Associate Director, Strategic Communications

Position Details

• Location: Thorold, ON
• Department: Partnerships and Communication
• Hours of Work: 35.00 / week
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Worksite: Regional Headquarters - Thorold, ON
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid model allowing approximately 50% time at home and 50% at regular work location

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director Partnerships and Communication, the Associate Director Strategic Communications is a key support for Niagara Region’s Leadership Team, leading the development, implementation and continuous evolution of the Region's enterprise communications strategy, ensuring communications support Council priorities, organizational transformation, service excellence and long-term corporate objectives.

Directing all external and internal communications, this role is accountable for the overall performance and measurable outcomes of the Strategic Communications function, including the coaching, development and mentorship of those on the team.

The Associate Director is a trusted strategic advisor to the Corporate Leadership Team and works in coordination with the Regional Chair’s Chief of Staff, and other elected officials, to ensure members of council are well supported in their efforts to communicate to the public. As a member of the Crisis Communications Response Team, the role is responsible for crisis communications and emergency response planning in collaboration with local area municipalities.

Education

• Post-Secondary degree in Communications, Public Relations, Media Studies, Government Affairs, Business Administration or Public Administration
• Master’s degree in relevant discipline is preferred
• Ten (10) years’ progressive communications experience in a leadership role, exhibiting modern communication theories and practices in a medium to large-sized organization
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing communication strategies and leading various communications functions
• Demonstrated experience in managing relationships with elected officials at various levels (municipal, provincial and federal)
• Experience in a senior communications and/or public relations leadership role working in a public sector environment is preferred
• Executive Leadership training from a recognized institution is preferred
• Professional accreditation in Public Relations or other communications-based professional organization an asset

Knowledge and Responsibilities

• Provides enterprise leadership in developing, implementing and continuously evolving Niagara Region's strategic communications function ensuring alignment with Council priorities and organizational objectives (30% of time)
• Establishes the long-term vision, strategic direction, and priorities for the Region's communications function
• Provides strategic communications advice to the CAO, Corporate Leadership Team, senior leadership and Council on complex, high-profile and politically sensitive initiatives
• Leads the development and implementation of enterprise-wide communications strategies supporting organizational transformation, service delivery, employee engagement, public trust and resident engagement
• Ensures communications is integrated into corporate planning and decision-making by promoting early engagement and strategic communications planning across the organization
• Leads executive communications, issues management, media relations strategies, crisis communications and public affairs strategies to protect and strengthen the Region's reputation
• Ensures strategic alignment of communication activities with government relations and advocacy initiatives
• Anticipates emerging issues, risks, trends and opportunities affecting the Region's reputation or priorities and develops proactive strategies
• Ensures consistent application of corporate brand, key messaging and communications standards across the organization
• Represents the Strategic Communications team externally, building strong relationships with local partners including local area municipalities
• Manages people resource planning for the division, ensuring organizational structures and role requirements meet work quality and deliverability
• Provides leadership and coaching to direct reports, manages recruitment, performance reviews, and fosters employee engagement (25% of time)