Job Specification

Purpose :

To lead and manage strategic marketing communications planning for the organization.

To provide program leadership and manage the development and implementation of a fully integrated marketing communications program of the organization to increase province-wide public awareness of the organization programs/initiatives.

To act as the key marketing & communications expert focusing on marketing strategy, corporate communications, proactive issues management, public relations, social media, online advertising, traditional advertising, accessibility standards and the OPS Diversity Strategy.

Key Responsibilities :

1. Leads the development and implementation of communication plans, policies and strategy. Provides advice and recommendations on the development of methodology, including the approval of strategic instruments and implementation, to assess success in raising public awareness of campaigns, messaging and information content, in order to identify shortfalls and measure overall organization communications effectiveness.

2. Provides strategic advice and communications expertise to the organization senior executive on communication marketing strategies based on changing organization policy/program priorities to ensure that the organization effectively raises public awareness of government/ministry objectives, policies and programs. Advises senior management on a wide range of communications marketing plans to achieve corporate and program specific communications objectives in support of the organization's mission and strategic directions.

3. Reviews and approves all consumer-focused marketing communications products and materials (i.e. news releases, print ads, social media content, online advertisements, , etc.) prepared in house or by an agency, ensuring they reflect the organization's brand positioning and achieve the desired business objectives.

4. Manages and leads concurrent marketing projects including conceptualizing the project; determining direction, scope and parameters and financial and human resource requirements.

5. Manages and leads the planning, ongoing research, analysis, assessment and evaluation, identifying gaps, issues and the recommendation of innovative options to support and enhance the organization branding & marketing business plan and priorities.

6. Manages contentious and politically sensitive issues including directing the researching, analyzing and coordinating materials, preparing briefing notes, correspondence, business cases, issues papers and recommendations, ensuring communications reflect organization's vision and values, business plans, mandate and meet quality and service requirements.

7. Leads the development of website and marketing programs to promote understanding of stewardship and resource management including wise use; initiates specific outreach programs and projects focused on youth, urban residents and cultural minorities; works with sector partners, conservation organizations and social agencies to leverage resources and extend the reach of marketing programs.

Managerial Responsibilities

1. Develops and oversees ministry strategic plans in the program area and provides advice and expertise to executive levels on issues impacting the OPS and organization service deliverables.

2. Controls financial resources and reporting, develops the multi-year budget and resource plans. Leads business, financial, and results-based planning processes for Ministry programs/operations and services.

3. Builds organizational capacity through effective human resources development by authorizing recruitment activities, labour relations management, talent management, organizational design and succession planning.

4. Establishes and maintains strong working relationships with key partners and stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate information flow and identification of issues; presents and advocates the organization's position at various forums

5. Responsible for the overall compliance with legislative statutes, collective agreements, government and organization policies, directives, guidelines and commitments related to programs and services.

Factors :

Knowledge :

Organization strategic corporate directions, business planning processes, and service delivery models, to lead and manage a significant organization program area, to determine program objectives and resource requirements and to ensure alignment of programs and projects with corporate strategic goals.

Government and organization financial, administrative and procurement policies and directives to plan and manage fiscal and material resources. This includes reviewing and approving budgets, managing facilities, assets, and contract service providers, leading long range fiscal planning, providing regular financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with financial protocols, audit principles, directives and guidelines.

Human resources theories, principles, policies and collective agreements to develop organizational capacity which includes succession planning, talent management, organization and job design and labour relations management.

Project management principles and methodologies to oversee and guide the overall delivery of mandates and strategies.

Branding and marketing communications principles, techniques and best practices to develop and implement effective programs and initiatives that will achieve desired results.

Roles of various communications channels (i.e. news room, advertising, promotions, online/new media, public relations, etc.) to maximize opportunities and target audience.

Industry trends/research to evaluate appropriate strategies, tactics and success in raising public awareness of campaigns, messaging and information content.

Project management principles and practices and contract administration to effectively manage the team's contractual relationships, prepares RFPs, manage acquisition and selection of consultants and administer and manage contracts.

Program Responsibility :

Responsible for leading and managing the development and implementation of marketing communication strategies, plans, proposals and initiatives that will position the organization as a leading-edge organization in the delivery of cost effective, value-added services to clients across the province.

Contributes to the formulation of program policy, strategic planning and the selection of marketing initiatives, including providing advice to organization senior and executive management.

Leads the development of website/content and programs to promote understanding of stewardship and resource management.

Analytical Thinking :

Measures and evaluates the effectiveness of the marketing communication programs through external and internal research that lead to development of insights and recommendations to improve the effectiveness of programs.

Oversees research and analysis initiatives, interpret findings, analyze implications and develop strategies to deal with unique situations related to marketing communication strategies, policies.

Evaluates strategies, tactics and success in raising public awareness of campaigns, messaging and information content; identifies shortfalls and measures overall organization communications effectiveness.

Planning / Coordinating :

Leads and manages multi-year strategic business /program/service plans including the deployment of resources (human and financial) to deliver programs and services.

Coordinates and leads the planning and implementation of organizational development and complex change initiatives for the program, service, project or initiative.

Plans and coordinates multiple deliverables with external and internal stakeholders, partners and consultants.

Plans and organizes activities to ensure timely development, production and implementation of innovative creative solutions to promote and further the organization's goals and objectives.

Plans and determines short and long-term priorities among a broad range of competing demands and responsibilities.

Leadership/Guidance :

Develops, builds and leads organizational capacity through positive and values based leadership, inclusive and engaged teams, and partnerships. Frames program vision and strategy for services, programs or operations.

Determines human resources and organizational needs for optimal performance and delivery of results and alignment with organization objectives; leads talent management and succession planning; mentors employees; sets goals and performance standards.

Exercises managerial and strategic leadership accountability and authority in the areas of organizational design, recruitment and retention, talent management, labour relations and compensation related matters.

Independence of Action :

Reports to a senior level, Director or higher and works within broad parameters and the organization/branch mandate, legislation, and strategic goals and directions.

Exercises considerable independence and judgment in the development of program/service plans including delivery/implementation to meet government and organization strategic business objectives and priorities and in the provision of advice and recommendations to the Executive Committee, which is considered authoritative, and informs policy and program decisions.

Performs work under the general direction and within relevant legislation and OPS/organization policies, practices and processes.

Position works with considerable independence of action in managing the Marketing and Communications team that has a direct and critical impact on the image and credibility of public services.

Considerable judgment and creativity is exercised in leading the development and implementation of successful strategies critical to changing public attitudes and acceptance of new innovations in delivery of cost effective, guaranteed public services.

Identifies new opportunities for the delivery of cost effective services and resolve cross-jurisdictional issues.

Interpersonal/Communication :

Makes presentations, lead/conduct consultations and provide expert advice on proposed strategies, plans and objectives to organization senior management/executives, target groups, stakeholders, media and other government ministries.

Develops and fosters effective partnerships through effective communication, negotiation and relationship management skills.

Prepares business plans operational and analytical reports, briefing notes, and communication products.

Physical Effort :

Most of the time is spent in an office environment. Occasionally moves/lifts objects.

Sensory Effort :

Requires visual attention and concentration to develop marketing and communications policies, procedures, standards and guidelines.

Requires concentrated effort to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of programs, external and internal research.

Working Conditions :

Work is performed in a typical office environment. Travel is required to attend stakeholder meetings, site visits and events.