Senior Communications Advisor

Do you have a passion for our city and the initiatives that make this place uniquely Edmonton? As a Senior Communications Advisor supporting Edmonton Transit Service branch within the City Operations department, you will provide dedicated communications strategy and team guidance in the delivery of safe, convenient, reliable and accessible transit service to Edmontonians.

As a Senior Communications Advisor, you will be responsible for leading and supervising a team of communications professionals, providing day-to-day communication services, and offering strategic communication advice and planning. This involves developing and supervising staff, overseeing the creation and delivery of high-quality communications products, and providing strategic counsel to business partner leadership teams. The role requires a proactive approach to issues management, strong collaboration skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

What will you do?

• Develop, supervise and motivate a team of high-performing communications and marketing professionals to produce excellent work for business partners and the people of Edmonton
• Responsible for staff, onboarding, offboarding and resource planning
• Assess skills and training needs of team members
• Accountable for approving time entry, conducting formal and informal performance reviews and evaluations, resolving conflicts, and guiding staff to appropriate internal resources
• Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship
• Manage staff schedules, workload and priorities to ensure consistent support to the branch
• Oversee the development, coordination, and delivery of high quality communications products that promote and enhance the City's image, brand, and reputation
• Ensure proper processes and approvals are followed and implemented by team members
• Provide guidance to staff in the areas of communications strategy and plans, messaging and tactics
• Coordinate and approve responses to the public, media and Council
• Provide strategic communications consultation and advice to business partner leadership teams
• Provide direct strategic and tactical communications support for complex and/or high profile projects, initiatives or programs

Qualifications

• Post-secondary graduation in a communications, public relations, or related field
• Supplemented by a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in a designated public relations, public affairs, or public information position
• Minimum two (2) years of communications experience in a similar organization
• One (1) year of experience in a related supervisory capacity

-or-

• Diploma in a communications, public relations, or related field
• Supplemented by a minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in a designated public relations, public affairs, or public information position
• Minimum two (2) years of communications experience in a similar organization
• One (1) year of experience in a related supervisory capacity

Assets

• Accreditation in the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS)

Skills required for success

• Extensive knowledge of the requirements of mass communication media, internal and external communications planning and public relations principles and practices
• Demonstrated experience in a supervisory role supplemented by demonstrated collaborative and team building skills
• Experience in successfully creating, developing, implementing and evaluating communication plans
• Extensive traditional media relations understanding and experience
• Digital and social media understanding and experience
• Superior issues identification and management skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects and competing deadlines
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion

Conditions of Employment

• Applicants may be tested

Work Environment

• Note: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite as per the Letter of Understanding between the City of Edmonton and Civic Service Union 52
• The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement and the incumbent will be notified in advance

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

Hours of Work: 33.75 hours per week

Salary Range: $52.414 - $65.871 (Hourly); $92,340.36 - $116,048.230 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: AG/SO

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

Classification Title: Public Information Officer III
Posting Date: Oct 05, 2026
Closing Date: Oct 18, 2026 11:59pm (MDT)
Number of Openings (up to): 1 - Permanent Full-time
Union: CSU 52
Department: Communications and Engagement
Work Location(s): 11th Floor Edmonton Tower, 10111 104 Avenue Edmonton T5J 0J4