Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

Corporate Services – Marketing and Communications 

Status: (1) Contract Full-time position - Up to 13 months

Salary Range: $89,469 to $111,834 per annum (plus comprehensive benefits) 

Work mode: Hybrid* see below for more details about this work mode. 

Location: 10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton 

Hours of work: 35 hours per week 

Peel Region is looking for a Communications Specialist to support the work of Peel Housing Corporation (Peel Living) who will utilize their resilient consultative skills to partner and support internal and external partners. You will make sound recommendations and provide concrete advice, in the development and implementation of innovative and effective communications strategies consistent with our “Working with You” philosophy & strategic outcomes.

Do you have a desire for providing creative, innovative, and forward-thinking solutions?

Are you client focused and thrive in a team where collaboration, relationship building, and passion to excel are celebrated?  

Are you calm in a crisis and thrive in uncertainty? 

Do you have creative and advanced writing capabilities, to effectively produce clear and concise communication?

If yes, this role may be for you!

What you will do in this role:

Consultation:

• Provide support to internal partners in communicating with various audiences, about Regional programs and services.
• Instill trust and confidence to our community, as well as align with the overall strategic direction of the Region of Peel.
• Through strategic consultation, you will be responsible for managing communication activities in the areas of integrated communications, issue management and crisis communications. This work is lead from development to evaluation of communication campaigns and activities by the Communications Specialist.
• Focus on strategy development, corporate communications, media relations, event management, creative and promotional writing, social media and crisis communications.

Relationship Building:

• Builds, nurtures and enhances relationships with designated internal partners through delivering high quality communications.
• This position plays a role in creating a collaborative culture that supports dynamic and innovative communication solutions.
• Works collaboratively to brainstorm ideas, share best practices, business tools and build synergies across the Region.
• Networking is a vital role with this position to establish a positive self-image with other government organizations, professional associations and communication professionals to keep abreast of best practices, to share experiences and seek collaboration, when appropriate.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias

Communications:

• Through innovative and well-developed writing proficiencies, the Communication Specialist will play an integral role in writing enticing and thorough communication strategies and plans, print material and digital content that represents the Region of Peel.
• Work in partnership with internal and external stakeholders to develop & issue action management plans.

Media Relations:

• Through research of best practices and industry trends, you will prepare media materials such as news releases, backgrounders, and fact sheets.
• Lead the planning and execution of communication activities for photo opportunities, media briefings and news conferences in collaboration with internal partners and other section staff.
• Before distribution of media materials, you will advise internal partners on best practices for development and distribution. During time of crisis or standard media inquiries, you will work closely with internal partners to gather information, develop key messages and arrange media interviews.
• Act as a coach to the spokesperson and attends media interviews as required.
• Monitor and target media issues to identify solutions and encourage ongoing proactive opportunities.
• Plan and execute complex web, social media, graphic design and video projects in collaboration with other section staff, internal partners and external vendors.

What the role requires:

• A university degree or college diploma in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field
• Minimum of five to seven years of communication experience in corporate communications, or a combination of education and experience may be considered
• Experience with managing multifaceted communication campaigns
• Strong knowledge of media relations principles and experience working with media especially with crisis or emergency management
• Basic knowledge of social media platforms
• Thorough knowledge of communication principles
• Knowledge of AODA requirements in relation to communications
• Access to a vehicle is required

Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience with consultative and advisory skills
• Demonstrated negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated facilitation or public speaking
• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading and verbal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Outlook
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias

Nice to have:

• Public Sector experience would be considered an asset

Perks @ Peel and why you will love working for us:  

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision benefit plan including psychological health
• Automatic enrolment into OMERS pension plan (where applicable) 
• Accrue Vacation on a monthly basis up to 3 weeks per annum 
• 3 Paid personal days and floating holidays 
• Flexible hours supporting your wellness and wellbeing  
• Annual performance review and merit increases based on performance (where applicable) 
• Supportive leadership and a culture of respect and inclusion 
• Access to tuition reimbursement (where applicable) and learning and development resources 

Work Mode & Job Location: In this role, you’ll benefit from the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement that prioritizes meaningful in-person connection. A minimum of two days per week on-site is expected, with additional in-person presence as operational needs evolve. This arrangement allows for a blend of in person and hybrid work that adapts to support both organizational priorities and employee flexibility and is subject to change over time.

The Region of Peel offers job based flexible hours of work that allows employees to manage personal and professional responsibilities while at the same time ensures business operational needs and customer service expectations are achieved.    

Interview: Our recruitment process will be completed with video conference technology.  

Kindly ensure to regularly monitor your spam and junk email folders, as important communications regarding your application may be directed there.

If this opportunity matches your qualifications and experience, please apply on-line. 

Peel Region consists of the cities of Brampton and Mississauga, and the town of Caledon.  Peel Region delivers essential services to more than 1.5 million residents and approximately 200,000 businesses.

We’re working to create a community that is safe, inclusive, and accessible.  A place where everyone feels they belong and can access the services they need to thrive throughout each stage of life.

Our workforce is 6,700 strong and since 1974, we’ve been delivering a wide range of resident focused services. Our services include paramedic services, health programs, long-term care and services for seniors, child care support, garbage collection and recycling, waste water and water treatment, road maintenance, financial assistance, and housing support. 

Recognized by Canada's Healthy Workplace Month® with the Great Employer Award presented by Excellence Canada, Peel Region is a place where everyone feels they belong. We strive to develop a workplace that values and respects diversity, practices inclusion, recognizes the unique contributions and abilities of all people and facilitates innovative thinking. At Peel Region, people come first. Each employee has an important role within our community and when we work together, it’s impactful. We encourage you to join us in delivering essential services and programs to our diverse community. You won't find a better opportunity than Peel Region.

Peel Region is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is respected and valued for their contributions, and where everyone is treated fairly and has opportunity to grow and develop. As one of the most diverse regions in Canada, we are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the population we serve.

Peel Region is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process, upon request. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Accessible formats and communication supports are available. Please contact zzg-hrtalentacquisition@peelregion.ca 

Please be advised, Peel Region uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. It is the applicant’s responsibility to include an updated email address that is checked daily and accepts emails from unknown users. As we send time sensitive correspondence via email (i.e., testing bookings, interview dates), it is imperative that applicants check their email regularly. If we do not hear back from applicants, we will assume that you are no longer interested in the position and your application will be removed from the competition.