Communications Advisor

Communications Advisor

Job Type: Full-time Permanent

Job Posting #: 2026-23

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Group: Non-Union

Department: City Manager’s Office

Location: Owen Sound, ON

The City of Owen Sound is seeking a creative, strategic, and collaborative professional to serve as Communications Advisor. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Operational Effectiveness, this role leads the planning and execution of internal and external communications and engagement initiatives that support the City's strategic priorities, corporate projects, and core service.

As a key member of the City Manager's Office, the Communications Advisor plays an important role in strengthening public trust, enhancing the City's reputation, and fostering meaningful engagement with residents, staff, Council, media, and community stakeholders. This position is being posted for an existing vacancy.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Communications

• Develop and implement communication plans and strategies that focus on building trust with the community for corporate priorities, initiatives and core service
• Lead internal and external communications projects that advance organizational goals and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
• Provide advice and support on issues management, change communications, and emerging communication opportunities.
• Develop policies, procedures, and communication standards that support consistent and effective messaging across the organization.
• Create accessible, engaging, and inclusive communication materials that reflect the City's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Community Engagement

• Administer the City's public engagement platform and support departments in delivering meaningful public consultation initiatives.
• Help develop and maintain the City's community engagement framework and best practices.
• Provide guidance on engagement strategies, stakeholder outreach, and reporting on engagement outcomes.
• Foster relationships with community groups and support initiatives that strengthen public participation and understanding of municipal services.

Media & Public Relations

• Serve as the primary contact for media inquiries and coordinate timely, accurate responses.
• Prepare and distribute media releases, briefing notes, media kits, and key messages.
• Monitor media coverage and emerging issues and provide analysis and recommendations to leadership.
• Support proactive media outreach and public relations campaigns that promote the City's services, initiatives, and accomplishments.

Digital Communications & Brand Management

• Oversee and enhance the City's website and intranet, ensuring content remains accessible, relevant, and up to date.
• Develop content for social media platforms, electronic signage, and digital communication channels.
• Create and design marketing and communication materials that align with corporate branding standards.
• Promote brand consistency and provide guidance on visual identity and communication best practices across the organization.

Crisis Communications

• Support emergency management and crisis communication activities by assisting with public information and stakeholder communications.
• Develop communications approaches for sensitive or high-profile issues and assist with risk-related communications planning.

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience

• University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible communications experience, including developing strategic communication plans and leading complex communications initiatives.
• Experience in public sector or municipal communications is considered an asset.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong judgment and analytical abilities related to stakeholder engagement, issues management, and communications planning.
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Experience managing social media platforms and digital communication tools.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and time management skills.
• Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, accessible, and engaging content.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships with staff, elected officials, media representatives, and community stakeholders.

Other Requirements

• Ability to attend evening meetings, special events, and emergency response activities when required.
• Valid Ontario Class G driver's licence and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and manage sensitive information.

Compensation & Benefits

• Wage: $45.46 - $55.44 hourly, 35 hours per week.
• Benefits: Comprehensive employer-paid Extended Health & Dental plan, and OMERS defined benefit pension plan.

Why Join Us?
Join a forward-thinking organization where your work directly influences how residents, staff, and stakeholders connect with their local government. You'll help shape the City's voice, strengthen community trust, and support meaningful engagement across a wide range of municipal initiatives.Why Owen Sound?Owen Sound offers urban amenities with natural beauty — a vibrant arts scene, strong community spirit, and year‑round recreational opportunities along the shores of Georgian Bay.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their applications via the City’s Careers Page. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. Accommodations are available upon request.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

The City of Owen Sound values diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive workplace. We will accommodate the needs of applicants in accordance with the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act throughout the hiring process.

The City of Owen Sound is committed to a fair, transparent, and people-centred recruitment process. While modern tools may assist in administrative tasks, all hiring decisions are made by people, and every application is reviewed by a member of our Human Resources team.

We do not use automated decision-making or artificial intelligence tools to screen out or eliminate applicants. Any technology used in the hiring process is designed solely to support efficiency—not to replace human judgment or evaluate applicant suitability.

Privacy Statement:

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act for the purpose of candidate selection. It will be maintained in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.