ABOUT US
Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.
WHAT WE OFFER
Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.
Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This position is responsible for providing strategic communications advice to the ERP project leads and sponsors; supporting the development of strategic communications plans; creating executive-level speaking notes and presentations; developing communications approach and content for digital media including social media, intranet and corporate website; developing and executing event plans to support the project; supporting the project's media relations, issues management and stakeholder relations efforts; providing support for corporate-wide initiatives, programs, special projects and communications for the project.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Collaborates/works with project leads and follows the corporate strategic leadership, planning and direction related to this function.
- As directed by management develops, implements, monitors, and continually improves program communications processes and procedures for the project.
- Collaborates with project leads and sponsors to identify communication solutions, including the development and implementation of internal and external communications plans.
- Collaborates with People, Equity and Culture on project communications related to labour relations ensuring confidentiality through development and implementation.
- Leads discussions with internal partners to identify and implement priorities and meet project needs.
- Ensures consistency, strategic alignment and integration with other Branches, Departments, and corporate communication strategies.
- Drafts, writes, develops, and executes a variety of communications materials for the project including briefing notes, key messages, responses to sensitive issues and multimedia.
- Prepares and provides input to reports, briefing notes and presentations.
- Researches and provides support on communications projects and high priority initiatives.
- Liaises with department management team and others as needed to address the needs of the department for key messages and reputation management.
- Develops and maintains tools, templates, and guides to support department communications functions.
- Represents the department with internal partners and is responsible for ensuring products and work aligns with corporate branding and other corporate standards.
- Provides input into and/or prepares reports, briefing notes, presentations, statistics, and analysis.
- Responds to stakeholder inquiries and resolves concerns, as appropriate.
- Ensures services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
- Participates on committees, meetings, work groups and special projects, as directed.
- Manages information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards.
- Performs other duties as required to meet divisional/branch and departmental objectives.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Successful completion of a University Degree in Public Relations, Communications or Journalism or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of three (3) years communication experience in the development and delivery of strategic communication plans, communications support and advice, issues management, internal communications, and stakeholder relations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of applicable legislation, Acts, and industry standards.
- Experience dealing with confidential materials and exercising good judgement and discretion in dealing with politically sensitive and confidential matters.
- Strong knowledge of communication practices and theory, including strategic communications, issues management, internal communications best practices, and social media.
- Highly developed writing, editing, and presenting skills and able to work to tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability and skill in effective planning, initiative, problem solving as well as critical and strategic thinking.
- Demonstrated ability in the Region's core competencies.
