Manager of Community Engagement & Strategic Initiatives

✓ 8hr ✓ Days

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Manager, Community Engagement & Strategic Initiatives

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Deputy Chief- Administration

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for developing comprehensive and effective communication and marketing strategies and processes. Oversees and provides public relations and communication support to all levels of the Service, striving to promote and enhance the image of the Service, utilizing the most effective media tools. This role will work to harmonize all communication and efforts of the Service (media and public relations, strategic communications, crisis communication, public engagement, branding, etc.) to enhance public awareness and support corporate objectives and Service priorities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning:
Assess and plan Service-wide and program-specific communications strategies to promote and translate the mission, vision and values and goals of Guelph Police Service into an effective communication plan both internally and externally. Develop, implement and maintain communication and brand management strategies/plans that enhance the Guelph Police Service corporate image and ensure a consistent message and key theme, as well as raising the profile and projecting a positive image of the Guelph Police Service and its members. Consider both short and long-term impacts on public perception of Guelph Police Service policies and programs. Collaborate with Research and Development to develop the Annual Report, Business/Strategic Plan and other publications. Develop, implement and maintain an Internal Communication Plan, leveraging current digital communications and media, and implementing new strategies, as required. Prepare regular and ad hoc reports to support internal analysis, strategic planning and executive decision-making.

Public Affairs:
Monitor and identify all contentious issues and develop pro-active media communications programs/activities to deal with such issues. Implement appropriate procedures to neutralize misinformation in regards to potentially sensitive or damaging critical situations or issues. Direct public relations issues and/or media trends as they emerge and address them directly and/or in conjunction with management, by recommending communication strategies, if required. Monitor various media sources to ensure factual and accurate information is reported and follow up with the source to correct when incorrect information is circulated. Organize formal news conferences, special events and projects related to communications and public relations initiatives. Build and maintain sustainable relationships with counterparts in professional organizations, police services, media, members of the community and community organizations through various initiatives and jointly sponsored communication campaigns and programs.

Administration:
Plan, develop, implement, track and ensure consistency of communications, advertisements, briefing notes, public education initiatives, crime prevention initiatives, public presentations and/or speeches for presentation by staff. Develop and prepare external promotional/presentation materials for the Service including brochures, newsletters and information packages. Coordinate the production of communication materials to ensure that a standardized and consistent image and identity is used to reinforce the Guelph Police Service profile. Prepare speeches, talking points and briefing notes for the Chief, Deputies and members, including the development of questions and answers, background, and research for interviews on respective issues. Provide editorial support for other communications, as requested. Proofread and edit internal and external communications, to ensure consistent messaging. Assist with the development of forms, logos, uniforms, equipment and facilities that incorporate intended messages when interfacing with the public and employees. Effectively manage resources and the unit budget and determine return on investment for all communications investments and activities. Monitor and evaluate departmental Key Performance Indicators to inform strategies, plans and objectives.

Staff Management and Development:
Develop media training program and provide in-service training and support to staff regarding media/public relations programs. Assist and work with Youth and Community Services to provide Crime prevention initiatives. Act as the Service’s key consultant to senior management in matters relating to information and communications issues. Liaise with management, providing training, advice, guidance and a centralized specialist service in public relations matters. Lead, manage and mentor Public Information unit staff to integrate their work and to provide opportunities for professional development. Oversees and manages performance evaluations, training and hiring needs of the unit. Inspire and motivate team members to foster a collaborative work environment and achieve departmental goals. Monitor the success of existing programs through feedback, surveys and observations.

Media Relations and Content Creation:
Provide guidance and coordination in the ongoing development and maintenance of the Service’s Internet, intranet and social media sites. Monitor and measure the success of all social platforms. Ensure consistency and appropriateness of content of Internet and intranet pages across in terms of both content, look and feel; Identify trends and recommend improvements, suggestions to the intranet, Internet and social media as required. Seek out innovative opportunities to communicate on behalf of the Service, responding with creativity to evolving needs and priorities. Oversee the planning and creation of high-quality and engaging content across the Service’s various communications channels. Manage and enhance Guelph Police Service’s brand image and reputation through effective messaging, positioning and promotional initiatives. Act as a resource and work with various media relations contacts regarding continuing communications at and on behalf of the Service. Oversee the execution of proactive and reactive tactics on Guelph Police Service social media accounts, organizing original content, fielding questions/inquiries from customers, ensuring cross-platform consistency on position statements, escalating emerging issues, and serve as final approver of post content.

Other:
Responsible for any other duties as assigned.

JOB COMPETENCIES:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum five (5) years of work experience in corporate communications. Municipal and/or Policing experience in corporate media/communications/marketing function would be an asset
• A degree/diploma in communications, media/public relations, business administration, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must have strong experience writing for several different mediums (e.g. web, print, marketing communications, etc.), and developing content for digital and traditional communications products
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Public Relations Accreditation preferred
• Knowledge of web technology including blogs, podcasts, interactive portals and other content-sharing sites
• Broad knowledge and experience in the area of new media, social networking platforms and applications
• Possess a valid Class G Driver’s License, or the equivalent for travel within and outside the City to attend meetings, training and seminars
• Basic knowledge of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation, Criminal Code as it relates to release of information to the media
• Knowledge of relevant legislation including the Community Safety and Policing Act, Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the Mental Health Act, the Ministry of Correctional Services Act, the Family Law Act, the Controlled Drugs & Substances Act and any other applicable statues, regulations and/or internal procedures
• Discretion and confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information
• Public speaking, speech writing and meeting facilitation would be an asset
• Excellent computer skills using MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop) together with other application software including desktop publishing, graphic design and web content management systems
• Experience in supervision and performance management is an asset

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Extensive sitting, listening and mental concentration
• Frequent interruptions and distractions from internal and external sources
• Some lifting (approximate maximum of 20lbs)
• Hours of work may vary and may require some extended shifts to meet multiple deadlines
• Subject to call-outs, therefore, must be willing to carry a work phone and be accessible while off-duty