Communications and Marketing Associate (Temporary Full Time for approximately 18 months)

Position Overview :

We believe communication is crucial to building connections and creating a sense of community. Using creativity and innovative thinking, we strive to not only share information, but also engage in meaningful conversations with our citizens.

We are looking for a highly driven individual who thrives under pressure to join the Corporate Communications and Marketing team.

As a communications and marketing associate you will develop and maintain relationships with internal colleagues (your clients), that will allow you to share information about valuable programs and services with the public.

Responsibilities :

Our Communications and Marketing Associates are :

Committed to Customer Service

• You understand people and what they need.
• You build trust by doing what you say you will.
• You listen carefully and ask thoughtful questions.
• You ask yourself how you can add value in each interaction.

Collaborators

• You understand that relationships take work.
• You look for opportunities to make connections to align and achieve client goals.
• You focus on the end user without losing sight of the needs of everyone on the team.

Creative

• You're not afraid to put ideas on the table.
• You know the right tools to use to capture your audience's attention.
• You can adapt your writing to maximize the effectiveness of each channel

Natural Communicators

• You know your audience.
• You translate ideas in ways that are easily understood.
• You share stories.

You have a three-year degree or diploma and at least two years of experience in a marketing or public relations role. If this sounds like you and you have a genuine interest in serving our community, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Other responsibilities :

• Leads the collaborative, team development of proactive, well researched tactical communications and marketing plans for city divisions and projects.
• Develops and implements tactical communications and marketing plans including : conducting market research, attending meetings with customers, providing general communications and marketing advice, input and insights, leading group discussions and working with customers to understand and respond to their priorities and challenges.
• Proactively meets and communicates with customers on a variety of topics to develop an in-depth understanding of their services, issues and priorities, challenges and opportunities and using that information to develop communications and marketing advice and support.
• Co-ordinates and oversees the timely implementation and production of all communications and marketing collateral (traditional and online) for assigned customers.
• Co-ordinates, books and reconciles media buys (radio, TV and print) as required within tactical communications and marketing plans.
• Evaluates the progress, implementation and success of communications and marketing plans and materials on an ongoing basis and provides updates and advice on potential responses to customers and management when required.
• Monitors and provide advice about communications and marketing budgets for specific projects.
• Monitors traditional and online communications / social media channels for public comment about initiatives and projects and share this information with appropriate customers and management staff.
• Researches and keeps up to date with emerging trends, ideas approaches and tools in the communications and marketing industry.
• Works collaboratively with all members of the communications and marketing team to achieve defined and measurable objectives which includes : actively engaging other members of the team in finding creative solutions to challenges facing you and your customers;

sharing the workload evenly and proactively sharing information and lessons with other team members when it would benefit them and their customers.

Performs the duties of a website content publisher including reviewing, editing and approving or rejecting website content changes requested by content writers;

enforcing the city's website policy and web writing guidelines; writing, posting, monitoring and updating content related to projects / initiatives that are part of communications and marketing plans.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements :

• Minimum 3 year degree / diploma in a related field, such as journalism, public relations, marketing or communications.
• Minimum 2 years of related experience.
• Experience in the development and implementation of communications and marketing campaigns, plans and strategies.
• Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge of the following web-based applications : iCreate, Form Builder and Constant Contact.
• Ability to understand, identify and analyze consumer and business trends.
• Demonstrated project management and research skills.
• Proven ability to write copy in a variety of different styles.
• Solid knowledge of Canadian Press Style Guide.
• Solid understanding of media relations strategy, knowledge of the local media and how to use the media to advance the organization's goals and objectives.
• Able to work under pressure, multi-tasking on numerous high priority projects simultaneously and produce quality work under short deadlines.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and deadline oriented.
• Ability to support and project values compatible with the organization and participates as an effective team member.
• Demonstrate skill in the use computer software packages including Microsoft Office.
• Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.

The City of Kitchener is committed to an equity-driven, inclusive, accessible, and barrier-free recruitment and selection process, and to ensuring our workforce reflects the full diversity of the community we serve.

We welcome applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ persons, as well as other equity deserving groups.

We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

Please contact Human Resources at

Department

Corporate Services

Division

Corporate Communications and Marketing

Union Affiliation

CUPE 791

Number of Positions

Hours of Work

35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Location

Initial Location

City Hall

City

Kitchener

Compensation

Salary Range

$70,041 - $87,553 annually

effective Nov 1, 2024 : $71,959 - $89,950

Grade / Band