Senior Elections Communications Advisor Full-time Job

Reporting to the Director, Corporate Records, Elections and Information Management and coordinating with the Office of the Chief Communications Officer, the Senior Elections Communications Advisor leads the work needed to ensure that voters, candidates, third party advertisers, Election workers, media and other stakeholders have trust and confidence in the election process. They are a member of the Election project leadership team and participate in election planning and decision-making, providing perspectives and advice on public perception, public trust and reputation.

Major Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement a strategic communications plan that adheres to all legislative requirements and broadly communicates information on opportunities to Run, Work, Vote in the 2025 Edmonton Election
• Lead the development and delivery of aspiring Candidate Virtual Engagement Sessions, voter outreach strategies, and manage urgent arising communications and public perception issues
• Ensure communications plans are inclusive, accessible and that they reach a diverse audience
• Play a key role in the Election Leadership Team by providing strategic communications advice to all aspects of the Election project
• Support the Director and Returning Officer by drafting communications and briefings for Senior Leadership as required
• Manage and coordinate media availabilities, including developing collateral such as backgrounders and media releases, and preparing spokespersons
• Work with Media Relations to obtain and track media coverage
• Ensure integration with 311 and work with them to determine internal capacity and ensure they are equipped with the necessary information to manage all public inquiries during Advance Vote and on Election Day
• Plan for and implement systems for rapid response on Election Day, including media relations, web ops, etc.
• Plan for any post Election Day media availabilities and communications strategies for reporting official results and any recount requests
• Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• University graduation in a communications, public relations or related field, supplemented by a minimum of four (4) years progressively responsible experience in a designated public relations, public affairs or public information position, as well as one (1) year of experience in a related supervisory capacity

OR 

• Diploma in a communications, public relations or related field, supplemented by a minimum of six (6) years progressively responsible experience in a designated public relations, public affairs or public information position, as well as one (1) year of experience in a related supervisory capacity
• Accreditation in the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) would be an asset
• Media relations and event management experience is an asset
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and demonstrated ability in communications, graphic design coordination, media relations, web content management, social media management, advertising/promotion and print production
• Knowledge of the requirements of mass communication media and knowledge of marketing, audio-visual and web-based technologies
• Superior issues identification, communication planning and issues management skills
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to plan, coordinate and supervise the work of staff
• Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools
• Knowledge of elections and electoral processes is an asset
• Demonstrate alignment with the Cultural Commitments of Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent, fostering an environment for others to do the same. For more information on the City’s Cultural Commitments, please visit edmonton.ca/our-culture
• Demonstrate the foundational competencies, key behaviours and attributes of the City’s six leadership competencies: Courage, Inclusivity, Values-Based Influencer, Collaborative Networker, Systems Thinker and Creative Innovator.  For more information on the City’s leadership competencies, please visit edmonton.ca/our-culture

The City of Edmonton is committed to inclusive, respectful and equitable workplaces that represent the communities we serve. We continuously improve our systems, policies and practices to remove barriers and ensure our employees, in all their diversity, can succeed. We value applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourage you to apply. To learn more, see the Art of Inclusion: Our Diversity and Inclusion Framework here: https://bit.ly/3hd2d95.

The City of Edmonton strives to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the application and selection process. If you would like to request an accommodation at any stage of the process, please contact [email protected]

1 benefits-eligible position on a temporary funded project that may continue for up to 24 months

Hours of Work: 33.75 per week. Overtime work may be required during peak operational periods.

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

Salary: $46.558 - $58.511 (Hourly); $82,023.560 - $103,081.750 (Annually)

 

Closing Date: Feb 28, 2024 11:59:00 PM (MST)

Edmonton is the capital city of the Canadian province of Alberta. Edmonton is situated on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, which is surrounded by Alberta's central region.