Requisition ID: 40443 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconcilation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

As a member of the Civic Engagement and Communications team, the Senior Communications Specialist works on a variety of strategic communications projects in support of a number of divisions at the City. This position is responsible for helping to educate the public and key stakeholders about major city programs, projects and initiatives. The position has a strong strategic focus including developing communications strategies that support successful business outcomes and creating or supervising the creation of various communications tools to inform the public about key initiatives, their expected impacts and the opportunities for public involvement.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Successful candidates will need to be versatile and are expected to contribute to various projects across the department to support evolving needs. This position will spend 7-8 months on the Planning and Development team and the remainder 4-5 months will be working on special projects across multiple teams as assigned. 

• Develops and implements multi-channel communications plans to support key initiatives
• Writes a wide variety of publicity and informational materials including news releases, newsletters, notices, pamphlets and brochures, speeches, video, displays, social media campaigns and other digital content, advertising, etc.
• Tracks the communications budgets for assigned projects
• Plan media events, news conferences and other special events 
• Serves as the primary liaison to the media, coordinates media responses and spokespeople as appropriate
• Provides strategic communications and issues management advice to client areas
• Directs the development and maintenance of web pages
• Directs the development and maintenance of web pages 
• Liaises with related agencies and suppliers/contractors to ensure effective and timely coordination of information to the public 
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned 

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related discipline and at least five to seven years of experience in a communications position, or an equivalent combination of training, education and experience

• Considerable experience implementing communications plans on complex and/or controversial topics
• Experience working with and communicating to diverse community groups
• Considerable experience serving as a media spokesperson or supporting other spokespeople on complex or sensitive issues
• Experience developing and making presentations to large groups
• Prior experience supporting public engagement or consultation on public initiatives or issues would be an asset
• Knowledge of or experience with the commercial real estate market and/or issues related to public land ownership would also be an asset

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable demonstrated skill in developing and implementing all facets of a strategic communications plan
• Demonstrated ability to identify potentially contentious issues and quickly research the topic and recommend course of action, including responses
• Demonstrated ability to meet very tight deadlines and multi-task numerous duties
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate communications needs, and identify and develop the best tools and best timing for providing effective information to various publics
• Demonstrated ability to be pro-active in establishing and maintaining respectful relationships with numerous and diverse stakeholder groups
• Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with internal and external partners – both in routine and in controversial and stressful situations
• Demonstrated skill in writing plain language materials: taking complex and technical information and making it interesting and easy for a layperson to understand
• Demonstrated skill in public speaking, and in writing and making effective public presentations to groups
• Considerable knowledge of the processes of graphic design, photography, video production, print and web production, and social media channels
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, alert and productive under stressful conditions
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive issues with skill, tact and diplomacy
• Thorough knowledge of the media (both English and ethnic)
• Thorough knowledge of public processes/consultation techniques
• Thorough knowledge of government, particularly civic and regional government structures

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

The City’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination against COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the City deem it necessary to re-introduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.

Business Unit/Department: Office of the City Manager (1010) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time 

Position Start Date: May, 2024 

Position End Date: March, 2025

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-027: $47.62 to $56.27 per hour

Application Close: April 21, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

Before you click Apply now

Once you start your application you can save your work and leave the applications page, however please remember to submit your profile to the specific job requisition before the posting closing date.

In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.