INFORMATION OFFICER

The Job
Are you looking for a great career and rewarding future where you can make a difference in the lives of Ontarians? Are you an exceptional writer, and communications strategist? Do you have a knack for delivering clear and compelling content? Can you produce amazing strategies, news releases and speeches under extremely tight deadlines without breaking a sweat? And, can you do all of this in both English and French?
Yes? Then consider joining the Communications Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in this challenging role as a Bilingual Information Officer.

The Ministry
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing works with local governments and partners across Ontario to build safe and strong urban and rural communities with dynamic local economies, a high quality of life, and affordable and suitable homes for everyone.

The Branch
The Communications Branch leads public and internal communications initiatives in support of ministry priorities and program delivery. Services include development of communications and issues management strategies, digital and social media content, graphic design, writing, editorial and media relations services, as well as event planning.

The Location
777 Bay Street, Toronto – Located in the province's capital. With more than 50% of residents belonging to a visible minority, over 200 distinct ethnic origins represented, and over 150 languages spoken, Toronto is regarded as one of the most diverse cities in the world.

Why work for the Ontario Public Service?
The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:
• A defined benefit pension plan
• Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits which includes adoptive parents
• Comprehensive Health Plan
• Life and Disability insurance
• Flexible work arrangements
• Collegial and professional work culture
• Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
The OPS has been recognized as a top employer. We are proud to have been acknowledged as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers.

What can I expect to do in this role?

• Translating complex policies into a compelling story
• Developing evidence-based, strategic communications plans for complex, high-profile, and transformative initiatives that help government connect to people
• Researching, writing and editing a range of tactical products, including news releases, speeches, web and social content, as well as coordinating and planning media events
• Coordinating input and alignment of messaging for communications products across multi-disciplinary teams
• Reviewing and proof-reading products for accuracy in French

How do I qualify?

Mandatory requirement:

• Oral and written proficiency in English and French at the superior level. French language proficiency will be assessed through testing

Technical knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge of communication theory and techniques including print, broadcast and electronic communications in order to provide consulting services to clients
• Knowledge of electronic communication methods including social media, publication production and media relations to design and implement a variety of communication activities and projects (example: promotional campaigns, web and social media content, publication, audio visual productions, media conferences and special events)
• Highly developed strategic communications planning skills to offer public relations advice and services to a wide range of ministry staff and client groups
• The ability to act as a communications consultant to all levels of management

Communication skills:

•Superior level written communication skills and demonstrated ability to prepare speeches, news releases, advertisements, web and social media content, and other communications materials under extremely tight deadlines

Analytical, research and judgement skills:

• Analytical and research skills to research, write and edit materials and assess client program objectives, initiatives and business/operational plans
• The ability to develop and recommend short- and long-term communication plans and strategies
• The ability to identify communication requirements and develop project schedules
• Good judgement and the ability to work under pressure to produce high-quality, accurate work within tight deadlines and with minimal supervision

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Monday, June 22, 2020 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.