Senior Communications Specialist

Requisition ID: 41588

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

As a member of the Corporate Communications team, the Communications Coordinator II (Senior Communications Specialist) – Engineering Services/Water & Sewers works on a variety of strategic communications projects and campaigns on behalf of various Engineering divisions including Water and Utilities Management, Urban Watersheds, and Sewers and Drainage.of both the Water & Sewers and Integrated Strategy & Utilities Planning divisions.

The position has a strong focus on media and issues, alongside responsibility for multi-channel content creation, advertising, social media marketing and public education campaigns, focused on themes including water conservation, water quality, weather, and public awareness of the City’s engineering programs One Water and key initiatives, and delivery of major infrastructure.

In addition, the position is responsible for media and issues, alongside responsibility for creating and supervising the creation of various communications tools to inform the public about key initiatives, their expected impacts and the opportunities for public involvement; liaising with the media on issues and questions related to the key initiatives and programs, and arranging interviews with staff or elected leaders as appropriate; developing, or supervising the development of a wide range of written materials, including content creation for social media, digital spaces, and advertising campaigns, news releases, backgrounders, presentations, social media campaigns and advertisements.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops, monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of communication, advertising and social marketing campaigns and activities in terms of meeting departmental and/or program objectives.
• Coordinates various highly sensitive communications projects of longer duration involving contentious issues and complex strategies.
• Oversees development of a wide variety of publicity and informational materials including news releases, newsletters, notices, pamphlets and brochures, speeches, video, displays, social media campaigns and other digital content, advertising, etc.
• Provides communications advice to various client areas includingin the the Water and Utilities Management, Urban Watersheds, and Sewers and DrainageIntegrated Water and Utilities Planning divisions.
• Develops, coordinates, and, implements multi-channel communications plans.
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of communication and social marketing campaigns and activities in terms of meeting departmental and/or program objectives.
• Oversees the work of consultants involved with a variety of programs and projects.
• Researches, writes, produces and executes a wide variety of communications tactics for web, social media, advertising, video and print.
• Writes project specific content and oversees production of marketing, advertising and communication materials
• Assists in arranging news conferences and other special events.
• Prepares reports, presentations, correspondence and other materials related to the work.
• Provides messaging for City Council.
• Monitor communication project budgets.
• Establishes and maintains liaison with the media, government agencies and stakeholders.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• University graduation with a degree in journalism, communications or related discipline, plus considerable related experience on public-facing campaigns focused on behavior change and experience working with and communicating to diverse community groups, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Demonstration of learning related to and/or experience working on Reconciliation projects considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of the news and advertising media.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques relating to professional communications
• Good working knowledge of local government and how it operates.
• Considerable knowledge in writing and editing for web, print, social media, video and advertising.
• Considerable knowledge using web content management systems to deliver on communication goals.
• Considerable knowledge in developing key messaging and media relations strategies.
• Considerable knowledge in developing and implementing concepts and themes and to research, write, produce and disseminate a variety of communications materials.
• Superior level of English language communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective liaison and working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts.
• Ability to identify risk to the organization in potentially contentious issues and escalate them to a superior.
• Ability to prepare and maintain reports, presentations, correspondence and other related materials.
• Ability to oversee the work of staff (graphic designer, videographer) and consultants engaged in communication work.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Office of the City Manager (1010)

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: December 2024

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-027: $47.62 to $56.27 per hour

Application Close: November 5, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.