Job Specifications
Position: Manager, Communications & Public Engagement
Term: Full-Time
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Reporting to: Director, Communications & Public Engagement
Vacancy Type: Existing Vacancy
The Organization: Waterfront Toronto
Waterfront Toronto was established by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and the City of Toronto in 2001 to oversee and lead the renewal of the city’s waterfront. Our mandate is to deliver a revitalized waterfront that brings together the most innovative approaches to sustainable urban development, excellence in design, real estate development, and leading technology infrastructure. Working with stakeholders, and with public and private-sector partners, Waterfront Toronto creates neighbourhoods anchored by parks and public spaces, and diverse, sustainable, mixed-use communities that offer a high quality of life for residents, employees, and visitors alike. We are transforming the waterfront for the use and enjoyment of the people of Toronto, Ontario, and Canada, to foster economic growth and to redefine how the city, province and country are perceived by the world.
The Opportunity: Manager, Communications & Public Engagement
Waterfront Toronto is seeking a Manager, Communications & Public Engagement. The incumbent will work collaboratively with departments across the organization to amplify and celebrate achievements that demonstrate Waterfront Toronto’s vision. Working in a challenging and dynamic environment, the incumbent will be an energetic, flexible, self-starter interested in playing an integral role in a broad range of strategic communications and public engagement activities.
Key Responsibilities:
The Communications and Public Engagement department operates within a matrixed structure and collaborates with internal departments, external project partners, and key stakeholders to seamlessly support Waterfront Toronto’s communications needs. Within this context, this position fulfils the following responsibilities:
Strategic Communications:
Develop and execute corporate-wide campaigns in collaboration with internal and external project teams.
Develop and execute innovative communications and marketing strategies that create awareness and understanding of Waterfront Toronto’s mandate, projects, and initiatives, and reinforce the corporation’s value proposition among a number of stakeholders.
Lead and oversee logistics related to executing communications plans.
Lead media relations strategies, develop opportunities and story ideas, plan and manage media events and announcements, create messaging, news releases, backgrounders, briefing notes, and respond to inquiries.
Act as the communications expert by bringing your knowledge of leading communications practices to committees, special projects, and in advising our spokespeople and leaders.
Uncover and share captivating, timely, impactful stories that could live across our communication channels, such as our websites, social media channels and newsletters.
Plan, develop and oversee the deployment of print and digital content, ensuring information is relatable and compelling.
Collaborate with project teams and stakeholders to capture the corporation’s strongest narratives.
Create content and manage the production of video and other multi-media content.
Track metrics assessing effectiveness of communications campaigns and programs and make adjustments where needed.
Develop and execute programming and animation activities in support of corporate objectives.
Stakeholder Relations
Cultivate and grow constructive relationships with constellations of interested parties including political office holders, project partners and other stakeholders.
Represent Waterfront Toronto at meetings and events.
Establish goals and objectives, identify appropriate tools and tactics, assign responsibilities, and manage timelines, deliverables, and budgets.
Identify issues and provide strategic advice on communications matters, both internal and external, including community stakeholder management, reputational risk and liability, and public engagement.
General
Manage external consultants and vendors, as needed.
Provide direction, oversight and relevant information to Communications and Public Engagement Coordinator(s) and other team members in relation to the above duties.
Other duties as assigned.
Skills and Qualifications:
5 – 8 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or public engagement.
Post-secondary degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
Experience in the public sector and agencies is an asset.
Strong media relations skills and relationships.
Experience with web management/content management systems an asset.
Detail-oriented with strong analytical, planning and project-management ability.
Understanding of all facets of communication principles and best practices.
Ability to manage multiple and often competing priorities and work under tig