The Land Use Planning & Strategic Issues Section is looking for an energetic Regional Outreach Specialist with a background in communications and media relations and a keen interest in working with ministry staff and stakeholders in developing communication and outreach strategies, products, and services to support resource management actions. If you are a team player, willing to work in a challenging issues management environment and applying your creative skills to communicate complex information to media and resource managers then take this opportunity to compete for this unique and interesting role.
• Note: 1 Permanent, 1 Temporary - one permanent position (Peterborough); one temporary French-language designated position (South Porcupine). Alternate work locations may be considered.
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We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
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About the job
You will:
• respond to media requests, act as a spokesperson where required, and liaise with Communications Services Branch (CSB) on media issues.
• provide advice, assistance, and direction to regional staff on regional public relations program and outreach initiatives and promotional products.
• research, write, review, and edit educational and promotional materials, products, and information for regional and district applications.
• coordinate the development, review and delivery of regional communications planning and the development of strategies, plans and outreach initiatives.
• consult with various team members on information, outreach, and communications requirements to support regional resource management priorities and project initiatives.
• plan, organize and/or contribute to Minister's events and other special events.
• contribute to and support issue management.
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
1 Temporary Bilingual position - You must possess oral French language skills at the advanced level as noted in the job specification. Your proficiency level will be confirmed before hire.
Interpersonal and communication skills:
You have:
• able to explain complex/scientific information in plain language through promotional products and presentations to promote program understanding and to write and edit a variety of materials.
• strong communication and facilitation skills to consult and negotiate with ministry staff to formulate, implement, and evaluate communications and promotional strategies.
• possess tact, diplomacy, and political acuity to work with ministry partners, stakeholders, and the media in advancing and gaining support for natural resource management programs and policies.
Strategic thinking and analytical skills:
You have:
• strategic thinking and analytical skills to synthesize a variety of data and information and propose/develop communication and outreach strategies that effectively promote and advance region objectives and to respond to media enquiries effectively.
• able to gather information and conduct environmental scans, identify current and potential controversial issues, and advise on strategies to manage them.
Knowledge:
You have:
• knowledge of communications, marketing, and public/media relations to create, implement and evaluate communication and outreach strategies; provide issues management advice and plans; act as a spokesperson for media requests.
• ability to acquire knowledge of ministry priorities, resource management legislation, ministry/regional programs, and government structures to provide advice/consultation, to formulate communications strategies, and to understand their effect on the decision-making process.
Project management and planning skills:
You have:
• project management, coordination, and event planning skills to develop and implement a variety of communications, outreach and public relations activities and projects.
• the ability to arrange for and support representation of the ministry at events, to schedule own activities and broad initiatives, and to establish priorities with other staff.
Computer proficiency:
You have:
• knowledge of computer software such as internet, word processing, email, photo editing and desktop publishing to research and extract data, prepare communications, educational and promotional materials/products.