Senior Manager, Communications and External Relations

Position Overview :

Reporting to the Director of External Relations, the Senior Communications & External Relations Manager is a key leader in shaping how the City of Saint John connects with residents, partners, all levels of government, and stakeholders. From media relations, public engagement, and external relations the Senior Communications & External Relations Manager ensures that every message and stakeholder interaction reflects the City’s vision and values.

As the bridge between strategy and execution, this leader inspires collaboration, innovation, and measurable results; leading the transition of strategy into clear, creative, and positive actions. The Senior Communications & External Relations Manager leads a team of talented communications professionals

If you’re a strategic communications leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and loves seeing your work make an impact in the community, this is your opportunity to lead with purpose and help tell Saint John’s story.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management

• Translate corporate and departmental strategic goals into operational plans with clear priorities and accountability.
• Manage a team of communication professionals, providing leadership and direction to ensure Council, corporate, and departmental goals are successfully achieved.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture aligned with City values.
• Drive workflow management to balance proactive campaigns and reactive issues.
• Act on behalf of the Director in times of absence, to attend Council meetings, lead crisis or emergency communications, and maintain external relations with partners and representatives in other levels of government.

Strategic and Operational Communications

Issues and Media Management

Public Engagement and Outreach

Brand and Digital Communications

Planning, Reporting, and Accountability

Essential Qualifications :

Education

Experience

Skills and Competencies

This position may require occasional work outside of regular business hours to support events, media inquiries, or emergency communications, including participation in an evening and weekend on-call rotation.

What we offer to a successful candidate :

The successful applicant may be eligible to participate in a Flexible Time Options Program which includes the option of working a 4 or 5-day work week, subject to business requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer :

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live and which we serve. We encourage and support applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups. Candidates who belong to such groups, who are qualified, will be given preference at the time of selection.

Applications will be accepted through our online system only. Qualified applicants should submit their cover letters and resumes to :

City of Saint John

Attn : Hiring Committee

(careers)

Only those applicants being considered further will be contacted.