Supervisor, PR and City Communications

Job Summary

We are actively seeking a highly skilled Supervisor, of PR and City Communications. This is not a marketing position. Reporting to the Manager of Media, PR, and City Communications, you will lead a dynamic team, help shape our City's narrative, provide insightful advice to senior decision-makers, and develop communications strategies for highest-priority initiatives and special projects.

As the Supervisor, you will manage communications for various external communications initiatives and community engagement projects while collaborating with the City's media, social media, and marketing teams. Your efforts will closely align with the City of Mississauga's strategic vision, business objectives, and departmental action plans.

This position also requires the successful candidate to be able to build successful relationships, including collaborative work with colleagues and thoughtful engagement with senior leaders, Members of Council, and the Mayor.

In this position, you will offer day-to-day guidance and leadership to your team, freelancers, and consultants. You will be at the forefront of leading the PR and City Communications team in creating communications that address complex issues such as City planning, budgeting, new initiatives, by-laws, new programs and services and government relations. You will also establish communication standards, create processes and help to manage the City's reputation.

Your responsibilities will include crafting strategic and tactical communication plans that support city-wide and business-area projects, programs, and activities.

If you are an experienced communications professional with a strong management background and a track record of navigating complex projects confidently and creatively, we invite you to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the PR and City Communications team.
• Focus on recruitment, training, mentoring, and evaluating team members.
• Supervise day-to-day functions to ensure successful delivery of work plan items.
• Establish annual work plan for the team and ensure effective project execution.
• Manage work intake across the team and collaborate with the Marketing team to define project scopes.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures for project management and communication strategies.
• Create and oversee strategic communication plans, ensuring the delivery of key messages to protect the City's reputation.
• Stay informed on best practices and adjust processes as needed.
• Manage budgets related to the PR and City Communications team and contribute to the Division's annual business planning.
• Foster teamwork across departments and collaborate with other leaders within the Strategic Communications & Initiatives division.
• Establish effective working relationships with stakeholders, including government officials and community groups.
• Develop and analyze Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for resource and capacity metrics.
• Serve as a key member of the emergency management team and assist with communication efforts during emergencies.
• Prepare communications for award submissions.
• Introduce innovative ideas to improve efficiency and streamline processes through business cases and Lean initiatives.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required.

Skills and Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in communications, public relations, media, journalism, or a related field.
• 8 to 10 years of relevant experience, particularly in media relations, content creation, storytelling, and complex projects.
• Proven leadership abilities with skills to motivate teams and create a supportive work environment.
• Capable of working independently, making informed decisions, and solving problems effectively.
• Detail-oriented and able to thrive in fast-paced environments while adapting to change.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration abilities to work effectively with internal employees and external partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to write for diverse audiences.
• Strong writing and editing capabilities for various formats, including media and social media content.
• Exceptional time management, organizational, and prioritization skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Reliable and trustworthy with sensitive information, maintaining confidentiality in all matters.
• Dedicated to personal growth and embracing equity, diversity, and inclusion while respecting varied viewpoints.
• Comprehensive knowledge of strategic issues, corporate priorities, and communications objectives.
• Familiarity with accessibility legislation and standards, including AODA, and ability to apply EDI principles, plain language, and CP Style writing standards.
• Understanding of guiding standards from IABC and CPRS.
• Possesses tact and diplomacy in all interactions.
• Be willing to have flexible works hours , including weekends and holidays, when necessary.
• Willingness to help other teams within the division, when necessary.