Manager of Communications and Economic Development

MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

An exciting and challenging opportunity exists to join the Town of Slave Lake in a full-time permanent position. 

The Town wishes to promote the concept that the Town of Slave Lake is open for business. The Manager of Communications and Economic Development is the key person for communications and economic development activities for the Town of Slave Lake (“the Town”). 

The Manager, Communications and Economic Development will be responsible for leading the planning, development and delivery of internal and external communications, including media / public relations activity.  In addition, the Manager, Communications and Economic Development will be responsible for developing and implementing the Town’s Economic Development Plan and hiring and overseeing consultants as required for various studies. This role requires collaboration with Indigenous Communities, Municipal Districts, other economic development organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to achieve the economic development goals of the organization. The role also requires meeting with local and regional businesses to obtain feedback on economic development related issues and initiatives while developing relationships to position the Town of Slave Lake as a great place to do business.

REPORTS TO: 

Director, Corporate Services

EMPLOYEES THAT REPORT DIRECTLY TO THIS POSITION:

Communications Coordinator

SALARY:

$84,240.00 - $106,099.50 per annum

#LI-DNI 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications

• Development, implementation, and maintenance of strategic communications plans, websites and social media communications channels including Facebook and X.

• Assess communications programs, report findings and recommend improvements.

• Initiate, promote and encourage effective internal and external communication strategies and practices.

• Ensure Town of Slave Lake website is maintained and updated.

• Writes and edits content for the web and communications pieces, including E-Newsletter, brochures, advertisements, etc.

• Development, editing, and publishing of news releases, articles, editorials, publications, newsletters, and other written communications.

• Stay current with technological advances.

• Assist in the provision of general information to the public and other media, to keep residents apprised of the events happening within the Municipality and promote opportunities for them to participate and / or submit feedback to Council and employees.

• Assist in the provision of information to employees, to keep employees apprised of inter-departmental events and promote opportunities for them to participate and/or submit feedback accordingly.

• Leads the design, development and execution of innovative marketing campaigns.

• Develop and maintain a record of potential items for promotion and utilize reverse scheduling to plan their release to media and/or publication in internal and / or external publications.

• Provide technical assistance with consistent branding to ensure the professional presentation of written documentation, advertising, and other promotional / marketing materials.

• Oversee the planning, coordination and execution of news conferences and other media events.

• Oversee and produce, from concept to completion, a broad array of digital and/or print promotional and communication materials for the organization.

• Ensure that all materials present a clear, unified, and positive image for the organization and/or brand.

Business Development & Marketing

• Develop and implement an Economic Development plan for the Town of Slave Lake.

• Meet with business and industry to obtain feedback on initiatives and programs as well as develop relationships to position Slave Lake as a great place to do business.

• Act as a representative of the region to the business community, investors, the public, and other stakeholders.

• Work with regional and community organizations on joint marketing initiatives.

• Continually update the inventory of Town-owned advertising assets available for purchase by businesses and other organizations. Continually promote Town of Slave Lake advertising assets.  

• Update and maintain Town of Slave Lake marketing materials, such as the community profile, economic profile, resident welcome package, business welcome package and family life in the region, as needed online and in print.

• Develop new initiatives and projects to further economic, tourism and community development goals. 

• Conduct familiarization tours with investors and business leaders to showcase the region’s competitive advantage.

• Update regional land-use maps of available parcels for development and keep abreast with new buildings and developments in commercial, industrial and medium-high residential zonings. 

• Ensure up-to-date and accurate data on housing trends and costs and rental vacancy rates. 

• Continually update the Town Slave Lake website and social media with news articles, community events and new initiatives and projects relevant to development in the region.

• Aid local and regional labour attraction and retention efforts through the administration of relevant immigration programs and streams. 

Joint Partnerships

• Develop relationships and partnerships with the business community, federal and provincial governments, Indigenous communities, municipalities, associations, organizations and educational institutions in achieving the established goals and objectives of the Town.

• Attend meetings relevant to the region on economic development, business development and investment, tourism and community issues.

• Create and implement strategic plans with community partners including a tourism strategic plan and economic growth plan.

Project Management

• Create and evaluate Requests for Proposals for various economic development projects.

• Manage Projects relating to Economic Development.

Administration

• Benchmark and monitor all incoming inquiries and feedback for evaluation purposes.

• Compile relevant information and statistics for use in promoting the Town and region as a great place to do business.

• Prepare and present reports to Town Council.

• Monitor provincial and federal grant opportunities and apply where applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

• To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform the duties listed above to a high degree of quality, timeliness and precision.

• A degree or diploma in Communications, Economic Development, Commerce, Business Administration or Public Relations and Marketing. 

• Experience with municipal government is an asset.

• Experience or knowledge of existing immigration programs and streams is an asset.

• Budgetary, Project Management and stakeholder relations and engagement skills.

• Up-to-date computer skills.

• Excellent written/verbal communications and public relations skills.

• Possess a valid class 5 driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

• Class 5 driver’s license and clean driver’ abstract is required.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Ability to interact well with, and respond to inquiries from all levels of staff, including Management, Council, media representatives, residents and general members of the public. 

• Ability to develop and nurture productive business relationships with internal and external partners; work collaboratively to resolve problems.

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to interpret, implement and adhere to organizational policies and procedures.

• Ability to collaborate with diverse groups with excellent presentation and interpersonal skills

• Ability to write detailed reports.

• Knowledge of formal and informal political processes and of government sponsored economic development initiatives and programs.

• Ability to keep track of information relevant to economic development and knowledge of finance, project evaluation, and marketing processes.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision and retain confidential information.

• Ability and interest to stay current with new technologies and technological advances. 

• Ability to interpret, advise and apply requirements under the Municipal Government Act and other legislative and procedural requirements.

• Proficiency with social media including Facebook, X and Web content.

• Excellent writing, verbal, editing and analytical communications skills.

• Strong organizational skills to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines.

Note: The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities and activities required for this position but gives a general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

• Extensive use of computers and telephone.

• Long periods of sitting, good lighting, temperature and noise control.

• Use and operation of a vehicle.

• Extensive use of computer and telephone.

• Good lighting, temperature, and noise control.

• Normal working day consists of a maximum of 7.5 hours; however, occasional extended hours may be required.

• Travel to work sites may be required.

HEALTH & SAFETY:   

All personnel working at the Town of Slave Lake are governed by the Health & Safety Policy.

• Must adhere to all safety standards under the Occupational Health and Safety Legislation, Town Policies and Procedures and WHMIS Guidelines.  

• For specific responsibilities of this position, refer to the Town’s Health and Safety Policy, Section 2 – Responsibilities for CAO, Directors, Supervisors and Workers.

• Ensures proper ergonomic requirements are met and good ergonomic procedures are practiced.

• Ensures all operations are conducted in a safe manner and in accordance with Town Policies and all Occupational Health and Safety Rules and Regulations.

Please note:

1. A cover letter clearly indicating the position title, accompanied by an up-to-date resume is required. 

2. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a skills and personality assessment test.

3. The successful candidate will be required to provide professional references and an acceptable criminal record check.

    

The Town of Slave Lake has an attractive compensation plan and generous benefits package including defined pension plan