Senior Communications Advisor

The Role

Leads internal and external communications for a range of projects by developing strategies with measurable goals and clearly defined outcomes. Provides strategic communications advice to leadership teams across the organization on complex issues, often in time-sensitive environments. Builds and maintains strong relationships with media, responds to media inquiries, and identifies opportunities to highlight the impact of Regional services on the lives of residents. Delivers impactful stories across a wide range of platforms and collaborates with Communications leads across the organization to support effective responses during crisis situations.

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

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.