Position Overview:

Employees of the City of Saint John are proud to provide quality municipal services to over 70,000 residents who live in Canada's original city on the shores of the Bay of Fundy.

The Communications Officer provides support to formulate and implement strategic communications that promote the city as a great place to live, study, work and play.

The team works to foster positive relationships by informing the public, City employees, and other organizations about municipal services and activities, and municipal policies and practices.

This role is a great fit for someone who is looking to join a professional team of staff, be inspired by meaningful work, make a positive difference in our community, and help drive our city and key priorities forward.

We are seeking a Communications Officer who will:

•Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic communications plans and campaigns that support the City's priorities and objectives, communicate change, raise awareness and generate public understanding.

•Build public understanding of City initiatives and services by coordinating communications initiatives, programs and events with service areas, departments, partners, agencies, boards and commissions.

•Identify and analyze potential PR issues and opportunities and recommend effective responses to the communications manager.

•Develop communications materials, such as newsletters, videos, letters, statements, speeches, news releases, Q&As, digital web and intranet content, social media posts, etc.

•Assist the manager with responses to media inquiries.

•Identify trends in public opinion, track, and report on media coverage.

•Prepare and submit reports to the manager, as requested.

•Seek opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, and advertising.

•Assist the Saint John Emergency Management Organization Public Information Officer by providing communications support and backup as required.

•Ensure consistent messaging and branding that reflects corporate standards.

•Organize events, including press conferences, special announcements, official openings, open facility days, and serve as a City spokesperson if requested by the Communications Manager.

•Ensure good vendor and supplier relationships that conform to corporate purchasing policies.

•Assist with other duties as assigned.

*Please note that this position will, on occasion, require work outside of regular business hours and some local travel in City fleet vehicles.

The ideal candidate will have the following:

•An undergraduate degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field is required.

•A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in a related field.

•Strong prioritization and time management skills to accomplish high volumes of detailed work, with conflicting priorities and multiple deadlines.

•Strong work ethic and initiative.

•Proven professional and ethical conduct in the execution of responsibilities.

•Experience working under the direction of a manager.

•Knowledge of communications principles including, but not limited to, internal communications, public relations, media relations, public engagement, and crisis communications.

•Ability to think and plan strategically while paying close attention to detail.

•Experience in government media relations a strong asset.

•Ability to apply new technologies to support and enhance communications and marketing initiatives.

•Experience planning, producing, and editing traditional publications and digital content for distribution.

•Proficiency with social media platforms. Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or InDesign is a plus. Experience with other multimedia platforms would also be considered an asset.

•Written and verbal proficiency in both official languages would be considered a strong asset. Please indicate your proficiency in both.

•Please note that a combination of education, certification, and experience may be considered.

Only those applicants being considered further will be contacted.

The successful applicant will be eligible to work a compressed work week of 4 days throughout the period of the City's Compressed Work Week Trial. This schedule is subject to change.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live and which we serve. We encourage and support applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups. Candidates who belong to such groups, who are qualified, will be given preference at the time of selection.

Applications will be accepted through our online system only. Qualified applicants should submit their cover letters and resumes to:

City of Saint John
Attention: Hiring Committee
www.saintjohn.ca (careers/employment opportunities)