The Communications and Marketing Advisor is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications and marketing initiatives that support Council priorities, major projects, economic development, and revenue-generating programs. This role aims to engage residents, attract visitors and businesses, and promote City services and events through compelling storytelling, branding, and outreach while working collaboratively with various City departments.

Regular day shift hours; however, you must be able to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports to the Communications Manager

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May provide supervision to Communications Specialists

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports the Communications Manager in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the City’s corporate communications and marketing strategy in alignment with Council priorities and organizational objectives.
• Provides strategic communications advice and analysis to the Communications Manager and senior leadership on sensitive, emerging, or high-risk issues.
• Assists in supporting Council and Committee communications, including contributing to messaging related to confidential and in-camera matters.
• Attends Closed Council and Committee meetings as required and manages sensitive and confidential information in accordance with legislative and corporate requirements.
• Supports the establishment and maintenance of corporate standards for branding, messaging, and visual identity, and assists in promoting organizational compliance with those standards.
• Contributes to the development and ongoing refinement of the City’s public engagement framework and provides guidance to departments on IAP2-aligned engagement approaches.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of corporate communications and public engagement-related policies and procedures.
• Coordinates and supports major communications campaigns and initiatives, including assisting with key messaging, tone, and audience targeting, under the direction of the Communications Manager.
• Coordinates, supports, and monitors the City’s advertising and sponsorship programs under the direction of the Communications Manager.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with advertisers, sponsors, and community partners, serving as a primary point of contact for advertising and sponsorship programs.
• Coordinates, supports, and monitors economic development marketing initiatives, including resident and business attraction, tourism promotion, and community investment campaigns, ensuring alignment with Council priorities.
• Supports issues management and crisis communications planning, including monitoring emerging risks and preparing background materials and response options.
• Assists with prioritizing communications initiatives across the organization to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and available resources.
• Reviews high-profile or sensitive communications materials and provides recommendations to the Communications Manager prior to release.
• Provides functional guidance to communications staff and external service providers as assigned by the Communications Manager, in accordance with applicable collective agreement provisions.
• Assists with managing communications-related budgets, contracts, and procurement activities as directed by the Communications Manager.
• Conducts research and analysis of communications trends, legislative requirements, and best practices to inform corporate communications strategy.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with senior leadership, Council, and internal departments to support coordinated and consistent communications.
• Contributes to a positive work environment by modelling a respectful workplace, as per City policy.
• Takes reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves, and the health and safety of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. Properly wears protective clothing, devices, and equipment provided, and ensures hazards are immediately reported to Supervisors.
• Complies with the City of Fort St. John’s Occupational Health and Safety program, and all applicable policies and procedures.
• Performs related duties as required.

CORE PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

• Client Focused – strives to provide superior public service
• Resource Management – never takes money from taxpayers before absolutely necessary
• Leadership – professional recommendation, servient implementation
• Innovation – debates and challenges processes

PERFORMANCE FACTORS

REQUIRED SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & REGISTRATIONS

• Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a similar role.
• IAP2 Foundations in Public Participation training is considered an asset.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Premiere) and Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) as demonstrated through testing and portfolio review.
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, specifically a demonstrated ability to proactively develop mutually-beneficial working relationships.
• The ability to work collaboratively with other departments or contractors and provide guidance and assistance as needed.
• Extensive understanding of community engagement principles, theory, and practical applications.
• Thorough knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods that include alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Experience with corporate branding standards, strategy and theory.
• Thorough knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods that include alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects or tasks of varying complexities and to deliver design solutions that meet the identified budgets and deadlines.
• Considerable knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Skilled in copywriting, editing and proofing.
• Familiarity with Privacy Legislation governing electronic use and maintenance of information.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the role of local government.
• Ability to receive and provide constructive criticism.
• Ability to provide a clear Police Information Check

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Computers, printers, photocopiers, folders, scanners, digital cameras, paper trimmers, laminators, binding machines, telephones, and other related office equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position may entail lifting, climbing, walking, standing for long periods of time, sitting for long periods of time, looking at a computer for long periods of time, and lifting and/or moving items that can weigh up to 25 lbs.

GENERAL

Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview and reference check, and job-related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.