Reporting to the Director, Communications, this position has responsibility for providing oversight to the communications and public engagement team.

This position provides strategic leadership and management for the development, implementation and evaluation of the overarching County communications and engagement plan; and provision of strategic planning and central services required for effective and efficient delivery of corporate communication services and supports for public communications and engagement.

The Manager consults and advises on complex issues, drives innovation, and makes recommendations to remove barriers and promotes continuous improvement. As a leader in strategy, services, systems and operations, this role also oversees change management objectives and approaches for the benefit of stakeholders and provides supports to individuals and groups in navigating change

Responsibilities :

Responsible for effective management of the public communication and engagement team and provides expert leadership, coaching, and tools to support on-going positive relationships across the organization

Oversee the department's strategic communications and public engagement planning and performance to support County strategic goals

Positively affect the achievement of the corporate goal of municipal excellence by working with other leaders in the department to assist the Director in establishing, promoting, and implementing the strategic direction of the department

Lead the development, implementation, and progress updates of promoting the County

Initiate, lead, collaborate and/or advise on inter-departmental initiatives and projects

In support of the centre-led service delivery of communications services, responsible for the overall strategic development of public communication and engagement programs and related service delivery as well as ensuring there is clear roles and responsibilities between the branch and department communicators

Ensure fiscal responsibility in the allocation of the branch budget

Participate in the Department's leadership team to ensure the development and overall success of the department such as collaborating in the development of strategic business planning and longer-term strategic planning, maintain and/or develop subject matter expert level of knowledge in the program area to provide recommendations for sound business decisions

Develop and oversee public communications program including, crisis communications accountability and training, news and media relations quality control, website advice and support and metrics, coordinating overall advertising and marketing plans and ensuring there is clarity of roles between the branch and departments in these functions

Develop and oversee public engagement program including, training and support for directives, managing and analyzing annual engagement initiatives, and commitment to continuous improvement of the program

Skills and Abilities

Strong leadership skills including the ability to collectively create a vision of the future, provide motivational direction to obtain clearly defined goals, influence, persuade, and garner commitment

Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategy, and develop and implement new programs, procedures, services, and policies that address emerging needs, expectations, and operational priorities

Strong political and organizational savvy and business acumen with the ability to respond under pressure to changing political and operational situations

Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills including strong management skills to provide direction, training, and coaching

Flexible, adaptable, collaborative and demonstrates a positive attitude

Ability to work under pressure, manage a variety of projects and initiatives simultaneously and meet tight timelines

Ability to diplomatically and effectively liaise and consult with internal and external stakeholder

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field

Ten years of progressive experience in Public Communications

5 years of experience leading communications professionals

An extensive, positive, and successful career track record of progressively more senior positions in a public sector organization with proven ability to provide leadership and focus

Municipal experience preferred

Experience in change management and strategic business planning would be an asset

Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered. In addition to providing a dynamic work environment, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Successful candidates will be required to provide proof of education and professional credentials as noted in the resume.

Thank you for your interest in Strathcona County. We only contact candidates selected for interviews.