Communications Advisor

Description:

The City of Edmonton has an exciting new opportunity for a Communications Advisor to join the Protocol and Council Services team to help advance the City’s reputation and brand through the planning and delivery of key protocol-related events and communications products. This individual will provide protocol and event-related advice, plans and recommendations to support senior administration leaders and elected officials in their efforts to advance key political and external relationships, conduct the business of the City, establish diplomatic relationships and strengthen the City’s reputation and brand.

This individual will work across the corporation, along with other levels of government and diverse stakeholders and partners to strategically position Edmonton as a thriving, connected and inclusive city. If you are a big-picture thinker with an attention to detail and enjoy working in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment, this position is a great fit for you.

With a focus on the City of Edmonton’s Cultural Commitments to Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent, you will:

Provide strategic protocol, political and reputational consultation services and event planning advice and recommendations for events involving elected officials and/or senior administration
Develop relationships and alignment with internal business areas and external partners to support well-rounded event strategies
Develop strategic communication plans and event plans
Provide direct strategic and tactical communications advice and support to elected officials for written communications products to support events, such as speeches
Lead or implement logistical details for major protocol-related events that will have a significant impact on the City’s reputation
Identify risks and provide issues management support in the planning of high-profile events
Develop budgets, work plans and timelines of logistical details for corporate outreach initiatives including visiting delegations, special guests and community events
Provide oversight of vendor contracts and expenditures for quality assurance and to ensure implementation aligns with strategic plans and direction
Apply Council and Administration’s strategic priorities to protocol-related events
Ensure high quality event delivery and continued growth and development of event strategy
Create and provide post-event evaluation reports and ensure complete compilation of detailed event documentation to provide strategic guidance to evolve future events
Identify and provide recommendations on new technologies, innovations or emerging event trends that can be used to further support City narrative in protocol-related events
Perform other related duties as required
Qualifications:
One of the following combinations of education and experience:
A degree in a related field (Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Public Administration, Business Administration) as well as two years of progressively responsible experience in a designated event planning/management, public relations, public affairs or public information position
A two-year diploma from a recognized educational institution and at least four years of progressively responsible experience in a designated event planning/management, public relations, public affairs or public information position
Minimum two years of experience with protocol involving all levels of government, event management or event specialist experience
Extensive experience working with elected officials and senior leadership
Extensive experience working in a government environment
Extensive knowledge of government structure and policy
Project management or event management certification is an asset
Experience with project management software, such as POSSE or Workfront, is an asset
Extensive knowledge of requirements of protocol and event management
Excellent written and verbal communications skills
Extensive knowledge of mass communication media and allied fields, such as advertising, printing, graphics and audio-visual
Extensive knowledge of communications and communications planning principles, techniques and practices
Strong consulting skills, including the ability to identify opportunities and risks
Proven ability to establish effective working relationships
Proven ability to manage competing priorities and projects with short timelines
Knowledge of supervisory practices and techniques
Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds for setting up for events, including items including but not limited to chairs, tables, boxes, inventory
Demonstrated ability to achieve results in the context of a respectful, inclusive and service-minded style
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
Applicants may be tested