Communications and Engagement Advisor

Competition Number: 25/11

Posting Scope: Internal / External

Posted Date: January 28, 2025

Closing Date: February 18, 2025, 4:30 PM PST

Department: Communications and Engagement

Posting Type: Continuous (Regular Full-Time)

Work schedule: Monday to Friday (35 hour work week)

Salary: $58.40 per hour, Pay Grade 18

Job Code: 4344

Employee Group: This is a CUPE Local 50 position

Number of Vacancies: 1

WORK FROM HOME

The successful candidate for this posting may be eligible for participation in a hybrid, work from home arrangement in alignment with the City’s Work from Home Policy. Such arrangements are determined with each employee and subject to change based on operational needs and policy direction.

FLEX

The successful candidate for this vacancy would participate in a modified work week, earning a flex day off each bi-weekly period by working additional time each day. Modified work weeks established in accordance with the CUPE Local 50 Collective Agreement and are subject to change.

POSITION FUNCTION

Develop and lead City of Victoria stakeholder consultation and public participation processes in accordance with the City’s vision and strategic direction.

KEY DUTIES

1. Develop and work with City departments to implement communications and engagement strategies to effectively involve the public in civic matters; integrate communication strategies and plans across specific projects and internal or external stakeholder groups.
2. Ensure Project Charter for implementation of the civic engagement strategy is effectively delivered; oversee the implementation of engagement programs and develop and refine related policies.
3. Develop and provide relevant training to program staff.
4. Coordinate and monitor corporate-wide engagement efforts and track participation.
5. Define success metrics for communication activities such as number of attendees at engagement events; evaluate and report on the effectiveness of these activities through regular communications with stakeholders.
6. Prepare reports and present recommendations to Council and other decision-making bodies.
7. Prepare annual report on public participation activities, progress, challenges and make recommendations for improvement.
8. Identify and coordinate engagement efforts to ensure large scale and priority projects are effectively planned and resourced.
9. Identify opportunities to continuously improve and advance the external website and strategic use of multi-media tools to meet information and engagement objectives.
10. Oversee community stakeholder database.
11. Respond and coordinate response to media enquiries; including preparation of media releases and supporting materials to raise awareness of the City’s programs and services; plan media events.
12. Prepare briefing notes for Mayor and Council and senior management.
13. Lead internal and external stakeholder meetings on various corporate initiatives as required.
14. Participate in various corporate committees as required.
15. Perform related duties where qualified.

INDEPENDENCE

Work is generated by annual objectives, departmental work plans, requests from senior management and Council, operational demands, emerging communications issues or is assigned by supervisor. Work is reviewed through meetings with supervisor. Issues such as major expenditures or deviations from policy are referred to supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Effort

Normal.

Mental Effort

Meet multiple deadlines. (frequent)

Short periods of intense concentration while working on communications issues. (often)

Visual/Auditory Effort

Focus on a computer monitor for long periods. (often)

Work Environment

Office.

Key Skills And Abilities

1. Organize and prioritize work.
2. Understand and apply the techniques of civic engagement, communications planning and coordination, and project management.
3. Provide technical guidance and advice to user departments.
4. Research and compose civic engagement strategies and communications materials.
5. Working level operation of City word processing, spreadsheet and communications specialty software.
6. Compose and present proposals and policies.
7. Facilitate public consultation meetings and workshops.
8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
9. Represent the City to the public and outside agencies.

Qualifications
Formal Education, Training and Occupational Certification:

Degree in Business, Communications or related field (4 years).

Accredited courses in stakeholder relations and public participation (2 days).

5 years related experience including experience in change management in a municipal setting.

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Other

May be requested to substitute in a more senior position.

To apply for this opportunity, you will need to create an online profile or log back into our career portal at www.victoria.ca/jobs - only online submissions will be considered. All applications must be submitted online by 4:30 pm on the closing date noted on the posting. Please be prepared to provide proof of qualifications as outlined in your resume.

The City of Victoria is committed to integrating equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into our programs, policies, spaces, and services. Our goal is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve and aim to become. Individuals who are Indigenous, racialized, immigrants, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, or facing any additional barriers are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be available upon request throughout the application and selection process.

If you require assistance, please email us at careers@victoria.ca.