🔹 Job Title: Communications Advisor
🔹 Company: City of Edmonton
🔹 Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Permanent
🔹 Category: Government Administration
🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing high-impact communications strategies for transformative economic development and downtown revitalization projects.
- Managing public expectations and enhancing the City's reputation as a business-friendly powerhouse.
- Collaborating with various teams across the organization to amplify public awareness of the City's economic development efforts.
- Proactively managing issues and solidifying the City's reputation through strategic, integrated marketing and communications plans.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a dynamic and creative individual who can thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. Strong project management skills and the ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders are essential for success.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and execute high-impact communications strategies for transformative economic development and downtown revitalization projects.
✅ Manage public expectations and enhance the City's reputation as a business-friendly powerhouse.
✅ Collaborate with various teams across the organization to amplify public awareness of the City's economic development efforts.
✅ Proactively manage issues and solidify the City's reputation through strategic, integrated marketing and communications plans.
✅ Provide strategic marketing and communications advice to program areas, ensuring a commitment to moving ideas and projects forward in a positive and collaborative spirit.
✅ Lead the charge in developing integrated communications plans, leveraging strategic communications, marketing, engagement, and external relations activities.
✅ Maintain a panoramic view of corporate, departmental, and branch issues and priorities, keeping a line of sight into City Council, stakeholder groups, professional associations, and other orders of government, in order to fuel communications strategies.
✅ Engineer marketing and communications activities that effectively share information, ignite public engagement opportunities, celebrate project milestones, and protect and enhance the City's reputation.
✅ Deliver timely and responsive issues management, crafting powerful key messages, speaking notes, and briefing notes that cut through the noise.
✅ Unleash creativity, using innovative tactics and working with internal and external design, web, and creative teams using approved City visual identity guidelines both internally and externally.
✅ Write, edit, review, coordinate, and manage a wide array of marketing and communications products, including integrated marketing and communications plans, content strategies, news releases, ads, web content, signage, fact sheets, social media posts, blog posts, stories, newsletters, reports, and videos, as well as other materials that will amplify the message.
✅ Proactively take the reins on media relations, planning and coordinating rapid responses to media inquiries, proactively identifying issues, and preparing spokespeople and spearheading media events.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively. A proactive approach to issues management and a keen eye for detail are essential for success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education:
- Completion of a recognized University degree or diploma in communications, public relations, or a related discipline.
Experience:
- A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in a corporate communications, public relations, or public affairs position with a four-year degree, or four years of related experience with a diploma.
Required Skills:
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with extensive knowledge of communications practices, principles, and techniques.
- Considerable background experience or knowledge of allied fields, such as advertising, creative services, audio and visual production, social media, and content creation.
- Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels of an organization, including senior leaders managing operational and policy/program areas and contractors or consultants.
- Superior issues identification, management, and media relations skills.
- Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
- Strong project management and event planning skills.
- Experience and proficiency with contemporary computer technologies (e.g., Google platform, etc.).
- Alignment to the City of Edmonton's Art of Inclusion: Diversity and Inclusion Framework, Cultural Commitments, and Leadership Competencies.
Preferred Skills:
- Accreditation in the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) would be an asset.
- Knowledge of City of Edmonton initiatives and programs related to urban planning and economy would be an asset.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
- $81,303.00 - $102,454.57 annually
Benefits:
- The City of Edmonton offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as a pension plan. For more information, visit [City of Edmonton Benefits](https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/jobs/what-we-offer).
Working Hours:
- 33.75 hours per week
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Government Administration
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: 1904 (as a city)
Company Description:
- The City of Edmonton is a young, ambitious, and growing city located on Treaty 6 Territory in Alberta, with a population of over one million. It is committed to building a resilient and diverse economy, attracting the best and brightest, and striving to be a world leader in environmental sustainability. The City values quality of life, community safety, and a welcoming spirit that embraces new people and new ideas.
Company Specialties:
- Urban Planning and Economy
- Community Development
- Infrastructure Management
- Public Safety and Security
- Environmental Sustainability
Company Website: [City of Edmonton](https://www.edmonton.ca/)
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to Senior
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Manager, Strategic Communications, within the Urban Planning and Economy department.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (flexible work from home and the worksite as per the Letter of Understanding between the City of Edmonton and Civic Service Union 52).
Growth Opportunities:
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the City of Edmonton.
- Exposure to a wide range of projects and initiatives, allowing for the development of diverse skills and expertise.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of communications, economic development, and urban planning. Successful candidates will have a strong understanding of these areas and be able to contribute to the City's strategic goals.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, high-rise office located in downtown Edmonton.
