Communications Advisor

Are you a strategic communicator who thrives in fast-paced environments and excels at navigating complex, highly sensitive situations? The Reputation and External Communications team, in the Corporate Communications section, is seeking an agile and dedicated out-of-scope Communications Advisor to support a vital portfolio. You will be the primary driver behind communications plans and products that:

• Address the full collective bargaining cycle and labour relations business continuity activities
• Support communication needs for issues, emergencies and crises
• Provide surge capacity for organizational media relations activities and work by the Reputation and External Communications team

This is a unique opportunity to provide sophisticated communications counsel that directly impacts our employee experience and the community at large. If you are an adaptable professional with experience managing emergent issues with creativity and poise, we want you on our team.

Operating in an out-of-scope capacity due to the highly confidential nature of this portfolio, you will manage a heavy workload during periods of collective bargaining and emergency response. As part of the team that protects and enhances the City’s reputation, you will act as a trusted partner to various business areas, ensuring that strategic messages are operationalized seamlessly across internal and external channels. This role balances long-term, proactive communication strategies with immediate, last-minute reactive requests under tight deadlines.

What will you do?

• Develop and implement strategic communications plans, tactical products and content across the full collective bargaining lifecycle and business continuity stages
• Draft and coordinate approval of highly sensitive internal and external communication materials, including key messages, news releases, creative content, fact sheets, social media posts and Q&As
• Prepare proactive and reactive media responses in collaboration with internal subject matter experts
• Support the activation of corporate contingency and crisis communications plans
• Support the updating and maintenance of the Crisis Communications Program, Plan and training, ensuring Crisis Communications Team readiness
• Support organizational media relations as required
• Provide expert communications advice and tactical support to project managers, program managers, and directors across various departments
• Work closely with internal creative, social media, storytelling and digital teams, as well as external vendors and community partners, to coordinate consistent, brand-aligned messaging

Qualifications

• University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field, combined with a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in a designated communications, public relations, public affairs, or crisis/emergency communications role
  OR
• Diploma in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field, combined with a minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in a designated communications, public relations, public affairs, or crisis/emergency communications role
• A minimum of ICS 200 is required for this position. ICS 200 has a prerequisite of ICS 100. Applicants are preferred to provide proof of completed training. Applicants without ICS 200 will be considered, but must have the ability to achieve ICS 200 certification within 30 days of hire. A minimum of ICS 200 training is required or ability to complete this certification within 30 days of hire

Assets

• Demonstrated experience developing communications strategies specifically within a labour relations or collective bargaining environment
• Experience working within an Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) or navigating corporate business continuity frameworks

Skills required for success

• Extensive knowledge of mass communication principles, public relations techniques, and media relations best practices
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex, sensitive legal or financial details into clear text
• Strong consulting, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills to foster open collaboration across diverse departmental teams
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with a proven ability to perform well under pressure and manage shifting priorities
• Proficiency in digital communications, web content strategies, and navigating social media platforms within corporate guideline
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion

Work Environment

• Note: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite
• Availability to work variable hours, including evenings and weekends, during critical collective bargaining stages or emergency activations (e.g. labour disruptions) is required
• This position will be required to work at additional locations, including the Emergency Coordination Centre or evacuation reception centres, during an emergency activation

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits

Up to 1 permanent full-time position

Talent sourced through this process may be considered for similar opportunities within the City of Edmonton.

Hours of Work:  40 hours per week

Salary Range: $46.160 - $58.166 (Hourly); $96,382.08 - $121,450.61 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: KE / SB

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.

Classification Title: Public Info Officer II - 8hrs
Posting Date: Aug 06, 2026
Closing Date: Aug 16, 2026 11:59:00 PM (MDT)
Number of Openings (up to): 1 - Permanent Full-time
Union: Out of Scope
Department: Communications and Engagement
Work Location(s): 11th Floor Edmonton Tower, 10111 104 Avenue Edmonton T5J 0J4