Strategic Communications Advisor

The Strategic Communications Advisor is the communications business partner to a portfolio of business units. This role requires a self starter who provides strategic communications counsel to their client areas and supports their business objectives through the creation and implementation of communications plans, proactive issues management, project management and implementing stakeholder engagement strategies.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide strategic communications advice and support to clients (50%)

• Acts as a subject matter expert (SME) in all areas of strategic communications to their client areas, including marketing, internal and external communications, and stakeholder relations. Executes on tactical work such briefings, speaking notes, key messaging, website content, e-newsletters, news releases, social media, speeches, and presentations.
• Attends client department meetings and briefings as a trusted business partner, disseminates the information and proactively suggests strategic communications tactics.
• Conducts regular environmental scans and social listening as part of ongoing, proactive issues management.
• Oversees media requests including the drafting of responses and coaching of spokespersons.

Stakeholder engagement (20%)

• Provides expertise to business areas around the design of stakeholder engagement and supports the planning and execution of engagement events.
• Creates audience-segmented marketing and communications plans to promote participation in events.
• Engages in post-engagement event reporting and ‘what we heard’ summaries.
• Liaises with members of the Corporate Communications and Strategic Community Relations departments to coordinate resourcing and logistics to carry out engagements.

Communications Branch Duties (20%)

• Works collaboratively with other members of the Corporate Communications branch to provide assistance to other portfolios during busy times.
• Assists in executing County events.
• Completes special assignments which may include updating branch processes, research or project management.
• Monitors social media on rotation.
• Adheres to applicable responsibilities and accountabilities as outlined in the Sturgeon County Health and Safety Management System.
• Other duties as assigned.

Crisis Communications (10%)

• Supports crisis communications as directed by the Information Officer or his/her designate.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

• A minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in a public communications capacity, working with multidisciplinary teams. Preference given to individuals with more experience. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, or related discipline.
• In-depth understanding of:

• Corporate communications fundamentals

• Channel communication strategies

• Project management

• Strong professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong consultation skills.
• Strong strategic planning skills.
• Demonstrated political and business acumen.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage conflicting priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team environment and independently.
• Ability to deal with time sensitive and confidential information, with a high degree of diplomacy and professionalism.
• Ability to exercise and apply sound judgment, analyze, and solve complex problems, take initiative, and make informed decisions.
• Proficiency when using the Microsoft suite of products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Assets:

• Familiarity with municipal government operations.
• Accreditation from any of the following are assets:
• The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC),
• Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS), or
• Certified Strategic Communication Management Professional (CPRS) with the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC).
• IAP2 certification is an asset.
• Basic Emergency Management Training, Incident Command System (ICS) 100.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and web editing software are assets.
• Working knowledge of Canva, Hootsuite and SharePoint.
• Direct experience working closely with C-suite leaders and elected officials.