Chief Communications & Engagement Officer

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Chief Communications & Engagement Officer is responsible for providing leadership, management, and setting direction for a diverse department with multiple functional areas including Corporate Communication, 311 Contact Centre, Marketing and Advertising, Public Engagement, French Language Services, and Web and Social Media. Additionally, the Department is responsible for administering the Sponsor Winnipeg program, and providing Corporate Writing for senior administration and elected officials.

This position is part of the Executive Management Team in the Office of the CAO and acts at a senior advisory capacity. It provides leadership, expertise, and guidance on high profile public issues and reputation management to senior administration including the CAO, other Department heads, and subject matter experts within City departments.

The Chief Communications & Engagement Officer is part of the Emergency Management Coordination Committee, and assumes responsibility for leading communications activities when the Emergency Operations Centre is activated in a crisis.

This position will also provide information, support, and expertise to elected officials, including the Mayor, on high profile public issues as well as issues related specifically to operations within the Customer Service & Communications Department. Additionally, the Chief Communications & Engagement Officer will advise the Mayor and/or Mayor’s staff on any anticipated customer service/communications issues that may have political implications or attract media attention, questions from elected officials, or concerns from stakeholders. This ensures the CAO and Mayor’s Office are prepared to respond accordingly

This position requires a significant commitment of personal time for activities such as reading, consulting, watching documentaries and newscasts, networking, researching, participating in applicable associations, and attending courses, seminars, workshops, and lectures. This ongoing development is essential for staying informed about factors affecting communications and emerging public issues at all levels of government.

As the Chief Communications & Engagement Officer you will:

• Lead the Department’s strategic and operational planning process with respect to the formulation of goals, objectives, and performance measures while ensuring alignment with the business plan for all responsible functions listed above including Corporate Communications, 311 Contact Centre, French Language Services, Marketing & Advertising, Sponsor Winnipeg, and Office of Public Engagement.
• Lead, coordinate, and set corporate direction on public communication across all City departments.
• Participate and take a leadership role on internal and external committees on specific projects and initiatives.
• Develop and manage the Department’s budget (which is approximately $9.5 million). This included moving, reducing, or modifying budgets to meet Department needs.
• Provide leadership, management, direction, and mentorship to staff within the Customer Service & Communications Department.
• Identify emerging issues and proactively and effectively manages issues to preserve an accurate and positive image on the City.

Your education and qualifications include:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such Political Studies, Public Relations, Communications or Journalism, or an equivalent combination of education, training and demonstrated experience.
2. Trained in International Association of Public Participation Fundamentals is preferred within 1st six months of hire.
3. Minimum 10 years of experience leading and managing a large unionized organization that provides numerous programs and services to the public. Preference will be given to those that have managed departments within public sector organizations of comparable size and complexity as the City of Winnipeg.
4. Experience leading and managing a diverse team of professionals including inspiring, building and motivating high-performing teams by leading by example with the ability to ensure a respectful work environment that values diversity and inclusion.
5. Financial management experience including financial planning, budgeting, and financial monitoring for a large department and use innovation to find ways of more effectively managing resources.
6. Experience working in a context that interfaces with political matters daily and has a keen ability to demonstrate tact and discretion in handling matters of a confidential or politically sensitive nature, and to maintain confidentiality.
7. Experience in the management of high profile public issues and leading crisis communications with significant public impact. Able to envision, develop, and deliver innovative solutions to complex and politically sensitive issues and problems.
8. Experience in dealing with local and national media (print, TV, radio) including acting as a public spokesperson for an organization.
9. Experience with strategic planning at a senior level, including managing complex organizational change and determining and setting priorities based on organizational mandates and initiatives.
10. Experience developing comprehensive communication strategies for sensitive issues that include earned and owned media strategies along direct outreach to key stakeholders.
11. Comprehensive understanding in customer service fundamentals and customer access technology.
12. Ability to manage delivery of services to the public in accordance with legislation, including establishing and monitoring appropriate policies and procedures and implementing and managing service performance targets.
13. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise, work cooperatively and effectively with Elected Officials, CAO, and other Senior Management, Department Heads, Managers and city staff across the Public Service; able to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
14. Must be highly independent and self-directed with the ability to work and lead a team of creative and technical individuals; able to supervise and coach staff effectively.
15. Excellent verbal communicator with exceptional presentation skills and the ability to communicate with all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.
16. Excellent written communication skills including the ability to write politically sensitive and confidential material for senior level staff.

*IMPORTANT: Applicants who have been educated outside of Canada must have education which is comparable to the minimum qualification in Canada. Applicants submitting foreign credentials require an official academic assessment report issued by a recognized Canadian assessment service https://www.canalliance.org/en/ at application.