Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Corporate and Department Communications, the successful candidate will deliver thoughtful, creative and innovative strategic communications for the delivery of Mississauga’s 2022 Municipal Election; build and foster effective relationships at all levels within the organization and pro-actively seek opportunities to promote and position Mississauga as a municipal leader. 

Due to COVID-19, most of our offices are currently closed to protect the health and safety of our employees, clients and community. As such, this position will be required to work remotely for an undetermined period. Once our offices re-open you will report to 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, L5B 3J1. 
 

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Deliver a thoughtful, creative and innovative strategic communications strategy for all aspects of the 2022 Municipal Election.
• Research and write content (e.g., news releases, staff messages, feature articles, corporate reports and newsletter copy etc.).
• Manage communication/issue management plans that include the preparation of media materials, tracking and analyzing media coverage and reporting results.
• Understand target audiences and identify appropriate strategic communications options and approaches. 
• Develop and foster strong relationships with internal business areas to effectively recommend and deliver strategic communications to support work plans.
• Provide senior leadership as well as Mayor and Council with strategic communications counsel on messaging, development of core communications materials and general communications support as required.
• Provide issues management/communications advice and support as required on matters impacting the reputation of the business area.
• Work effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure consistency, demonstrate effective teamwork, high standards of work quality and organizational performance.
• Protect, support and maintain the City’s reputation and vision.
• Support a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Comply with relevant City policies.
• Must be able to attend meetings, events and activities outside of regular business hours and some weekends (e.g. meetings, events, emergencies or to meet deadlines)
   

Skills and Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, journalism or related business field  
• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressive business experience with a proven track record in corporate communications
• A high performer with the ability to stay calm under pressure, meet tight deadlines and manage multi-focused often highly confidential priorities in a fast-paced, high-demand environment
• A strong track record of successfully developing and executing strategic communications plans
• Ability to independently prioritize and manage several competing, complex and evolving projects at the same time 
• Has a sound understanding of the media landscape locally, regionally and nationally and experience dealing with media/media inquiries
• Has a good understanding of how to tailor messages for different social media channels
• Comfort with writing various materials that help garner media coverage and story generation
• Act as an effective collaborator and team player, supporting the Strategic Communications & Initiatives Division’s overall goals and vision with a proactive and flexible approach to projects
• Ability to problem-solve and look for creative and viable solutions
• Ability to communicate with honesty, sensitivity, diplomacy, confidentiality and deal tactfully in an open political environment
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, writing content for diverse audiences, editing and production skills - familiar with Canadian Press Style
• 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
• Experience providing clients with strategic communications advice, counsel and expertise 
• Ability to work creatively and effectively as a member of a larger team
• Excellent skills and knowledge working with MS Office, databases, spreadsheets, presentation software, Content Management Systems (CMS), social media technology and data analytics 
• Experience in a corporate and/or municipal sector is preferred 
• Ability to work flexible work hours including evenings and weekends (as needed)
• Strong attention to detail 
• Tact and diplomacy 
• International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) accreditation, Communication Management Professional (CMP), Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP), Accredited in Public Relations (APR) through the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS), Master of Communications Management (MCM) is a desired asset
• A Level 2- Criminal or Judicial Matters Check (previously Regular CRS) will be required of the successful candidate, as a condition of employment, at their own expense, to verify the absence of a criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted.