Manager, Communications and Community Engagement

As the third largest City in British Columbia, the City of Burnaby is committed to creating and sustaining the best quality of life for our entire community. As a City, we provide facilities and services that support a safe, connected, inclusive, healthy and dynamic community. With this in mind, comes great responsibility – we seek likeminded individuals who are passionate about the community, work with integrity and respect, and are innovative when it comes to the work and services Burnaby provides to our citizens.

Reporting to the Director, Marketing and Communications, the Manager, Communications and Community Engagement is responsible for developing and implementing the City’s communications and community engagement strategy. In this role, you will provide communications advice to management and staff, often related to high profile Council priorities, sensitive, controversial and confidential matters; and liaise with other managers about the production of communications materials and City-wide integration. You will analyze emerging operational issues and initiatives; proactively identify and provide guidance and assistance on issues management and communications plans. You will have the opportunity to manage communications and community engagement staff; provide direction and guidance to staff including recruitment, performance and attendance management, training, coaching and development; while occasionally conducting investigations and administer discipline. In addition, you will host regular meetings with staff to determine and discuss departmental goals and objectives; and provide direction and guidance to external consultants related to marketing and communications projects. You will take the lead on developing, refining, updating and implementing the communications and community engagement strategy, in accordance with the Corporate Strategic Plan and complementary departmental plans. Other responsibilities include providing direction, oversight, expertise and planning of City-wide communications and community engagement activities focused on positively promoting the City and informing the public about key initiatives, their expected impacts and the opportunities for public involvement. You will have the chance to build connections and collaborate with other managers and a wide variety of staff on City advertising, media releases and digital communications to ensure coordinated and effective use of City and media resources. Research, and write highly sensitive, confidential and complex materials while ensuring it meets requirements of Corporate strategy, standards and messaging. As a manager, you will administer and monitor communication budgets; establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders; provide communications expertise and support as a member of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and liaise with the City’s Emergency Management Team and Public Affairs Department. Performs related work as required.

Qualifications include a degree in communications, business administration, English, journalism or a related discipline and minimum five years of related management experience in a multi-level public-sector organization, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. This role requires considerable knowledge of policies, rules and regulations governing the work and of the City; of theories, principles, methods, practices, procedures and delivery techniques governing communications and issues management; of public relations and community engagement; and of internal and external communications functions. A successful candidate will have the ability to manage, direct and oversee a moderate-sized group of staff and to train, mentor and review the work of same; analyze issues and provide advice, guidance and assistance; prepare and manage divisional budgets; communicate effectively orally and in writing; and establish priorities and accomplish objectives in a timely manner. This role also requires skill in the use of various software applications. A Driver’s Licence for the Province of British Columbia is required.

Annual Salary: $104,442 – 109,026 – 113,646 – 118,248 – 122,850/year.

Please submit your application no later than November 12, 2024.

At the City of Burnaby, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce that authentically mirrors the vibrant community we proudly serve. We consistently embrace diversity and endeavor to build an inclusive workforce that celebrates the richness of our community. We warmly welcome applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and life experiences to join us in shaping a more vibrant and equitable future together.

Copies of relevant professional certificates or degrees will be required at the time of the interview.

Please contact People and Culture at 604-294-7303 if you do not receive a confirmation email within one hour of submitting your application online.

We thank all candidates for applying, but only those short listed will be contacted.