County of Simcoe is hiring: Public Relations Consultant - Content Creator and Ev

Public Relations Consultant - Content Creator and Events - (3609)

Close Date: 24 February 2025

Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Midhurst, ON L9X 1N6 CA (Primary)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Public Relations Consultant is responsible for the co-ordination of varying forms of promotion for the purpose of fostering and maintaining a positive image for the County of Simcoe. The Public Relations Consultant provides Communications, Public Relations, Government Relations and Event initiatives, inclusive of writing, media relations, content creation and social media services to internal and external clients, as well as strategic planning, co-ordination and execution of events.

This role will require flexibility for daily travel to support communications, social media and events throughout the County (and neighbouring municipalities). Work functions and tasks are often highly confidential and support political and corporate direction inclusive of supporting County Council and senior staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Co-ordinate communications and public relations projects and campaigns, including strategic planning, development, execution and reporting for initiatives to engage audiences.
2. Provide support for organizing and executing public relations events.
3. Represent the County and serve in a promotional and educational role at public facing community events and forums.
4. Maintain social media channels to ensure timely, relevant and appropriate content by contributors, and through corporate handles.
5. Execute digital and social media strategies to promote and engage internal and external audiences through social channels.
6. High acumen and comfort level in content creation across multiple platforms and channels.
7. Provide editorial and proof-reading for copy.
8. Working with the Service Simcoe team, create and format newsletters: County Council Update, Internal staff newsletter, and other newsletters.
9. Create educational print/digital or other publications. In conjunction with the Service Simcoe team, develop brand consistency through “families” of publications for departments.
10. Create social media materials - prepare draft designs for campaign material, source most appropriate print solutions, track history of campaign material to maintain brand consistency.
11. Assist in planning, design and execution of social marketing programs and strategies.
12. Uphold corporate standards, visual identity and branding throughout the Corporation.
13. Support and maintain website and corporate intranet.
14. Maintain media monitoring of local and regional press outlets.
15. Provide support to the Public Relations Manager for media relations including the development of strategic messaging, media training/coaching and co-ordination of media interviews.
16. Provide government relations and political support, working closely with Public Relations Manager to support senior staff, Warden and County Councillors with communication needs.
17. Provide strategic communications support for confidential files, inter-governmental matters and internal employee relations.
18. Provide support in identifying and co-ordinating communication response to media and social media issues, politically sensitive files, and emergency/crisis situations.
19. Provide professional and creative writing services for various communication materials, including releases, speaking notes, website copy, newsletters, fact sheets and corporate letters, among other writing services.
20. Participate in committees as required.
21. Perform other duties as assigned which may include responsibilities in relation to the delivery of Service Simcoe Services for the County of Simcoe.
22. Ensure compliance with Provincial and County occupational health and safety legislation, regulations, policies and procedures.
23. Ensure confidentiality is maintained in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act or other related and applicable legislation.

EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION

1. Superior knowledge of all aspects of Communications for a complex, multi-faceted organization achieved through a degree or diploma in a relevant discipline such as Communications, Public Relations. This job may be considered for educational equivalency in accordance with County Policy.
2. Comfort level being a team lead on event planning and execution.
3. Strong computer-application skills required: (1) Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, (2) Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator.
4. Familiarity with InDesign website layout applications as well as WordPress and SharePoint websites is considered an asset.
5. Strong written and oral communication skills: (1) print (2) social media/digital such as content creation, editorial, copywriting and proof-reading skills.
6. Strong social media and digital communications ability, including social media video/asset production.
7. Strategic planning and concept development.
8. Campaign, project and event development, co-ordination and management skills.
9. Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills, with the ability to provide creative solutions with enthusiasm as well as quality customer service.
10. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
11. Excellent attention to detail.
12. Digital photography and editing skills.
13. Public relations skills.
14. Ability to think and act in a political and community service environment in order to champion the mission and values of the County.
15. An understanding of multimedia technology and related best practices and benchmarking activities within other organizations will be considered an asset.
16. Class G Driver’s License in good standing and reliable vehicle to use on corporate business.

EXPERIENCE

1. Minimum three (3) years’ experience in similar communications or public relations role including writing, editing, researching for publications, print material and new media technologies, media relations, copy writing, social media, events and project/campaign management.
2. Understanding a/o foundational experience in graphic design and layout would be considered an asset.
3. Experience with a broad variety of multimedia formats including social media, social media video production and presentation applications will be considered an asset.
4. Experience executing events.

EFFORT

Moderate to high physical effort associated with this position – i.e. movement of event equipment, event set up and strike. May be exposed to some stressful communication situations from time to time.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Weekend and evening hours are required during peak event seasons. Some events may take place outdoors. Hybrid environment consisting of office, offsite and home locations environment –at Manager’s discretion. Requires discretion and confidentiality due to political environment and nature of work. This position is regularly required to work in addition to and outside of standard business hours. Storage shed where supplies/promotional items are stored can be dusty and dirty.

Salary Grade: $83,331.00 - $101,374.00

Union: Non Union

The County of Simcoe thanks all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, but please note that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Personal information provided is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act (2001) and will be used to determine eligibility for employment.