Communications Specialist

Peel Region is looking for a Communications Specialist who will utilize their resilient consultative skills to partner and support internal and external partners. You will make sound recommendations and provide concrete advice, in the development and implementation of innovative and effective communications strategies consistent with our “Working with You” philosophy & strategic outcomes.

Do you have a desire for providing creative, innovative, and forward-thinking solutions?

Are you client focused and thrive in a team where collaboration, relationship building, and passion to excel are celebrated?

Are you calm in a crisis and thrive in uncertainty?

Do you have creative and advanced writing capabilities, to effectively produce clear and concise communication?

If yes, this role may be for you!

Reporting to the Manager, Strategic Client Communication supporting Health services, this position will provide support to internal partners in communicating with various audiences about Regional programs and services, with a focus on effective public health outcomes based on evidence informed decision making, and advancing health equity for residents.

The Communication Specialist builds, nurtures and enhances relationships through delivery of timely, effective, and high-quality communications. This position plays a role in creating a collaborative culture that supports dynamic and innovative communication solutions.

What you will do in this role:

Strategic consultation and advice

• Provide strategic communication consultation and advice to internal partners on matters of strategy development, corporate communications, media relations, event management, creative and promotional writing, social media and crisis communications
• Attend meetings of Regional Council, as required and work with internal partners to anticipate and meet the needs of Regional Councillors

Integrated communications

• Plan, develop and execute communication strategies and activities in collaboration with designated internal partners and other section staff
• Lead the evaluation of communication strategies and activities by using measurement and evaluation processes

Media relations

• Research and prepare media materials such as news releases, backgrounders and fact sheets
• Advise internal partners on key messages and timing for the development and distribution of media materials; ensure that content is approved by internal partner
• Lead the planning and execution of communication activities for photo opportunities, media briefings and news conferences in collaboration with internal partners and other section staff
• Ensure timely response to media inquiries by working closely with internal partners to gather information, develop key messages and arrange media interviews. Coach a spokesperson and attend media interviews
• Identify and develop story ideas and pitches them to targeted media outlets
• Provide regular reports and analysis of relevant media coverage to internal partners

Creative and promotional writing

• Research and write a variety of communication materials such as feature articles, news releases, newsletter copy, advertisements, brochures, web content, letters to the editor and speaking notes
• Follow the Communication Services Style Guide, the Canadian Press Stylebook, the Corporate Visual Identity standards and the framework for writing feature stories and news releases

Event management

• Lead the planning and execution of communication activities for special events such as award ceremonies, unveilings and conferences in collaboration with other section staff
• Work in collaboration with the Event Specialist to co-ordinate logistics and ensure that event protocols are followed

Web, social media, graphic design and video projects

• Plan and execute complex web, social media, graphic design and video projects in collaboration with other section staff, internal partners and external vendors
• Oversee the execution of simple web, social media, graphic design and video projects in collaboration with other section staff, internal partners and external vendors

Issues management and crisis communications

• Develop and implement issues management action plans. Evaluate outcomes, debrief with internal partners and make recommendations for future situations
• Lead the planning and execution of communication activities during a crisis affecting designated internal partners; provide communication support during a crisis affecting other internal partners as per the Communications section emergency response

Leadership and collaboration

• Participate in communication planning in collaboration with your manager
• Work collaboratively with team members and other section staff to brainstorm ideas, seek feedback, share experiences and information
• Work collaboratively and shares best practices and business tools with other section staff to build synergies across the section and the division
• Promote a culture of excellence by building and nurturing relationships with internal partners and ensuring that their business communication needs are understood and met
• Raise issues related to the quality of communication activities with the immediate supervisor; contributes to the investigation of concerns and conflict resolution
• Network with other government organizations, professional associations and communication professionals to keep abreast of best practices, to share experiences and seek collaboration, when appropriate
• Follow Regional and section-wide policies, standards, guidelines and processes
• Recommend ways to increase the effectiveness of the policies, standards, guidelines and processes that support Communications by identifying gaps/barriers and suggesting improvements
• Participate in learning and development activities as recommended by the immediate supervisor as well as in section-wide learning and development opportunities
• Stay up-to-date with communications industry trends and best practices
• Follow Regional values within the team, division and the Corporation

What the role requires:

• A university degree or college diploma in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field
• Minimum of three to five years of communication experience in corporate communications, or a combination of education and experience may be considered
• Access to a vehicle is required

Skills/Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of communication and change management principles
• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading and verbal skills
• Strong knowledge of media relations principles and experience working with media
• Basic knowledge of social media platforms
• Experience with managing multifaceted communication campaigns
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and deliver projects on time in a dynamic environment
• Excellent ability to obtain information and details needed for understanding a project/issue
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Strong relationship building skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft Outlook
• Awareness of accessibility standards and application as required
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias

Nice to have:

• Demonstrated experience in crisis communications and issue management would be an asset
• Communications experience in a Health field would be considered an asset
• Public Sector experience would be considered an asset

Perks @ Peel and why you will love working for us:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision benefit plan including psychological health
• Automatic enrolment into OMERS pension plan
• Accrue Vacation on a monthly basis up to 3 weeks per annum
• 3 Paid personal days and floating holidays
• Flexible hours supporting your wellness and wellbeing
• Annual performance review and merit increases based on performance
• Supportive leadership and a culture of respect and inclusion
• Access to tuition reimbursement and learning and development resources

Work Mode & Job Location: In this role you will have the ability to work remotely and attend on-site when required based on operational requirements at the 10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton or 7120 Hurontario Street, Mississauga worksite. The frequency of on-site activities may vary on a weekly basis and based on operational requirements. Your remote work location must be located within the province of Ontario.

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week. The Region of Peel offers job based flexible hours of work that allows employees to manage personal and professional responsibilities while at the same time ensures business operational needs and customer service expectations are achieved.

Interview: Our recruitment process will be completed with video conference technology.

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If this opportunity matches your qualifications and experience, please apply on-line.