Communications Advisor - Talent Pool

Role Responsibilities

CPE is seeking dynamic senior Communications Advisors who have a range of public relations skills and strong strategic and critical thinking abilities. 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. 

Core responsibilities of the position 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. 


This competition will be used to fill several Communications Advisor roles with general and specific areas of sub-focus: 

Ministry communications (multiple) - provide comprehensive communications services to support ministries across the Government of Alberta. The job description is provided for further details on this position. 

Alberta Public Service (APS) employee communications (1) –work on internal government senior level communications, as well as provide internal and external communications support for the Provincial Bargaining Co-ordination office. Given the nature of this work, this employee is exempt from a union. The job description is provided for further details on this position.

APS Competenices

Competencies are behaviors 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.

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

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 appointments to a job classification.

Notes

•    Hours of work: 36.25 hours/week, on-site in an office in Edmonton.
•    This posting is for multiple vacancies across various departments within the Communications and Public Engagement department. If you have departments of particular interest and/or if you are interested in the position supporting workforce communications, please indicate that in your cover letter.  
•    Selected candidates will be asked to complete a written assignment.

If a security screening is required;
•    Final candidates will be required to undergo a criminal records check (CRC).

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what we have to offer:

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)  
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information.
•    Professional learning and development.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.