Senior Communications Advisor

The Role

The Region of Waterloo is recruiting an experienced communications professional with an expert ability to anticipate, plan, and execute complex communications strategies in a fast-paced, political environment.

This is a position that is suited to a driven and accomplished individual that wants to join an ambitious, high-functioning, award winning team to push the boundaries of how municipalities effectively communicate with and engage residents and interest holders to improve quality of life for all in Waterloo Region.

• Leads internal and external communications for a variety of projects, developing strategies that have measurable goals and clearly defined outcomes.
• Works with leadership teams across the organization to provide strategic communications advice on complex issues, often in a time sensitive environment.
• Creates and maintains relationships with media, respond to media requests and identify opportunities to highlight the impact of Regional services on the lives of residents.
• Tells impactful stories across a wide range of platforms.
• Works with Communications leads across the organization to respond to crisis situations when they arise.
• Hybrid role, in accordance to your Manager's direction.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provides strategic guidance and leadership to departments and communications teams on the design, management, and roll-out of communications projects, public engagement and awareness campaigns.
• Identifies communications needs, provides advice, and ensures appropriate staff are involved and engaged.
• Develops strong working relationships with internal departments to advise and deliver strategic communications that support departmental goals and objectives.
• Regularly provides issues management support and advice to senior management on issues impacting the reputation of the department.
• Develops best practice communications strategies, develops associated content, executes plans collaboratively and evaluates their success. 
• Regularly attends Regional Council meetings and prepares communications related to Regional Council decisions to residents.
• Displays tact and diplomacy when interacting with senior leaders, members of Council and dignitaries.
• Leads the planning of events, news conferences and services launches, often working with other departments and external organizations.
• Creates/works with materials containing sensitive labour relations information (e.g., contingency plans).
• In the event of a Regional Emergency, participates in the Core Crisis Communications Team, attending emergency group meetings, writing news releases, coordinating news conferences, and returning media calls.
• Provide backup duties for the Manager, Corporate Communications when required.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skill normally acquired through a university degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field with significant professional experience in communications and issues management.
• Ability to prioritize and manage several competing, complex and evolving tasks and projects at the same time.
• Competencies required in all aspects of strategic communications including planning and management, issues management, content writing, media relations, speech writing, community engagement, event co-ordination and management and internal/employee communications.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, familiarity with Canadian Press Style and AODA guidelines.
• Understanding and appreciation of the role that municipalities play in ensuring residents can live their best lives.
• Experience providing communications advice and leadership to senior management and colleagues.
• Ability to participate as an effective team member.
• Skilled at distilling technical information into understandable language. 
• Ability to write effectively for a variety of internal and external audiences through media such as media releases, speaking notes, creative newsletters, presentations and press kits.
• Experience working in a political environment and working directly with elected officials. 
• Ability to work with leaders from a variety of backgrounds and ensure Communications has a voice in the decision-making process.
• Ability to identify opportunities to raise the awareness of the organization and advance the reputation of the Region’s identity
• Ability to respond calmy and quickly in a crisis, sometimes involving politically sensitive issues. 
• Proficient in organizing work in a landscape where priorities can change rapidly.
• Ability to keep current on emerging communications trends and understand which platforms to use and when to use them.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, and related legislation.
• Knowledge of the region’s organizational structure, regulations governing its operations, staff, history, community perceptions, and media relationships.
• Computer skills using software such as Microsoft Word, social media platforms, and digital communications software.
• Ability to adjust/work flexible hours including weekends as needed.
• Ability to participate in an official standby/on-call rotation to respond to legislated or time sensitive demands beyond regularly scheduled work hours.
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.