Public Information Officer

Job Summary

The mandate of Transit Strategic Communication & External Relations is to provide comprehensive communications and outreach support to the Transit Services Department (TSD) through strategic communications planning, marketing, media relations and engagement so that customers can effectively use transit services through a broad understanding of the work of the Transit Services department.

As a Public Information Officer, you will act as the media spokesperson for Transit Services, providing clear, concise information on the services, programs, and operations of OC Transpo. You will build strong working relationships with media and influencers, corporate communications (PIMR), and other City of Ottawa services. A deep understanding of OC Transpo operations is essential to effectively explain the department's work in all interactions. You will act as the designated spokesperson on media inquiries and at public meetings/events; monitor and identify emerging trends in the media to provide recommendations to develop the brand; provide communication advice and guidance to the management team in the areas of media relations and development of information materials; research and identify communications and promotional opportunities; and make recommendations to the Director, Transit Strategic Communications and External Relations.

Education And Experience

• Completion of 3 year university degree or community college diploma in media technology, mass communications, public affairs, public relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of directly related experience in media technology, mass communications, public affairs, public relations, or related field; experience using analytic methodologies.

Knowledge

• Theories and principles of communications, including writing and editing; presentation, consultation and negotiation techniques and current innovative communications practices; advertising, promotional and marketing techniques.
• Media relations and local media framework.
• Public consultation techniques.
• General knowledge of corporate/departmental policies and procedures related to Transit Services.
• Social media analytics methodologies.
• Project management, control and reporting techniques.
• Cost-benefit analysis, risk management and change management concepts and techniques.
• Concepts of quality assurance, quality improvement, and outcome-based management techniques.
• Research, environmental scanning, data survey techniques, data synthesis, validation and analysis methods and techniques.
• Various computer software applications including MS Office, publishing software and photo/graphic applications, web publishing software.
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers.

Competencies, Skills And Abilities

• Ability to work with colleagues and clients/managers/staff to provide realistic and innovative approaches to resolve communications problems; effectively make presentations and produce reports; advise all levels of staff on communications issues and provide coaching on effective communications with the media/public.
• Ability to develop a range of written communications products (including speeches, fact sheets, news releases, articles) and multi-media presentations.
• Ability to implement and monitor effectiveness of communications plans.
• Ability to design surveys and other information gathering tools/methodologies; interpret and qualify/quantify results and apply outcomes to the development of communications strategies.
• Ability to continuously learn, assimilate and use new information at an above average rate.
• Ability to work with a variety of software application including databases and spreadsheets to carry out the work.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with other branches and departments.
• Ability to maintain integrity, and commitment to achieving results.
• Excellent written and verbal communicator.
• Organized, methodological and detail oriented.
• Customer service oriented.
• Problem solver.
• Capable of multi-tasking, managing multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
• Innovative, analytical, problem solver and results-oriented within an environment where risks must be continually balanced.
• Contribute to team work, foster strong working relationships with management and staff and colleagues.

What You Need To Know

• Language Requirement: Designated Day 1 Ready – immediate requirement for language proficiency: French: oral, reading, writing; English: oral, reading, writing. Candidates must meet language requirement for position upon hire.
• Additional vacancies may occur during the competition process.
• Experience and formal training combined with demonstrated performance and ability may substitute for stipulated academic requirements.
• The City of Ottawa promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion and adheres to the tenets of the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
• The City of Ottawa provides accommodation to applicants during all parts of the hiring process, upon request.

Key skills/competency

• Media relations
• Strategic communications
• Public affairs
• Public relations
• Content creation
• Social media analytics
• Crisis communication
• Stakeholder engagement
• Public speaking
• Government relations