Job descriptionThe Corporation of the Town of Midland
invites applications for the position of
Communications Specialist
(permanent full-time, 35 hours per week)
Join our innovative team of collaborators who are passionate about providing exceptional municipal services to our community. We strive to help our employees reach their professional goals through rewarding projects, collaborative team environments, and professional development. The Town of Midland is committed to increasing overall employee health and wellness and we are dedicated to supporting flexibility and providing employees with a better work-life balance. The Town is a scent sensitive workplace. We kindly ask all applicants to refrain from using scented products should they have the occasion to interview with the Town.The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check, in accordance with the duties of this position.
This IBEW Local 636 union position is an existing vacancy and offers competitive total compensation including a hiring hourly wage rate of $34.01, 35 hours per week ($61,889.61 annually), with a salary range up to $42.51 per hour ($77,362.01 annually, under review), along with OMERS pension, 8 paid sick days, and 18 discretionary paid days per year. Per the Collective Agreement, IBEW members have first consideration.
This posting closes on Thursday, August 20, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. Position Summary Reporting to the Manager, Customer Experience & Communications, the Communications Specialist is responsible for the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of the Town of Midland's corporate communications. This role supports the organization in effectively informing, engaging, and building trust with the community while protecting and enhancing the Town’s reputation.
Operating within a small, centralized communications function, this position is both strategic and hands-on in nature. The Communications Specialist is responsible for personally developing and delivering communications products and initiatives, while also providing professional advice and guidance across the organization.
The role regularly supports senior leadership and exercises independent judgment in managing messaging, public engagement, media relations, and emerging issues. The position is privy to confidential and sensitive information, including matters related to organizational strategy, labour relations, and issues management, and is expected to maintain a high degree of discretion and professionalism.
Duties & Responsibilities Strategic Communications & Organizational Support Develop and implement communications plans that support Council priorities, corporate initiatives, and departmental projects. Provide communications advice and recommendations to the Manager and, where appropriate, senior leadership, including the Mayor and CAO. Identify communications risks and opportunities and recommend proactive approaches to messaging and engagement. Support cross-departmental alignment by ensuring consistent, clear, and effective corporate messaging.
Content Development & Digital Communications Develop, write, edit, and publish high-quality communications content across all corporate channels, including website, social media, email communications, and print materials. Manage the day-to-day operation of the Town’s website and social media platforms, working with subject matter experts to ensure content is current, accurate, accessible, and aligned with corporate standards. Translate complex municipal information into clear, engaging, and accessible content for diverse audiences. Review, edit, and approve content submitted by departments to ensure consistency in tone, quality, readability, and brand alignment. Maintain and evolve corporate templates, style guidelines, and messaging standards.
Campaigns & Public Engagement Lead the development and execution of communications campaigns and public engagement initiatives, including content creation, scheduling, and promotion. Collaborate with departments to design communications approaches that support community participation and awareness. Develop surveys, promotional materials, and outreach strategies to support engagement initiatives. Evaluate campaign effectiveness using analytics and feedback and recommend improvements.
Media Relations & Issues Management Draft media releases, public statements, key messages, and briefing materials. Monitor media coverage and public sentiment to identify emerging issues and inform communications approaches. Support the coordination of media responses, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and consistency. Contribute to the development and delivery of communications related to service disruptions, high-profile initiatives, and reputational risks.
Crisis & Emergency Communications Support the Town’s emergency and service disruption communications by developing and delivering clear, timely public information. Assist in preparing communications materials for urgent or sensitive situations, requiring sound judgment and responsiveness. Maintain composure and professionalism when communicating in high-pressure or rapidly evolving circumstances.
Corporate Governance, Training & Support Provide guidance and support to staff across the organization on communications best practices, branding, and digital content. Deliver training and resources to help departments communicate effectively and consistently. Ensure compliance with legislative and corporate standards, including Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements. Serve as an ambassador for corporate communications, supporting a culture of clear, consistent, and customer-focused service.
Confidential & Sensitive Communications Handle confidential and sensitive information. Support the development and delivery of internal communications related to sensitive issues, requiring discretion and sound judgment. Exercise a high level of professionalism and confidentiality when working with senior leadership and corporate information not yet in the public domain.
Team Member Work as a team player promoting a positive and professional work environment and conduct role with integrity and respect. Uphold the Town’s values of integrity, accountability, empowerment, purposefulness, and service excellence. Act as an Ambassador throughout the community, positively representing the Town. Abide by the policies and procedures of the Town. Abide by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and work in a manner that is safe, reporting incidents immediately to direct supervisor. Perform other duties as assigned to meet the overall goals and objectives of the Town. Build and maintain knowledge and expertise in relevant fields.
Qualifications and Requirements College diploma or degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related discipline required. An equivalent combination of education and experience May be considered. Minimum of two (2) years of practical experience in a communications, marketing, or public relations role. Strong knowledge of public relations and advertising principles, especially as they relate to government or public sector organizations. Comfortable managing media interactions and requests. Experience managing social media and digital marketing for an organization. Skilled in writing, editing, and verbal communication, with a creative approach to storytelling and engagement. Familiarity with desktop publishing, website management, and graphic design; photography and print production experience is an asset. Ability to plan, launch, and evaluate campaigns, programs, and events, showing initiative and creativity in public engagement. Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Knowledge of Council and municipal government processes is an asset. Strong interpersonal and consultative skills, with a commitment to customer-focused service. Able to support forums, speaking engagements, and represent the Town in a positive, professional manner. Sound judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
Effort/Physical Demands Physical demand requires standing, sitting and walking. Requires strong attention to detail for reading, writing, and creating content without interruption. Expect to regularly engage with the public through in-person, social media and digital channels, which can include responding to challenging feedback and criticism of the corporation. Professionalism, resilience, and composure are essential. Work in a safe manner that follows the Town’s Health and Safety policies and in compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
Working Conditions Normal work week is 35 hours. Will be required to work some evenings and weekends as needed. May be required to attend events, conferences, and seminars/workshops where applicable. Normal office working environment.
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted. In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act and will only be used for candidate selection.
The Town of Midland may utilize automated screening tools (i.e. questionnaires) to highlight candidates' qualifications; however, the Town does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the diverse population we serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized people, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as LGBTQ2S+.
The Town of Midland is committed to providing accommodation based on any human rights protected grounds and in accordance with the AODA, throughout the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation, please notify us when contacted for an interview and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Attachments (1) Communications Specialist - Job Posting - July 2026.pdf
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