DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
- CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF VAUGHAN
PeopleFind Inc. is an Executive Search and Outplacement firm committed to the delivery of outstanding results. For job seekers, we encourage you to visit our website and take advantage of the many free resources available to you. For employers, we promise to deliver the best service, price and guarantee combination available in the industry.
POSITION LOCATION:
This position is based in the City of Vaughan, Ontario, just north of the City of Toronto. We advertise in various locations to raise the visibility of this opportunity for those interested in relocating.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
Vaughan, with a population over 300,000, is one of Canada’s fastest growing municipalities. Situated on the northern boundary of the City of Toronto, Canada’s largest city, Vaughan is north central to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) which has a population exceeding 6 million people. Vaughan has experienced stellar growth over the past 25 years and this growth is projected to continue. Additionally, within one day’s drive are two thirds of Canada’s population and almost half of the US population. Close proximity to these markets well-positions the incumbent for building effective collaborative relationships ensuring Vaughan’s economic growth and prosperity.
Vaughan possesses all of the amenities and public infrastructure necessary for large scale growth; an extensive transportation and state-of-the-art telecommunications network, the second largest inventory of vacant land primed for commercial/industrial development, and the lowest property taxes in the GTA. Major new projects include the extension of the Toronto subway north into the City of Vaughan and the development of a new regional hospital. A diverse, well-educated and skilled workforce provides a competitive edge for industries choosing Vaughan as their headquarters.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Position Overview
The Director of Corporate Communications is responsible for providing leadership and direction to management and staff within the Communications Department in the design and delivery of communication programs and services including media relations and issues management. The Director is responsible for developing communication strategies which help to promote and protect the image of the City, as well as to ensure internal and external communications contribute to the effectiveness of programs and services throughout the City. The Director will provide professional level consultation to the City Manager on dealing with the media and formulating proactive communication strategies and promotes the use of communications within the City and works to develop communications as a core management competency.
The Director of Corporate Communications reports to the Executive Director, City Manager’s Office.
Position Responsibilities
Staffing Selection:
Assesses staffing need, participates in the recruitment process and makes / authorizes recommendations concerning the selection of staff.
Staff Development:
Directs the activities of departmental staff including performance appraisal, training, development, grievance responses, discipline, and provides recommendations / authorization pertaining to promotion, demotion and termination.
Departmental Policies and Procedures:
Develops, reviews and revises as necessary departmental policies and procedures, service levels and standards related to internal and external communications programs and services including media relations, public relations, corporate and community relations and crisis communications. In addition, develops web, intranet content, protocol, event and media relations policies and procedures.
Corporate Strategic Planning:
Participates in the corporate strategic planning and business planning process on aspects of communications.
Directs Corporate Communications Strategies:
Leads the development of corporate communications strategies in accordance with the City’s strategic and business planning.
Manages Corporate Branding:
Ensures consistency and integration of individual departmental communication strategies, promotional material to enhance corporate image, and public awareness of programs and services.
Counsel on Communications and Media Relations:
Provides advice and guidance to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager and Senior Management regarding communications and media relations issues.
Media Contact in Emergencies:
Acts as the primary media contact for the Corporation during emergencies in accordance with the City Emergency Plan.
Media Relations and Congruency:
Directs and provides leadership for the City’s Media Relations program to maintain effective media contacts, accuracy of information, and consistency of messaging and proactive positioning of the City through the media.
Public and Community Relations Programs:
Directs and provides leadership in the development of innovative public and community relations programs to encourage public education, knowledge and involvement in civic and community activities.
Manages Key Information:
Prepares reports, makes recommendations and attends council, department head, special interest groups and other meetings as necessary.
Partnerships and Strategic Alliances:
Liaises with internal and external clients to develop partnerships and strategic alliances to ensure corporate communications goals are met.
Cross Disciplinary and Inter-Organizational and Inter-Governmental Teams:
Provides leadership by participating on inter-departmental, inter-governmental or inter-organizational teams as a City representative to ensure the City’s communications interests are met.
Budget Development and Administration:
Prepares annual departmental budget submission, monitors and administers approved budget, reports on the same and authorizes payment of accounts.
OHS Compliance:
Responsible for ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and the Corporate Occupational Health and Safety Policy and related procedures.
