Communications Coordinator

In the heart of Southern Alberta, Lethbridge County is one of the most productive and dynamic rural communities to be found anywhere. Well-positioned as an agricultural hub surrounding the City of Lethbridge, an urban centre and its amenities, the County is conveniently located, an hour’s drive from the magnificent Rocky Mountains.

Lethbridge County is currently recruiting for an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and experienced Communications Coordinator to join our organization. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator with strong organizational skills, ready to hit the ground running in an engaging work environment.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Marketing and Communications Strategist, the Communications Coordinator will support in executing marketing and communications strategies, practices, and programs in alignment with Lethbridge County’s strategic plan.

Key responsibilities will include the preparation of communications materials including (but not limited to) social media images, posters, brochures/pamphlets, fact sheets, and advertisements. The Communications Coordinator will also be responsible for the development of the internal staff newsletter and assist in the development of external newsletters. The role includes providing support for event planning and writing services to Council and staff, as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in the planning of marketing and communications initiatives, in coordination with the Marketing and Communications Strategist and other County departments to create compelling campaigns and achieve strategic objectives.
• Aid in creating engaging, interesting and creative informational and public engagement campaigns that drive results and lead to a well-informed public.
• Assist in data collection and analysis to evaluate communications initiatives.
• Provide graphic design and video production services to Council and corporate departments that align with the County’s brand and visual identity guidelines. This includes (but is not limited to) social media images, posters, brochures/pamphlets, fact sheets, presentations, and advertisements.
• Assist in emergency/crisis communications to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent messaging to the public.
• Coordinate Lethbridge County’s participation in the annual parade season, including scheduling, float preparation, purchasing, and organizing Council and staff attendance.
• Coordinate external recognition awards with contracted departments (e.g. Firefighter).
• Provide assistance in publishing content to the County’s website, staff intranet, social media, app, and digital display systems.
• Proactively recommend opportunities for the County to raise awareness of activities, programs, and services within the community.
• Serve as a media contact to coordinate interviews. Attend and facilitate media and/or press conferences, briefings, Committee meetings and Council meetings as required to maintain an awareness of key issues.
• Provide writing services (editing, proofreading, plain language, inclusive language) for internal and external communications.
• Attend open houses, public and special events for Lethbridge County and prepare materials required.
• Gather information, write, and distribute the internal employee newsletter.
• Capture, store and edit photography images and video for Lethbridge County.
• Is an active participant in the County’s Health and Safety Program.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

Education/Training/Skills Required

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
• Experience in graphic design and/or video production.
• Proficiency with MS Office and Adobe products such as InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, etc.
• Experience in social media management and analytics, and related platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok).
• Superior written and verbal communication skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities, requests, and assignments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders who have a variety of needs.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to promote and facilitate partnerships between yourself and stakeholders.
• Adept at successfully working in both team and independent settings.
• Ability to demonstrate diplomacy and tact, as well as a strict adherence to confidentiality protocols.
• Ability to work within brand guidelines and adapt to various stakeholder needs.
• Valid class 5 Alberta driver’s license.
• Familiarity with municipal operations and/or rural communities would be considered an asset.
• ICS training and/or emergency communications experience would be considered an asset.
• Event planning and coordination experience would be considered an asset.

Lethbridge County offers a competitive compensation package including benefits and LAPP pension. This full-time, permanent position is 35 hours per week, typically working Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm with a 1-hour unpaid lunch break. However, due to the nature of the position, occasional periods of overtime, weekend, and evening work will be required.

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please apply via Indeed no later than Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Shortlisted candidates may be requested to participate in pre-employment screening to validate skills and be required to provide a satisfactory criminal record check and a 5-year Driver Abstract.

Lethbridge County

#100, 905 - 4th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4E4

Website: lethcounty.ca

Lethbridge County thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $60,000.00-$75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-01-10