Position Purpose

This position acts as a key architect and executor of a long-term strategic public and media relations plan that will positively position York Regional Police as a communications leader in a diverse environment. To lead and manage the corporate communications processes. To manage the staff in the Marketing and Communications Bureau, and be an active member of the York Regional Police senior management team. Serves as a key advisor/counselor to the Chief of Police and Senior Command staff, providing accurate, appropriate, quality and timely advice under tight deadlines on contentious issues.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

Anticipating emerging issues and trends through research analysis and monitoring of the media, environmental reviews and strategic documents.

Presenting recommendations on corporate strategic plans to the Executive Officer to the Chief of Police and Senior Command Staff for approval.

Leading the development of proactive corporate communications strategies and participating in the corporate business planning process on aspects of communications.

Managing the York Regional Police relations with the public and the media.

Providing advice and guidance to the Chief of Police and Senior Command Staff regarding Corporate Communications.

Developing and delivering media training to officers both internally to YRP members and externally to other police services.

Developing, executing and evaluating internal and external corporate communications strategies and processes.

Ensuring consistency and integration of individual service, bureau and unit communication strategies.

Ensuring systems are in place to gauge public and employee opinion through targeted surveys, monitoring press, and discussions with key stakeholders.

Overseeing the production and assisting in the development of internal and external publications such as the EBook, the YRP annual report and internal and external calendars.

Overseeing the information available to the public on the YRP website and internal information to members via the YRPNet.

Monitoring budgets, outputs and deliverables of communication projects and on-going services to ensure quality and demonstrated value.

Participating on committees and task forces, as directed.

Participating in the selection, assignment of work, determination of training and development needs, coaching and mentoring of staff.

Conducting performance reviews and determining/recommending disciplinary action up to and including dismissal in accordance with collective agreements, policies and practices.

Ensuring that all staff work in a safe manner and utilizes all required health and safety equipment and protective devices, following all measures and procedures as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, as well as internal policies.

Serving as a key advisor/counselor to the Chief of Police and Senior Command staff providing accurate, appropriate, quality and timely advice, under tight deadlines, on contentious issues.

Developing and administrating the annual budget for Corporate Communications.

Coordinating and organizing special events such as consultation meetings, press conferences and workshops.

When directed by the Chief of Police, acting as the police service’s spokesperson on police matters.

Upholding the highest level of confidentiality on police matter, as required by the Code of Conduct.

Creating communications products that are professional, graphically-pleasing and consistent with YRP branding.

Performing other duties, as required, including special projects, assignments and speech writing.

Education, Licensing & Certifications
Four(4) Year University Degree in Communications or a related field.

Experience
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in a similar role, including five (5) years of supervisory experience.

Skills

Thorough working knowledge of modern communications practices and advanced preparation in mass media communications.

Demonstrated ability to develop communications strategies, identify where communications can have an impact in the organization and an understanding of what aspects contribute to or detract from the effectiveness of communications.

Proven managerial and project management ability.

Demonstrated computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Solid organizational, interpersonal, negotiating and time-management skills.

Excellent written and oral communication and problem-solving skills.

Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise judgment and tact in dealing with confidential information and respond to sensitive enquiries.