Other Duties:
Performs other related tasks, as assigned, that are in accordance with job responsibilities or necessary departmental or corporate objectives.
REQUIREMENTS:
University Degrees:
Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or, Business Administration, and/or Master’s Degree in Communications, Business Administration or related discipline, or suitable equivalent. Advance preparation in mass/media communications.
Professional Experience:
Seven (7) to ten (10) years experience including a minimum of five (5) years related experience at a senior management level, in the design and delivery of communications programs and services, including several years developing strategic communication initiatives.
Knowledge of Municipal Government:
Understand the process of municipal government, the programs and services provided to the public; and the unique and diverse communication needs within their business units and clients they serve.
Project Management:
Proven project management ability, demonstrating a high-energy team leader capable of multi-tasking and managing several important corporate initiatives simultaneously.
Communications Strategies:
Demonstrated ability developing communications strategies, ability to identify where communications can have an impact in the organization, and an understanding of what aspects contribute to or detract from the effectiveness of communications.
Interpersonal Acumen:
Proven interpersonal skills.
Communications:
Excellent communication skills, oral and written, effective listening skills and strong public relations, customer service and presentation skills.
Leadership:
Highly developed organizational and leadership skills to motivate and manage a high performance team, manage projects and handle multiple projects effectively.
Management and Strategic Planning:
Sound management, budget, analytical, problem solving and decision making skills coupled with superior strategic planning skills.
Computer Skills:
Computer literacy in a Windows environment utilizing Microsoft Office applications with a proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.
Summary of Core Competencies:
Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in the City’s core competencies including in-depth problem solving & analysis, decisive judgment, functional acumen, planning & organizing, teamwork & collaboration, adapting to change, delivering results, safety, quality focus, customer service, and written communication.
Flexibility:
Ability to work outside regular business hours, as required, including evenings and weekends.
COMPENSATION:
Salary is six figures and commensurate with experience. Comprehensive health benefits are provided. Normal business expenses are covered and the position provides four weeks of paid vacation.
TO APPLY:
Please state position applied for as “Director of Corporate Communications” and send resume by Email or Fax to PeopleFind Inc:
Email: docc-m@peoplefindinc.com
Fax: 905-477-9170 or 1-866-477-9170 (toll-free)
Call: if you have submitted your resume, meet all the requirements, and, need additional information you may call Carolyn at PeopleFind Inc: 905-477-9330 or toll free: 1-866-477-0855.
We appreciate all expressions of interest, however, as a practical matter, only select candidates whose backgrounds best match our client’s requirements will be contacted. All resumes are retained and treated confidentially for consideration against future opportunities.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
Your resume is held in confidence and will not be sent to any employer without your prior permission.
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act: PeopleFind Inc. complies with the provisions of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”) which became effective January 1, 2004. By forwarding your resume to PeopleFind Inc., you can rest assured that your resume will be held in total confidence and will only be presented to prospective employers and affiliated executive search firms upon receiving your prior approval to do so. Please refer to www.peoplefindinc.com in order to view our company’s privacy policy.
Services We Provide:
Recruit for Most Business Roles: This includes management, executive, contract, temporary, temp, permanent, president, CEO, CIO, COO, CFO, CTO, C-Level, accounting, accountant, finance, financial, banking, legal, sales, sales representative, sales rep, retail, marketing, advertising, brand, branding, account executive, national accounts, key account, engineering, engineer, project manager, information technology, IT, human resources, HR, logistics, distribution, procurement, buyer, supply chain. Call us at 905-477-9330 or 1-866-477-0855 (toll-free).
Type of Executive Search / Recruiting Engagements: We work on retainer, exclusive contingency and contingency agreements depending on the complexity and confidentiality of the assignment. We place both permanent and contract employees. Call us at 905-477-9330 or 1-866-477-0855 (toll-free).
PeopleFind Outplacement, Career Transition and Career Coaching: We provide career transition services including career assessment, job search planning, employment networking, resumes and cover letters, interview skills coaching, downsizings, terminations and reorganization consulting and all services associated with an employee release. We assist every level including executives, professionals, management and front line staff. We offer service worldwide using E-Learning via the web / internet and telephone and affiliates. Toronto area services include Markham, North York, Mississauga, and across Ontario. Call us at 905-477-9330 or 1-866-477-0855 (toll-free).
