Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To plan and implement communication strategies and plans for internal and external target audiences. To provide
strategic communications advice and to develop communication and promotional materials related to program
initiatives, policies and objectives.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1) Consulting with clients on communication requirements related to various policy/program initiatives by: advising on methods of communication and information to be communicated to media or specific groups; assessing public environment and likely reactions to proposed initiatives; identifying target audiences and stakeholder groups and analyzing their communication needs.

2) Developing short and long term communication plans and strategies for clients by:
assessing communication requirements to support policy and program initiatives; proposing media strategies; identifying opportunities for cost effective communication; planning and preparing terms of reference for projects, establishing schedules and operating budgets.

3) Coordinating development and delivery of communication services for specific policy and program initiatives by: researching, writing, reviewing and editing communication materials; implementing public consultation processes and public education programs; planning and organizing special events; handling media relations and public inquiries; identifying potential controversial issues and advising on strategies for managing them; coordinating with other ministries and agencies.

4) Evaluating implementation and success of communication plans, projects and programs in consultation with clients, and assisting in development of corporate communications plan and ensuring client specific plans facilitate/support corporate plans.

5) Providing coordination of and direction to staff and suppliers providing communication materials/services as part of implementing communication plans and strategies, ensuring effective development and timely delivery of communication products and activities.

Staffing and Licencing :

n/a

Knowledge :

Job requires knowledge of communication theory and techniques (including print, broadcast and electronic communications), communication planning methods and practices in order to: provide consulting services to clients; assist in clarification of communication objectives; develop communication strategies; design, coordinate and monitor ongoing implementation of short and long term communication plans; and provide issues management advice and services.

Job requires knowledge of research techniques, writing styles and techniques, communication design, coordination and monitoring, electronic communication methods, publication production and media relations to design and implement a variety of communication activities and projects such as promotional campaigns, regular liaison and information services for target audiences (stakeholders), publication productions, audio visual productions, press conferences and special events.

Job requires knowledge of client program objectives and business requirements, services, organization and operations to:
assist clients in defining communication objectives; and develop short and long-term communication plans.

Job requires knowledge of methods and techniques for design and implementation of public consultation processes (e.g. focus groups, surveys), to provide advice to clients on need for public consultation, identify methods appropriate to client requirements, design and conduct consultations.

It requires knowledge of word processing and associated software to produce communication products, e.g., media releases, reports.

Job requires knowledge of current Internet trends, technologies, marketing principles and relevant software.

Skills :

Job requires analytical skills and judgement to: assess client program objectives, initiatives and business/operational plans; develop and recommend short and long term communication plans and strategies; identify communication requirements and develop project schedules; develop media relations strategies to promote new initiatives and explain regulatory/policy changes. Job requires analytical and evaluative skills to: research and write materials; edit materials; coordinate production of communication products; plan and implement public consultation processes and special events. Job requires problem solving skills to: provide issues management services to clients; assess communication implications of new policy and program initiatives in relation to public environment (e.g. public attitudes, media content, correspondence, major events and activities); assist in tendering processes and selection and hiring of suppliers of services/products; maintain liaison with suppliers to resolve production issues.

Job requires written communication skills to: write a variety of materials describing ministry programs, services and new initiatives (e.g. copy for brochures, news releases, advertisements, speeches); translate technical and/or specialized material and terminology into plain language for public dissemination while maintaining accuracy; and editing copy for style, language usage, flow and logical presentation of information. Job requires oral communication skills to: discuss client program objectives, new initiatives and communication requirements, and explain recommended communication and media relations strategies. Job requires interpersonal skills to: clarify client communication objectives, and design/develop communication materials and products which meet client requirements for promoting new services or initiatives, developing support for changes to legislation/regulations/guidelines, explaining nature and intent of program and policy changes; and producing issues management materials (e.g. backgrounders, Qs & As) which encourage support and understanding of ministry position on issues, events and activities.

Freedom of Action :

Job requires working within ministry/government policies, guidelines and directives related to communication planning and issues management; and within recognized communication practices and standards. Job requires making decisions by: recommending short and long term communication plans and strategies to clients; determining schedules and priorities for communication projects; approving copy drafted by others; recommending the use of and design for public consultation processes; determining appropriate method, tone and approach to communication activities. Work is reviewed when communication plans developed for clients are submitted to supervisor/manager, and are assessed for adherence to ministry communication policies and overall strategies/standards. Job requires referring problems/issues such as conflicting client requirements, and suppliers failing to meet contractual obligations, to supervisor/manager.