Utilities Kingston is located in Kingston, Ontario, equidistant from Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa, where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario and the Rideau Canal (a UNESCO World Heritage site) – Kingston is a stunning, historic city that consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Canada. Kingston’s 123,363 community-minded citizens enjoy an outstanding quality-of-life enhanced by superb intellectual, recreational and creative opportunities and supported by excellent health care facilities and municipal services, programs and facilities.

Utilities Kingston is unique in Ontario, combining water, wastewater, gas, electricity and telecommunications services in one company under the leadership of a single C.E.O. This shared services delivery model gives Utilities Kingston clear advantages in cost savings and customer service over other utility providers in the province. Utilities Kingston has provided the residents of Kingston with safe and reliable utility services for more than 150 years.

Primary Duties

* Job posting closes December 15th, 2023 and interviews will be scheduled for January 2024. *

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services, the Manager, Public Relations & Communications is responsible for developing and executing effective communication strategies to align with corporate strategy and to support the ongoing internal and external needs of the organization, building constructive relationships with external and internal stakeholders. The incumbent ensures that external communications are aligned with the company mission, vision, and values, with the goal of increasing customer engagement while promoting the brand of Utilities Kingston.

Major Responsibilities:

Communications

Ensure that communications are aligned with the company mission, vision, and values.

Liaise with stakeholders of strategic importance to facilitate collaboration and consistency of communications.

Responsible for understanding and delivering critical messaging regarding water, wastewater, natural gas, electricity and telecommunication services to customers.

Identify key communications issues and governance considerations as they relate to communications functions.

Develop content and direct creative execution to provide consistent, targeted, and impactful messaging.

Support the improvement of customer care and relationships through timely and accurate communications, by leveraging technology and social media platforms, and by ensuring adherence to best practices.

Interpret and ensure communications are compliant with Federal and Provincial laws and regulations relevant to advertising including legislation related to anti-spam, privacy, accessibility, and copyright.

Supervise team members in various communication activities to ensure development and provide performance feedback.

Update and maintain external websites, keeping content current and engaging.

Public Relations

Develops marketing and communication strategies to increase brand awareness and customer loyalty.

Writes press releases and prepares information for the media outlets to promote the organization.

Builds social media relationships with local and industry career influencers to promote the Utilities Kingston brand as an employer of choice.

Analyzes the organization’s objectives, promotional policies, and needs to build public relations strategies that influence public opinion and promote products, ideas, programs, and services.

Researches and understands key business challenges, customer behavior, target audiences, competitive activity, and environmental factors that impact programs within the business.

Plans or directs the development of programs to maintain favorable public and stakeholder views of the organization’s agenda and accomplishments

Advises senior leaders before media interviews to ensure that they are properly informed and prepared and that appropriate information is communicated.

Determines the best materials and methods to be used to promote Utilities Kingston’s strengths and achievements to the media, including opportunities to clarify information about a particular subject or issue.

Determines the resource requirements for specific marketing and communications projects.

Develops and implements emergency or crisis communications plans (may include special working conditions outside of normal business hours).

Education, Certification and Other Qualifications Required

Skills and Abilities:

Intermediate MS Office

Advanced social media skills in order to facilitate and advance communication and public relations initiatives

Demonstrated ability to write, edit and research content

Ability to present utility-related technical information in an accurate and concise manner

Ability to manage highly sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality

Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with stakeholders and build trust and partnerships

Ability to exercise creativity and persuasion skills to win acceptance and support communication initiatives

Ability to exercise sound judgement, make decisions and problem-solve

Demonstrated excellent time management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities

Demonstrated experience using analytics to make informed decisions relative to communication programs and initiatives, including measuring subsequent progress

Organizational skills and attention to detail

Knowledge:

Advanced knowledge of communications strategy, governance, public and employee engagement and public relations

Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety requirements as it relates to individuals, the organization and operational requirements

Experience:

Degree or Diploma in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business Administration or equivalent, or an acceptable combination of education, training and professional experience

Minimum 3 years supervisory experience

Membership in and/or accreditation through the International Association of Business Communicators or Canadian Public Relations Society is preferred

Minimum 3-5 years experience in developing, leading, and implementing a strategic communications program.

Experience in the utility industry is an asset.

Class G driver’s license

Knowledge of and/or participation in IAP2 Training – International Association of Public Participation

Special Working Conditions/Conditions of Employment

Positions Supervised:

Communications Coordinator

Your resume and/or cover letter must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the position.

Appropriate accommodations will be provided as required by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) upon request.

Utilities Kingston is committed to employment equity and we encourage applications from all designated group members. Our goal is a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the Kingston community.

Utilities Kingston thanks all candidates that apply; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Internal applicants must inform their supervisor or manager of their application and subsequent status