Communications and Community Engagement Advisor (Engineering and Environmental Services)

The Role

Coordinates, develops, and implements internal and external communications strategies for individual program areas, and provides fully integrated communications and engagement services and solutions across the Department. 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and evaluates communications and engagement plans to support departmental projects, programs, and services as assigned. Ensures materials comply with guidelines, design standards, and branding.
• Supports management and staff across the Department to develop issues management plans.
• Reviews and summarizes communications and engagement analytics to improve programs and campaigns.
• Writes, posts, and evaluates strategic social media campaigns for departmental projects, programs, and services. 
• Develops and distributes surveys, and compiles results/feedback for department staff and management.
• Creates and curates content from ideation and development to editing and dissemination to reach broad and segmented audiences.
• Develops effective content strategies driven by goals, audience, citizen experience, and metrics with thought to paid, earned, shared, and owned channels.
• Fosters a client-centric relationship amongst all divisions within the department, and across the organization.
• Collaborates with the corporate creative multimedia services team for graphic design and printing requests. Consults with the corporate communications team regarding media inquiries and news releases, and updates/problems related to social media and web tools.  
• Participates in community engagement events and meetings in support of departmental programs and projects. 
• Writes and edits various communication materials (e.g., news releases, stories, blog posts, newsletters, social media posts, flyers, brochures, signage, presentations, handouts). Writes content for, maintains, and updates departmental/program/project pages on corporate websites. 
• Assists to create and edit video and photo content.
• Supports the corporate media relations program by fostering good relationships with the media, and supporting and coaching departmental employees.
• Plans and organizes work according to program priorities and timeframes established by subject matter experts and management. 
• Analyzes communication for potential implications and opportunities and makes recommendations to management. Participates as part of a team to develop solutions for initiatives, for management approval. 
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skill in public relations, communications, and community engagement acquired through a 3-year degree/diploma in a related field (e.g., communications, public relations) plus 3 years of related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Ability to write effectively in plain language and a range of voices and creative styles for varied audiences and delivery methods (e.g., print, web, video), concisely communicate politically sensitive subject matter, and build and maintain customer relationships.
• Knowledge of strategic public relations, communications and engagement best practices with demonstrated ability in developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive communications and engagement programs.
• Knowledge and experience with the International Association of Public Participation engagement continuum, and the Canadian Public Relations Society or International Association of Business Communicators principles. 
• Ability to advance multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Writing, editing, research, and project management skills, and an understanding of the Canadian Press Style Guide. 
• Ability to apply communications and engagement solutions to meet project and program objectives of each division. 
• Knowledge of online engagement tools and facilitation. Ability to leverage social media to drive customer engagement and audience development, and enhance social networking. Skill in major social media platforms and social management/ analytical tools.
• Knowledge and experience with issues and crisis management. 
• Demonstrated skill with video and photo editing tools and digital media formats.
• Ability to exercise judgement, make data-informed decisions, think critically, and act with a client- and citizen-first focus.
• Human relations and communications skills to promote programs and present a positive, consistent image and identity of the department and Region via in-person and online channels; respond to questions from stakeholders; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with all levels of the organization; interact with representatives from external organizations; and participate as an effective team member. 
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, desktop publishing software, social media/web-based communication tools, and website management software. 
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, related legislation (e.g., Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, privacy, anti-spam legislation), and Canadian Press Standards.
• Ability to participate in a standby/on-call rotation for weekend and after-hours work for emergency communications needs (e.g., water main breaks, spills).  
• May be required to alter working hours for special events and requested to work weekend hours for same.
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.