Communications Advisor - Talent Pool

Role Responsibilities

CPE is seeking dynamic Communications Advisors (PS4) for various ministries within the Government of Alberta who have a range of public relations skills and strong strategic and critical thinking abilities. This role provides communications services and support to clients and collaborates closely with other communications colleagues.

In addition to roles in various ministries, candidates may also be considered for a Communications Advisor role in CPE’s central branch supporting communications project management and the consistent, co-ordinated delivery of central communications services.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting ministry clients by providing strategic communication advice and developing products that meet their public-facing communications needs.
• Managing multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
• Responding promptly to emerging issues and shifting priorities.
• Developing and implementing strategic communications plans.
• Researching, writing, and editing a variety of communications products such as communications plans, speeches, key messages, media responses and digital content.
• Planning and executing media availabilities and media conferences, including traveling to announcements, and providing on-site support.
• Leveraging social media and digital platforms effectively.
• Using data and metrics as part of the communications planning process and evaluating results of initiatives.
• Supporting cross-government communications initiatives.
• Applying creativity, data and innovation to tackle projects and solve complex problems.

As a Communications Advisor, you’ll need to understand the goals and priorities of the Government of Alberta and how they align with ministry deliverables and stakeholder needs. Proven relationship-building skills are essential for developing networks and becoming a trusted advisor in areas such as issues management, communications planning, and media event planning.

A strong drive for results will empower you to deliver high-quality, strategic plans and products that engage target audiences.

This competition will also be used to fill future vacancies in other areas. If you’re ready to make a difference, we encourage you to apply!

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviours that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf

Below is a list of the APS Competencies to assist you:
 
Creative Problem Solving:

• Engages different perspectives in seeking out root causes.
• Using metrics to inform strategic counsel and advice.

Drive for Results:

• Clarifies objectives and taps into a variety of available resources within the organization; ensuring that roles and contributions are clear.
• Sets performance standards and monitoring processes to ensure deviations from the plan are identified at an early stage.

Build Collaborative Environments:

• Engages others to think broadly about impacts of projects, brings differing perspectives together and encourages debate. Works with others to identify and remove barriers.

Develop Networks:

• Looks broadly inside and outside the APS to identify key stakeholders. Actively engages them early and ensures their voice is heard and their concerns are acknowledged.

Qualifications

Requirement:

• Degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Public Affairs, Journalism or a related field, plus a minimum of four years of directly related experience.
• Candidates with experience in operational or strategic communications are preferred. 

Candidates interested in this position will have the following:

• Experience in writing speeches, key messages, briefings, news releases, social media and web content, and other communications materials.
• Experience developing, implementing and evaluating communications plans.
• Experience working both in teams and individually within a communications service setting.
• Experience consulting with clients and working in complex environments.

Asset: Experience in issues management and media relations.

Equivalencies: (directly related education or experience considered on the basis of):

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This posting is for multiple vacancies across various departments within the Communications and Public Engagement Ministry.

Selected candidates will be asked to complete a written assignment.

Hours of work: 36.25 hours/week

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Please also indicate whether your work experience was part-time or full-time. For example: January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Job Title (Full time)

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.