The Role

Coordinates and performs marketing and communications functions for the Division, including developing print, website, and social media content materials, maintaining social media/online channels, and participating in outreach activities/events to promote programs and initiatives. Participates in developing and actioning the strategy to promote and increase media and public awareness of transit products, services, and service expansion.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Coordinates with management on communications strategy and related activities to promote and increase media and public awareness of transit products, services, and mandate (including service expansion projects).
• Works with management to develop key messages, including crisis and emergency communications, and alert/disruption process as needed. Identifies trends and potential issues that could negatively impact the Division and Region.
• Produces/coordinates a range of promotional materials (e.g., press releases, stories, blog posts, newsletters, social media posts, flyers, brochures, signage, handouts). Compiles information from staff on program and service offerings, and creates plans and materials for dissemination across various channels. Reviews promotional proofs and recommends edits. Ensures materials comply with guidelines, accessibility standards, design standards, and branding.
• Supports coordination of smaller scale communications and marketing projects under the direction and supervision of management, including organizing deliverables, timelines, and internal coordination activities.
• Develops/coordinates visual content for communications, including social marketing initiatives, and in response to internal/external requests (e.g., photography, videos). Maintains visual content assets and archive.
• Writes press releases, blog posts, and social media content. Maintains and updates webpages and online calendars. Responds to/redirects related inquiries in accordance with established procedures and under management direction as required. Monitors social and website use and recommends content updates, new pages/sections, and layout changes, and compiles statistics.
• Participates to evaluate the effectiveness of communications projects, including community relations and outreach activities.
• Researches and identifies promotional opportunities, including community events, to support programs and initiatives. Assists management to maintain active communications and community engagement programming, including participating at events, communicating with event organizers and partners, and coordinating production of advertising and promotional materials.
• Assists to develop and implement internal communications strategies and initiatives to foster timely distribution and receipt of information amongst staff and improve employee understanding and engagement. Contributes articles for newsletters. Supports internal communications through the staff portal and provides intranet-publishing services to the Division.
• Develops resource requirements for management approval and allocates funds to promotional campaigns. Has a p-card. Recommends program supplies and equipment to management. Ensures digital cameras and video equipment are maintained in good working condition. Contacts vendors for equipment servicing.
• Interacts with creative multimedia services for graphic design and printing requests, and corporate communications regarding media releases and new projects.
• Periodically coordinates/assigns work, and provides training, guidance, and support to casual staff or students supporting promotional events
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills are normally acquired through a 3-year degree/diploma in a related field (e.g., Marketing, Communications, Journalism), plus 2 years of related experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Knowledge of copy writing, online and email marketing, digital media, current social media platforms, promotional concepts, public speaking, and content creation.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, related legislation (e.g., Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, privacy, anti-spam legislation) and Canadian Press Standards.
• Knowledge of divisional services.
• Demonstrated ability to write effectively in plain language and a range of voices and creative styles for varied audiences and delivery methods (e.g., print, web, video).
• Ability to leverage social media to drive customer engagement and audience development, and enhance social networking.
• Ability to create visual content as part of informational/operational communications (e.g., video, photography). Ability to edit and rework content into formats appropriate for digital communications platforms.
• Analytical, research, and organizational skills to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and standards; evaluate campaign performance; and work independently and as a team member to complete projects and balance competing demands.
• Human relations and communications skills to promote programs and present a positive, consistent image and identity of the Division via in-person and online channels; respond to questions from the public; build and maintain customer and stakeholder relationships; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read, summarize, and explain media, newsletters, journals, and reports; and understand and interpret social media and web-specific terminology. Ability to write, edit, and proof materials, including written instructions as part of training guides/manuals for divisional programs.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, desktop publishing programs, and web-based technologies to update and maintain website and social media accounts (e.g., iCreate, Association Suite, Joomla). Technical skills/understanding to troubleshoot technical issues and perform basic coding.
• Ability to keep current on best practices and technologies/platforms in communications.
• Ability to adjust working hours for presentations, special events, and may be requested to work weekend hours for same.
• Ability to travel within and occasionally outside Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.