Position Summary:

As a member of the Communications team, the Communications Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the City’s communications, engagement, public relations, and issues management functions. Responsible for developing and implementing integrated communications plans, this role ensures the City’s messaging is clear, consistent, timely, and aligned with Council’s priorities and corporate objectives. The Communications Manager leads a team of three, and plays a key role in crisis communications, and managing reputational risk, media relations, and public engagement initiatives.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead, coach, and manage the performance of communications team members, while establishing team priorities and work plans that align with corporate objectives.
• Develop and implement a corporate communications strategy that supports Council’s strategic direction, and the City’s goals and service delivery priorities.
• Lead the planning and execution of communication campaigns, ensuring alignment across channels and department.
• Oversee the City’s communications strategies, tactics, processes, and analytics.
• Advise senior leadership and Council on communications strategies, public engagement activities, and emerging reputational risks.
• Monitor public discourse, media, and community environments to identify emerging issues and recommend appropriate responses.
• Serve as a lead advisor in managing sensitive or controversial issues, ensuring coordinated messaging, public transparency, and a strategic approach.
• Support the design and delivery of public engagement activities, in coordination and collaboration with relevant departments.
• Collaborate with other departments to support public communications and engagement efforts, as well as internal communication and staff engagement initiatives.
• Provide supervision, support and training for the communications team and external communication contractors.
• Coordinate the communications budget.

• Provide senior-level writing and editing services for speeches, publications, and announcements.
• Provide leadership for the City’s brand, and oversee the City’s corporate photo and video production and library.
• Act as primary media spokesperson, build and maintain strong relationships with local and regional media outlets, and prepare media releases, public statements, key messages, and briefing notes.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and service-oriented team culture, supported by a proactive approach to communications and community relations.

• Participate as a member of the Chestermere Emergency Management Agency in preparing and enabling the community to respond in the event of a local or regional disaster and provides leadership for crisis/emergency communication responses
• Act as the City’s Information Officer (IO) in emergencies.

Note: The above statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of this position.

Required Education and Experience:

• Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in communications, preferably in the public sector or municipal government setting.
• At least 2 years of supervisory experience managing staff or cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated experience managing communications related to sensitive or high-profile issues.

• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and/or IAP2 certification is/are considered an asset.

Expected Skills and Attributes:

• In-depth knowledge of strategic communications, media relations, issues management, and crisis communications.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with an ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Skilled in digital content strategy, social media, and brand management.
• Politically astute, with excellent judgment, discretion, and understanding of the local government environment.
• Ability to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines with a focus on results and service excellence.
• Ability to manage relationships, including across departments and with leadership, with Council, and with members of the community.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to lead and support a communications team from a strategic standpoint, and in execution of deliverables.
• Strong work ethic and highly motivated.

• Experience in website management and social media tools (including analytics).

• Proficiency with MS Office and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Knowledge of photography, video, graphic design principles, photo editing, and video software.
• Knowledge of public participation tactics and principles.

• Working knowledge of FOIP and the Municipal Government Act.

Working Conditions:

• May be required to attend evening Council, Committee, and community meetings, outside of regular office hours.
• Occasional travel in the region, sometimes in inclement weather and/or emergency situations.
• Stress associated with risk management, and effective communications with residents, City staff, and Council.

Required Documentation:

• Valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s Licence and Driver’s Abstract deemed satisfactory by the City.
• Criminal Record Check deemed satisfactory by the City.