues management skills. There will be days you feel stretched, and many more days that you’ll feel pride as you see the impact of your contributions.

Reporting to the Supervisor of Media Relations Unit, the Communications Officer will be a motivated and experienced professional who would primarily work within the Media Relations Unit but will also work with the Public Affairs Unit. The major responsibilities of this position include:

• Planning, managing, and implementing public relations strategies, including but not limited to special events and community liaison initiatives.
• Researching, planning, managing, writing, editing, and/or contributing to communication products, such as news releases, briefing documents for senior leadership, Q&A documents, fact sheets, brochures, annual reports, etc. for internal and external audiences.
• Facilitating media relations as required for assigned portfolios and projects. Planning, organizing, and executing media availabilities, including preparing key messages, backgrounders, etc. and briefing all participants. Represent the EPS as an organizational spokesperson when required.
• Coordinating the development of advertising campaigns for communication strategies including managing the development of ads and placement of media buys, assessing the needs of internal clients, and developing advertising material to satisfy communication goals.
• Working with other areas within the Corporate Communications Branch (the Digital Media Unit and the Partnership and Stakeholder Development Division) to ensure an integrated approach to communications that aligns with EPS’ strategic goals.
• Assisting with EPS' web presence, including coordinating, and developing content on the EPS internet and intranet sites.
• Planning issues management and crisis communications strategies.
• Work with external partners such as the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) and the Edmonton Police Commission (EPC)
• Participate in after hours on-call rotation and call-out as required for crisis communications.
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• University graduation in a communications, public relations or related field supplemented by a minimum of two (2) years progressively responsible experience in a designated public relations, public affairs or public information position OR Diploma in a communications, public relations or related field, supplemented by a minimum of four (4) years progressively responsible experience in a designated public relations, public affairs or public information position.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing integrated communication/public relations strategies and special events.
• Experience in media relations, including coordinating news conferences, writing, and preparing news releases/success stories, providing and/or coordinating interviews for all forms of media and collaborating with partnering agencies.
• Demonstrated experience in developing marketing strategies, including coordinating media buys, performing market research, and analytics. Excellent existing relationship with related external vendors and agencies.
• Strong understanding of current and historic events, including policing issues, in order to identify emerging trends that may impact the EPS.
• Advanced writing skills and superior knowledge of communication best practices. Practical experience in a police environment is an asset.
• Excellent prioritization, time management and organizational skills. Able to work with minimal supervision.
  
  
  

Hours of Work:

33.75 hours per week, between 0800 - 1600 hours, Monday - Friday. Hours of work may be subject to the terms and conditions of a variable hours of work program. Work during evenings and weekends can be required as this role is expected to participate in an after-hours on-call rotation for crisis communications needs, as required.

Salary Range:

21M, Salary Grade: 044, $46.14 - $ 58.15 (Hourly), $3,115.10 - $3,925.50 (Bi-Weekly), $81,303.00 - $102,454.57 (Annually). The rates quoted are in accordance with a collective agreement between the Union and the City of Edmonton that expired on December 22, 2018.

General:

• The City of Edmonton thanks applicants for their interest in this opportunity. Candidates considered for the position will be contacted.
• We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
• The weekly hours of work for this position is currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the COE/Civic Service Union 52 Collective Agreement and the incumbent will be notified in advance.
• The successful candidate may be able to participate in the EPS work from home pilot program based on supervisor approval.
• As part of your pre-hire screening, you will be required to complete an Enhanced Security Clearance. Should you accept employment with the Edmonton Police Service you acknowledge and agree to participate in future Enhanced Security Re-Clearances at scheduled intervals or in any other circumstances, exigent or otherwise, as required by Human Resources Division.
  
  
  

The Province of Alberta is a party to the Federal Agreement on Internal Trade, the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility with British Columbia and the New West Partnership Trade Agreement with British Columbia and Saskatchewan. All of these agreements promote labour mobility between the Provinces. Applicants may obtain information regarding recognition of extra provincial credentials at www.newwestpartnershiptrade.ca.

HR Technician: CS