Geographic Context:
- Edmonton is located in central Alberta, with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters.
- The city is home to numerous parks, festivals, and cultural events, offering a high quality of life for its residents.
Work Schedule:
- The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement, and the incumbent will be notified in advance.
ASSUMPTION: This role may require occasional work outside of regular business hours to attend events, manage issues, or respond to media inquiries.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
1. Online application submission.
2. Phone or video screening.
3. In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or panel.
4. Final round interview with senior leadership.
5. Reference checks and background verification.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and editing skills.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Knowledge of City of Edmonton initiatives and programs related to urban planning and economy.
- Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders.
- Cultural fit with the City of Edmonton's values and mission.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the City of Edmonton's initiatives and how your skills align with the required qualifications.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
ATS Keywords: Communications, Public Relations, Strategic Planning, Marketing, Project Management, Economic Development, Urban Planning, Government Relations, Media Relations, Stakeholder Engagement, Content Creation, Writing, Editing, Storytelling
ASSUMPTION: The City of Edmonton uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords from the job description in your resume can help your application stand out and increase your chances of being selected for an interview.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
- Content management systems (CMS)
- Media monitoring and analysis tools
ASSUMPTION: The City of Edmonton uses a variety of tools and technologies to support its communications and marketing efforts. Familiarity with these tools and the ability to learn new ones quickly are essential for success in this role.
Work Style:
- The City of Edmonton values a positive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.
- Employees are encouraged to take initiative, be innovative, and continuously seek improvement.
- The City is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Self-Assessment Questions:
1. How do you align with the City of Edmonton's Art of Inclusion: Diversity and Inclusion Framework?
2. How do you approach building strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels of an organization?
3. How do you manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively, and prioritize your workload to ensure the successful completion of tasks?
ASSUMPTION: The City of Edmonton is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment. Candidates who demonstrate a strong understanding of and alignment with the City's values and cultural commitments are more likely to be successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
1. Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively.
2. Working with various stakeholders, including senior leadership, City Council members, and external partners, which may require navigating complex political dynamics and competing priorities.
3. Addressing sensitive or controversial issues, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to manage public expectations effectively.
4. Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement, which may present unique challenges related to communication, collaboration, and work-life balance.
ASSUMPTION: This role may present unique challenges related to the dynamic and ever-changing nature of communications and public relations work. Successful candidates will be adaptable, resilient, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
1. Communications Manager (Corporate): This role focuses on internal communications and employee engagement, whereas the Communications Advisor role is more focused on external communications and stakeholder engagement.
2. Public Relations Specialist: This role may have a more narrow focus on media relations and crisis communications, while the Communications Advisor role is broader in scope, encompassing strategic communications planning, content creation, and project management.
3. Marketing Coordinator: This role may have a more tactical focus on event planning, social media management, and content creation, while the Communications Advisor role requires a strategic mindset and the ability to develop and execute comprehensive communications plans.
ASSUMPTION: While these roles share some similarities, the Communications Advisor role is unique in its focus on economic development and urban planning communications, requiring a strong understanding of these areas and the ability to contribute to the City's strategic goals.
📝 Sample Projects
1. Developing and executing a comprehensive communications plan for a major economic development initiative, including media outreach, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness campaigns.
2. Managing a high-profile event, such as a groundbreaking ceremony or ribbon-cutting event, requiring strong project management skills and the ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
3. Creating a series of blog posts or articles highlighting the City's economic development efforts, requiring strong writing and storytelling skills and a deep understanding of the City's initiatives.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse and challenging nature of the Communications Advisor role. Successful candidates will have a strong portfolio demonstrating their ability to manage complex projects, create engaging content, and achieve measurable results.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
1. How does this role fit into the broader communications and marketing strategy for the City of Edmonton?
2. What are the most pressing communications challenges facing the City of Edmonton, and how can this role help address them?
3. How does the City of Edmonton support the professional development and growth of its employees?
4. What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
5. How does the City of Edmonton measure the success of its communications initiatives, and how can this role contribute to improving those metrics?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to contributing to the City's success. Be sure to tailor your questions to the specific needs and priorities of the City of Edmonton.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
1. Submit your application through the [City of Edmonton careers portal](https://recruitment.edmonton.ca/job/52221/Communications-Advisor).
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role.
3. Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
4. Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application.
5. If selected for an interview, research the City of Edmonton's initiatives and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the required qualifications.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
