Resident Relations and Engagement Specialist at York Region (The Regional Municipality of York)

Almost 1.3 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 2051. 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

Recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers, 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 Municipal 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.
• 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 Program Manager, Housing Programs, is responsible for supporting development and leading the implementation of resident relations and engagement strategies for Housing York Inc. (HYI) residents; promoting HYI to prospective residents and the broader community; supporting management communication responses to emerging issues; coordinating and preparing resident notifications in compliance with applicable legislation, Region, Department and HYI standards, identifying strategic communications opportunities and liaising with the Department communications teams, supporting internal and external communications through multiple channels to contribute to the effectiveness of programs, policies and services; liaising with the public, internal and external partners, promoting and coordinating resident and community engagement events.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Works with Regional and external partners to coordinate resident and community engagement activities, attends and provides support to events during and outside of regular business hours.
• Works with management staff and Department communications as necessary, to ensure a coordinated and consistent resident and if necessary, public responses to events that impact residents and buildings, for example, community events, service disruptions or incidents involving first responders.
• Provides support to staff on resident communications, meetings, and events
• Provides support to management including research, copywriting, and editorial services for Board or related publications, and report generation.
• Supports development and leads implementation of communication plans and strategies that effectively engage HYI residents and promote and protect the image of HYI in the broader community.
• Supports implementation of the HYI Resident Inclusion Plan, working with management and department communications to maximize use of plain language, pictograms, and translation services, etc. to ensure that communications are effective for residents who may have multiple barriers to inclusion.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of resident communication programs and services to ensure continuous improvement.
• Liaises with the public, internal and external partners as it relates to HYI communications programs and services.
• 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 Communications, Media, Marketing or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum three (3) years experience in the design and delivery of communications services and strategies, including experience in the development of plain language communications and accessible formats for both print and web-based applications.
• Demonstrated experience in the coordination of meetings, engagement events, etc., that are accessible for diverse populations who may have multiple barriers to inclusion.
• Highly developed writing and editing skills to effectively communicate information to a variety of audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and problem solving skills to liaise and deal positively and collaboratively with residents, staff, internal and external partners.
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated experience in development and implementation of project charters and work plans.
• Demonstrated knowledge of communications practices and technology based applications.
• Demonstrated political acuity, with an understanding of the roles of various levels of government and related communication expectations, with a particular emphasis on regional and municipal government.
• Computer literacy using web-based communications and survey applications and MS Office software applications.