Communications and Public Relations Coordinator - The Corporation of the City of St. Thomas

POSITION SYNOPSIS AND PURPOSE
 
Reporting to the City Manager, the Communications and Public Relations Coordinator will lead external communications and public relations for the City of St. Thomas.  Working with the Mayor and the City Manager, the Communications and Public Relations Coordinator will support the City’s Leadership Team by developing strategies to connect residents to City services and information.  In addition, the Communications and Public Relations Coordinator will take ownership of all digital, print, and media communication platforms and ensure that these platforms are maintained in a real-time, consistent, and effective manner.  As well, the Communications and Public Relations Coordinator will assist City stakeholders in outreach and public engagement for City projects and initiatives.  They will build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, influencers, and external parties to secure positive coverage. The Communications and Public Relations Coordinator will also be responsible for implementing the Communications Strategy including the development of internal communication initiatives for the City. This is a non-union position.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
 
Corporate Communications and Public Relations (75%)

• Oversees the management, maintenance, and ongoing updates for all City outward communication platforms including digital and social media outlets, print media, and city website.

• Leads the development, deployment, and ongoing maintenance of a external public relations platform and works with departments to utilize this platform to encourage and enhance public participation in City projects and initiatives.

• Leads the development, deployment, and ongoing maintenance of an internal communications platform, and supports City departments including the Human Resources Department to utilize this platform to enhance internal communications.

• Provides strategic advice and guidance to the Mayor, City Manager, Leadership Team, and City Council on communications and public relations matters.

• Implements, and has ownership of, the City’s Communications Strategy including making updates to the strategy in accordance with its approved actions.

• Acts as a primary contact for the City for media relations.

• Coordinates and attends media events and press conferences for City initiatives, activities, or situations.

• Supports the Mayor in his/her role as primary spokesperson for the City.
• Acts as the Communications Officer for the City’s Emergency Operations Centre as part of the City’s Emergency Management Program.
• Maintains and promotes the City’s branding and oversees the use, enhancement, and positioning of the City’s brand on all external and internal media.
• Oversees communications and marketing for special events.

• Tracks, analyzes, and reports on media content across various platforms (print, broadcast, online, social) to gather insights and provide strategic responses.

Special Projects (10%)

• Supports and assists the Strategic Initiatives Manager and the City Manager in special and/or strategic projects, including participating in corporate teams for strategic or other projects.  

Support for the City Manager’s Office (10%)

• Provides support for the City Manager’s Office including providing administrative support for the Mayor and City Manager when required.  

Other (5%)

• Represents the City at meetings and events.

• Performs other duties, responsibilities and functions as assigned by the City Manager.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education (degree/diploma/certifications)

• A University degree specializing in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Digital Media or a related discipline.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years’ demonstrated experience in leading a communications and public relations program for an organization or agency in a multi-faceted service environment.

• Experience in the design, development, and maintenance of public relations and communications tools, digital media platforms, print media, and graphics. Strong writing and public speaking skills are a requirement.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

• An understanding of municipal government structures, operations, programs, services, priorities, issues, stakeholder needs and interest and community and business trends and issues.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders.

• An understanding of the modern communications landscape, including how the traditional, digital, and evolving communications ecosystem can be leveraged to effectively engage stakeholders.

• Well developed problem solving and decision-making skills.

• Ability to work independently and to display initiative in pursing new challenges and opportunities.

• Excellent organizational skills for managing competing and rapidly changing priorities with strict timelines during periods of high work volumes.

• High proficiency in communications applications.

• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

• Ability to think and interact effectively, tactfully and courteously with all stakeholders, building a cooperative and collaborative working relationship with internal and external customers.

• Ability to apply a diversity, equity and inclusion lens to all aspects of work.

Other

• Must possess a valid Class "G" Ontario Driver's Licence and access to reliable transportation.

• Satisfactory Police Record Check.

HOURS OF WORK

The normal workweek consists of 35 hours; Monday to Friday; 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with a one-hour unpaid lunch. Required, on occasion to work beyond the normal hours of work and off site.

WHAT WE OFFER
• Salary Range: $84,749 - $103,013 per annum (2024 Rate)
• Comprehensive Benefits
• OMERS Pension Plan
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program (continuous learning)

Applications must be received no later than Wednesday April 2, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

HOW TO APPLY
Go to www.stthomas.ca – Employment, Employment Opportunities. Go to Posting Title and click the ‘Apply Now’ button.  You may need to register/create a Login.

Please import/upload your COVER LETTER AND RESUME individually (i.e. pdf, word) and ensure you have attached all documents prior to submitting your application.
Note: You may be required to answer Qualification questions during the application process.

The City of St. Thomas is an equal opportunity employer.  Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process.  If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, you must provide your accommodation needs in advance.  Questions may be directed to the Human Resources Department at 519-631-1680 ext. 4146.

Although we appreciate all applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Personal information for this position is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, R.S.O. 2001, as amended.