Director of Communications

SUMMARY

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Organizational Services, the Director of Communications serves as the City's strategic communications leader.

The incumbent sets the strategic direction, advises decision-makers, and supports the organization in maintaining a consistent, credible, and inspiring public image, both internally and externally.

They also oversee the proactive management of public issues, safeguard the City's reputation, and align communications with strategic priorities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic leadership and governance
• Define and steer the vision and strategic direction for communications
• Advise senior management and City Council on strategic issues
• Ensure communications align with organizational priorities
• Anticipate and manage reputational risks

Positioning, image, and reach
• Ensure the strategic positioning and consistency of the City's brand
• Implement outreach and visibility strategies
• Oversee public and media relations
• Maintain the quality and consistency of corporate communications
• Occasionally serve as a spokesperson on strategic issues facing the City

Organizational communications
• Lead internal communications and public engagement
• Support management in strategic communications
• Ensure a clear, consistent, and engaging flow of information

Issue and crisis management
• Manage communications during emergencies and crises
• Maintain active monitoring and anticipate emerging issues
• Advise decision-makers in sensitive situations

Team leadership and resource management
• Motivate, supervise, and develop the communications team
• Manage human, financial, and material resources effectively
• Implement practices that promote quality performance and continuous improvement

Other
• Perform any other related tasks, including but not limited to those assigned by the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education
• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, political science, or a related field
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Training or certification in crisis management or crisis communications (asset)

Experience
• Seven (7) years' experience in the field of communications
• Five (5) years' experience managing staff
• Experience in strategic communications, including the development and implementation of communications plans
• Experience in public engagement and participation (asset)
• Experience in the municipal sector (significant asset)

Knowledge
• Strong proficiency in digital tools (e.g., Microsoft Office 365) and communication platforms
• Strong knowledge of the principles of human resources, financial and budget administration, and project management
• Understanding of complex organizational environments, ideally at the municipal level

Skills
• Excellent communication skills in French and English, both spoken and written, including speechwriting, content creation, public communications, public relations, and promotional and outreach activities
• Inspiring leadership and strategic vision
• Ability to influence and advise senior management and stakeholders
• Sound judgment, strong political acumen, and a keen ability to navigate sensitive issues
• Analytical mindset and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities
• Ability to perform well under pressure, particularly in crisis situations
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills

General requirements
• Adherence to the organization's values, and a professional attitude aligned with the interests of the City of Dieppe and the community
• Compliance with privacy and information management rules and policies
• Punctuality and diligence
• Ability to maintain satisfactory job performance

WORK SCHEDULE
• Thirty-five (35) hours per week
• Availability as needed outside regular office hours (evenings and weekends), particularly for City Council meetings, events, emergencies, and crisis management

SALARY
• Based on the current pay scale for non-unionized staff
• The incumbent also receives vacation, benefits (paid by the employer) and a pension plan (employer/staff contribution).

CLOSING DATE

The deadline to submit an application is May 20, 2026 at 23 h 59.