Communications Advisor

Are you a strategic, articulate communicator with a passion for building trust, championing plain language and helping shape communications standards? The Reputation and External Communications team, in the Corporate Communications section, is seeking a collaborative and proactive Communications Advisor to help elevate how the City communicates with Edmontonians and the media.

In this role, you will be instrumental in executing our Corporate Reputation Strategy, serving as a trusted advisor and champion of clear, accessible communications. From designing and facilitating plain language training to quality-assuring media products and delivering strategic client counsel, your work will ensure City messaging is clear, consistent and impactful.

If you are an exceptional editor, skilled facilitator and strategic thinker who thrives in a dynamic municipal environment, we want you on our team!

As part of the unit's Centre of Excellence that protects and enhances the City’s reputation, you will collaborate with cross-departmental teams to build operational guidelines, provide specialized client support and deliver quality media materials. This role balances long-term reputation-building initiatives and capacity training with daily editorial review and tactical communications delivery.

What will you do?

• Develop, implement and monitor communications plans aligned with the Corporate Reputation Strategy to maintain and enhance public trust with Edmontonians
• Maintain, update and promote the City’s Plain Language Guide, designing and facilitating workshops, presentations and coaching sessions to build communications capacity across the organization
• Review and edit media products (including news releases, media advisories, and public service announcements) for consistent tone, CP Style compliance, visual brand standards, appropriate links/images and correct formatting
• Support the programming, scheduling and distribution of corporate media products, participating in planning discussions and campaign debrief sessions to provide tactical insight
• Provide dedicated strategic communications advisory services to Corporate Communications functional areas, including Corporate Research and Engagement
• Lead and collaborate on the development and execution of integrated marketing communications strategies, managing diverse content products such as briefing notes, media products, web copy, social media content, internal communications, reports and more
• Provide writing, editing and tactical support for media relations, corporate priorities, issues management and crisis communications as required
• Support media relations projects that advance the City’s reputation and media relationships
• Assist in creating, updating, and maintaining team workflows, guidelines, templates and the media relations staff manual

• Completion of a post-secondary degree or diploma program with coursework in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field
• At least two years of professional experience in a public relations, public affairs, communications, media relations or public information role with a four-year degree, or four years of experience with a two-year diploma

Skills required for success:

• Knowledge of mass communication principles, public relations techniques and media relations best practices
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong proofreading, editing and strict adherence to Canadian Press (CP) Style guidelines
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills to manage competing priorities and consistently meet tight deadlines
• Strong consulting and interpersonal skills to build collaborative working relationships across departmental communications teams
• Strong facilitation, presentation, and coaching abilities to deliver effective training sessions across various organizational levels
• Flexibility and adaptability to navigate shifting corporate priorities, evolving technology and fast-paced crisis communications scenarios
• Competency in administrative platforms, media scheduling tools, spreadsheets and basic data analysis
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion

Work Environment:

• Note: This position ​may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement ​with ​the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite as per the Letter of Understanding between the City of Edmonton and Civic Service Union 52. ​
• The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement and the incumbent will be notified in advance.

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits

Up to one temporary full-time position for up to 11 months

Hours of Work:  33.75 hours per week

Salary Range: $48.841 - $61.547 (Hourly)

Recruitment Consultant: KE/SB

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.