Officer, Communications

Job Summary

The Officer, Communications role at the City of Ottawa / Ville d’Ottawa involves assisting in the development and implementation of comprehensive public education, awareness, and corporate communications initiatives and events. This position supports the Public Information and Media Relations (PIMR) mandate, ensuring communications align with the City's priorities and plans, and provides strategic communications advice.

PIMR delivers strategic communications by aligning and integrating initiatives, focusing on graphic design, leveraging new channels like social media and rich media (video), supporting Council and departments, and managing emergency communications.

Education and Experience

• Completion of a university degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, and/or media relations, including recent experience in rich media.

Knowledge

• Effective use of rich media for communications.
• Effective communication tactics and techniques using traditional and web-based channels.
• Trends in the communications industry and approaches.
• Microsoft Office and related software such as Adobe InDesign suite, including After Effects.
• Familiarity working in a MAC environment.
• Photography and videography.
• Local and current events.
• Media process.
• Municipal government.
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers.

Competencies, Skills, and Abilities

• Effective verbal and writing (including editing) communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to liaise with graphic artists, printers, translators, advertising agencies, etc.
• Ability to propose, develop, and implement communication plans and tactics.
• Ability to be creative and think logically.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Time management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work with senior management and elected officials.
• Excellent photography and/or videography skills.
• Demonstrates good judgment, tact, discretion, diplomacy, creativity, and initiative.
• Positive attitude.
• Self-motivated.
• Organized and dependable.
• Interest in current events and public affairs.

Key skills/competency

• Strategic Communications
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Rich Media (Video/Photography)
• Social Media Management
• Content Creation
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Government Communications
• Writing & Editing
• Project Management