Director – Communications Department

Purpose of position

The discipline of communications is constantly evolving and the City of Westmount is looking for an experienced director in the field, with an eye for the latest trends and technologies, whose mission will be to modernize the department and implement standards and sustainable processes in order to successfully complete current and future projects.

Reporting to the Director General, the incumbent plans, organizes, directs and controls all activities relating to communications, public relations, advertising, publications, and the organization of events that affect the image, reputation and awareness of the City. He ensures the preparation and updating of the communication plan to support the achievement of the City's strategic objectives. He initiates all internal and external communication and manages the various communication programs and tools. He acts as a communications expert for the entire municipality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree appropriate to the position, either in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or any discipline relevant to the position.

Experience

• A minimum of eight (8) years of experience allowing the incumbent to become familiar with the responsibilities of the position, including at least four (4) years of experience in team management.

Main Responsibilities

1. Determine, in collaboration with his supervisor, the department’s orientations, objectives and priorities based on the City’s mission and business plan;
2. Manage the human, financial, material and information resources under his jurisdiction, in accordance with the rules, standards, regulations, and collective agreements in force;
3. Carries out an organizational diagnosis in order to develop, implement and ensure the updating of the best operating procedures, policies, and standards for the department, including the communication policy, graphic standards, special projects; develop the appropriate programs and tools, and ensure their distribution;
4. Ensure the development of the annual communication program, taking into account the City’s business plan and the needs of internal and external clients;
5. Develop and promote a credible and responsive service offering to the City’s administrative units, taking into account their operational and strategic needs;
6. Act as a strategic communications advisor for the entire organization to optimize the City’s corporate image and ensure strategic monitoring of communication trends and developments.

Essential Knowledge

• new technologies applicable to the field of communications, social media, etc.;
• the political scene in general;
• both languages (French, English) spoken and written.

Abilities and Skill

• manage personnel;
• excellent interpersonal and teamwork abilities;
• sense of innovation and creativity;
• strategic planning and vision;
• recognized political sense;
• decision making and results oriented;
• conflict resolution;
• organized, structured, and able to manage a variety of files simultaneously within the prescribed time frame;
• communicate in both languages (French, English).