The City of Miramichi is seeking an experienced, strategic, and highly motivated communications professional to lead the evolution of its corporate communications function. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about building and modernizing communications programs, strengthening public trust, and helping shape how a growing municipality engages with residents, businesses, stakeholders, employees, and the media.
Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services, the Corporate Communications Manager will serve as the City's lead communications professional and trusted advisor on all matters related to communications, public engagement, media relations, issues management, marketing, and brand stewardship. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing a strategic communications framework that supports Council priorities, organizational objectives, and community engagement goals.
The Corporate Communications Manager will work across all City departments to establish a high-performing, proactive, and integrated communications function that enhances transparency, supports informed decision-making, strengthens public confidence, and promotes the City of Miramichi as a community of choice.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve the City's corporate communications strategy, ensuring alignment with Council priorities, organizational objectives, and community expectations.
- Lead the development of a modern, high-functioning communications program that establishes consistent standards, processes, tools, and best practices across the organization.
- Serve as a strategic communications advisor to the Director of Corporate Services, senior leadership team, Mayor, and Council on communications planning, public engagement, issues management, reputation management, and emerging risks.
- Lead all aspects of the City's external communications, including media relations, public information campaigns, social media, website content, digital communications, and community outreach initiatives.
- Develop and execute proactive communications plans that effectively communicate municipal programs, projects, services, policies, and strategic initiatives.
- Act as the City's primary media contact and spokesperson, managing media inquiries, preparing key messages, coordinating interviews, and fostering positive relationships with media representatives.
- Monitor public, media, and stakeholder sentiment, identify emerging issues and trends, and provide strategic advice and communications responses to protect and enhance the City's reputation.
- Lead the City's crisis communications and emergency communications planning efforts and provide communications support during emergencies, service disruptions, and other significant events as a member of the Emergency Management Organization.
- Develop and manage the City's internal communications program to improve employee engagement, information sharing, organizational alignment, and awareness of corporate initiatives.
- Lead the City's public engagement efforts by developing engagement strategies, managing consultation processes, supporting public participation initiatives, and ensuring meaningful dialogue with residents and stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the Economic Development Division and other departments to strengthen the City's brand, support community marketing initiatives, and promote Miramichi as an attractive place to live, work, invest, and visit.
- Develop performance measures and analytics to evaluate communications effectiveness, demonstrate results, and support continuous improvement.
- Research emerging communications trends, technologies, and best practices and recommend innovative approaches to enhance the City's communications capabilities.
- Coordinate and support media events, announcements, public meetings, press conferences, community events, and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Build strong working relationships throughout the organization and provide communications guidance, support, and coaching to departments to ensure consistent, effective, and coordinated messaging.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Political Science, or a related field.
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, media relations, public engagement, marketing, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans and corporate communications programs.
- Experience advising senior leaders on communications, reputation management, stakeholder relations, and issues management.
- Strong understanding of media relations, digital communications, social media management, content development, public engagement, and brand management.
- Exceptional writing, editing, presentation development, and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience in crisis communications, issues management, or emergency communications would be considered a strong asset.
- Experience working in municipal government, government relations, public sector organizations, or politically sensitive environments would be considered an asset.
- Written competence in English and spoken competence in English and French is required. Bilingualism (English/French) is preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital communications platforms.
- Experience with graphic design, website content management systems, photography, videography, and Adobe Creative Suite would be considered assets.
- Valid Class 5 driver's licence.
The City of Miramichi offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and the opportunity to play a key role in shaping how the City communicates, engages, and builds trust with its residents and stakeholders.
We welcome applications from communications professionals who are passionate about public service, strategic thinking, and building high-performing communications functions that deliver meaningful results.
Pay: From $70,517.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Miramichi, NB E1V 2N5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)
Experience:
- communications, public relations, or marketing: 5 years (required)
Work Location: In person
