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Communications Specialist



The Opportunity

The Town of Grimsby is committed to building a future that welcomes innovative new ideas while
protecting and preserving its distinct heritage. It is a place where leaders are committed to
sustainability and honouring Grimsby’s treasured natural setting. Grimsby has become a sought-
after community where residents enjoy waterfront living, historic neighbourhoods, active living,
and world class natural amenities. It is conveniently located in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton
Area (GTHA) in a region that is home to Niagara wineries, agriculture, cuisine, and internationally
recognized attractions.

The Portfolio

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Communications Specialist will play a key role
within the Town of Grimsby by supporting the Town’s strategic directions, through all
communication channels, by providing trusted communications counsel, strategic direction, and
tactical support to senior staff and elected officials. The Communications Specialist will be
responsible for leading internal and external communications strategies, facilitating public
education, providing proactive media relations direction, identifying and responding to emerging
issues, expanding communications opportunities, and strengthening existing communications
tools.

The Candidate

As a candidate for this position, you have considerable experience in developing and
implementing communication strategies and plans. You have achieved a university degree in
Communications, Public Relations, Business or a related field and have seven (7) years of
relevant journalistic, public relations, or social-media related experience in corporate
communications or marketing. You possess superior verbal and written communication and
presentation skills, and extensive knowledge in media and public relations. You are an expert
when it comes to using current social media platforms and possess exceptional interpersonal and
relationship building skills. You are familiar with the public sector and have a high level of political
acumen and experience in handling highly sensitive and confidential material.



Working for the Town of Grimsby

The Town of Grimsby offers candidates for this position a competitive employment package that
includes a salary range between $69,243 and $84,207, and a comprehensive benefits plan.

Town of Grimsby Job Posting Page 1 of 5

Communications Specialist Posted: May 25, 2023

The Town supports the health and wellness of our employees; a commitment that is demonstrated
through free access to Town recreation facilities for employees and flexible working arrangements
during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

How to Apply

If you are excited by this opportunity, we are excited to hear from you!

We invite you to submit your application to hr@grimsby.ca by June 15, 2023 at 4:30 PM. Please
quote the posting number in the subject line. A full job description can be found below.

Posting #: 28-2023

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Town of Grimsby is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes, and work
environment. We will accommodate the needs of applicants under the Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please contact the Office of Human Resources, hr@grimsby.ca if you need assistance.

Personal information collected will be used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of
candidate selection.

Town of Grimsby Job Posting Page 2 of 5

Communications Specialist Posted: May 25, 2023

JOB POSTING

Communications Specialist
Office of the CAO

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Communications (50%)

1.1 Develop and implements a comprehensive communications strategy for the Town that
supports corporate and departmental programs and initiatives.

1.2 Advises and provides guidance to staff and elected officials on communications best
practices, including issues management, media relations, emergency response
communications, and internal and external communications strategies.

1.3 Leads the development and implementation of Town communications strategies and
tactics, including presentation decks, reports, internal announcements, social media
content, etc.

1.4 Provides communications updates to the Corporate Leadership Team, senior
management and Council in support of Town initiatives and programs through reports,
memos and presentations.

1.5 Cultivates positive media relations, including writing and editing news releases,
coordinator news events, handling media enquiries, and facilitating media interviews
for senior staff and members of Council.

1.6 Works collaboratively with senior management and stakeholders to develop and/or
review communications collateral to ensure adherence to brand standards and that
content is appropriate and compelling for intended audiences.

1.7 Acts as an Emergency Information Officer on the Town’s Emergency Management
Team.

1.8 Establishes and implements communications policies and procedures.

2. Social and Digital Media Management (25%)

2.1 Designs and implements a social media strategy that elevates the Town’s brand,
including development of social media calendars and content aligned with Town
programs and initiatives.

2.2 Manages and oversees all digital communications and provides content for the
website and public engagement sites, manages all social media accounts and
photography assets.

2.3 Develops communications tools for external and internal audiences, including writing
copy for media releases, social media posts, website, “Let’s Talk Grimsby,”
newspaper advertisements, notices to residents, etc.

2.4 Oversees all press releases, publications and social media, which includes drafting,
editing and updating, as required.

2.5 Designs creative and original visual communications material that aligns with the
Town’s brand, and enhances the corporate image and reputation of the organization.

2.6 Analyzes results of communications campaigns to determine best practices for future
programs and initiatives.

Town of Grimsby Job Posting Page 3 of 5

Communications Specialist Posted: May 25, 2023

3. Public Engagement and Customer Service (20%)

3.1 Provides expert communication advice, guidance and support public engagement,
including in-person and digital opportunities.

3.2 Manages the “Let’s Talk Grimsby” public engagement site and collaborates with staff
to develop project pages and promote to the public.

3.3 Liaises and collaborates with residents, businesses and stakeholder groups through
a customer service approach.

3.4 Implements and supports customer-service initiatives and creates a customer-
focused culture.

4. Other (5%)

5.1 Works in a safe manner in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act,

associated regulations, other applicable legislation, Town by-laws, policies,
procedures, and guidelines.

5.2 Other related duties, as assigned.
5.3 The incumbent may be required to use their personal vehicle to travel to Town

facilities, meetings, events, etc.
5.4 The incumbent must maintain the ability to travel in a timely manner to Town facilities,

other offices, work locations or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business
reasons.

The successful candidate will possess the following:

Education
University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business or related field.

License, Registration and Training
Valid and unrestricted Class “G” driver’s license with access to reliable transportation and

be able to travel to various work locations across the Town.

Experience
Seven (7) years of relevant journalistic, public relations, or social-media related

experience in corporate communications or marketing, preferably in the public sector.
Considerable experience in developing and implementing communication strategies and

plans.
Demonstrated experience in preparing and drafting standard and executive level

correspondence and reports.
Experience working directly with senior management.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Superior verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
Extensive knowledge in media and public relations.
Demonstrated ability to understand and interpret complex and technical information and

share it with the public in a straightforward and simple manner.
Expert knowledge and experience using current social media platforms.
High level of political acumen and experience in handling highly sensitive material in a

confidential and professional manner.

Town of Grimsby Job Posting Page 4 of 5

Communications Specialist Posted: May 25, 2023


High level of attention to detail, especially when reviewing documents.
Proven ability to work independently with strong organizational skills, including the ability

to prioritize workloads, multi-task, and work on concurrent assignments with strict
deadlines.

Exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills with the ability to work effectively
with the public and other Town staff.

Advanced skills in Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint and Outlook), design
software (Photoshop, InDesign, Canva) and content management systems an asset.

A combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Town of Grimsby Job Posting Page 5 of 5