Engagement and Outreach Specialist

ABOUT US

Almost million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Manager, Promotion and Education is responsible for developing, planning, implementing, and reviewing Department policies, procedures and guidelines for public and stakeholder outreach, engagement and consultation plans, projects and programs; supports, researches, recommends and/or establishes education, awareness, outreach and engagement for the Department; supports the development of strategies, plans, programs and opportunities; assists in the development of Department strategic outreach, engagement and consultation across the organization and with external stakeholders.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• In consultation with management, leads the implementation and development of policies, procedures and guidelines for public stakeholder, outreach engagement and consultation strategies.
• Leads the development of an evaluation framework for monitoring public/stakeholder outreach, engagement and consultation outcomes.
• In consultation with management and staff, determines public/stakeholder outreach, engagement and consultation needs.
• Conducts research on best practices, as directed, to support public/stakeholder outreach, engagement and consultation trends.
• Reviews and edits communication products/materials/documents for public distribution.
• Researches various legislations, policies and programs for background material, as required.
• Identifies best practices and key performance indicators for Department outreach, engagement and consultation programs, services and practices.
• Develops, implements and monitors a process framework to track outreach, engagement and consultation effectiveness and efficiencies.
• Represents the Department with both internal and external stakeholders’ networks and is responsible for ensuring representation aligns with Departmental strategic priorities.
• Ensures that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a University Degree in Public Relations, Communications or Public Policy or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience designing, developing and delivering a variety of popular and non-traditional, culturally appropriate outreach materials to support community capacity building.
• Knowledge of community engagement principles and strategies and an understanding of the issues, services and programs that exist for vulnerable groups.
• Ability to work within an inclusion framework, including familiarity with the sociology of large and complex urban, suburban and rural areas with an ethno racially, linguistically and economically diverse population.
• Demonstrated public relations, outreach and communications experience.
• Experience with IAP2 public participation principles.