Job ID #31788: Communications Specialist

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

Job ID #31788: Communications Specialist

Union: Non-Union

Job Description ID #: 2232

Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on March 18, 2026. 

Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy 

Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

The position is part of the City of Hamilton’s Communications and Engagement Division and reports to the Senior Communications Advisor, Communications.

This role provides proactive strategic communications advice and support for corporate and divisional initiatives. The Communications Specialist helps protect and advance the City’s reputation by anticipating issues, assessing risk and ensuring communications are clear, accurate, timely and aligned with corporate priorities.

The position develops and delivers communications strategies and plans, builds and manages strong relationships with internal partners and stakeholders and provides strategic counsel to ensure alignment with divisional standards and corporate priorities. Through forward-looking planning, effective issues management and sound judgment, this role supports public trust and the City’s credibility.
The position also supports broader corporate communications initiatives, as required.

GENERAL DUTIES

Develop and implement measurable strategic communications plans by translating business objectives into integrated communications approaches that support corporate priorities and protect the City’s reputation.

Exercise independent judgment and initiative in leading communications strategy for assigned portfolios, proactively recommending and advancing communications approaches aligned with corporate priorities.

Act as the communications owner for assigned portfolios by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of key initiatives and proactively reporting to senior leadership on communications plans, emerging risks and progress toward objectives.

Provide strategic communications advice to internal partners and project teams, applying sound judgment and political acumen to ensure messaging is clear, timely, accurate, and aligned with corporate standards, Council direction, and organizational priorities.

Build and manage effective working relationships with internal partners and stakeholders, providing trusted advice to support aligned, strategic communications approaches and positive outcomes for the City and community.

Support the Senior Communications Advisor on assigned files by contributing to strategy development, issues management and communications planning to achieve the best outcomes for the City and community.

Identify and assess emerging issues within assigned portfolios and develop communications strategies to mitigate reputational risk. Collaborate with the Issues and Media Relations team and provide file-specific response support, as required.

Support media relations for assigned portfolios by developing key messages and briefing materials, preparing spokespeople and collaborating with the Issues and Media Relations team to ensure coordinated responses that protect the City’s reputation.

Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of communications strategies and initiatives, using data and feedback to measure outcomes and inform continuous improvement.

Research, write and edit clear, accurate and accessible communications materials, including news releases, key messages, Qs and As, statements, speeches, presentations and digital content, applying plain language and accessibility standards.

Coordinate communications planning and execution for complex projects and events involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.

Work collaboratively with marketing, social media, creative services, and engagement teams to ensure integrated communications planning and coordinated delivery across channels and platforms.
Support the development and implementation of communications policies, procedures and standards to promote consistent and coordinated communications practices across the organization.

Participate in a rotational on-call schedule to provide after-hours communications support, including evenings and weekends, as required.

Work in accordance with applicable Health and Safety legislation and City policies and procedures.

Perform other related communications duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable experience (preference for three to five years) of progressively responsible experience in corporate communications or public relations. A degree or diploma in Public Relations or Journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans, including issues management and media relations support.

Strong writing and editing skills with a high level of accuracy, including demonstrated ability to write and edit in CP style. Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, plain and accessible language for diverse audiences.

Experience providing strategic communications advice within a complex or politically sensitive environment, including the ability to exercise sound judgment and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Knowledge of digital communications principles and experience working across digital channels, content management systems or analytics tools to support integrated communications approaches.

Demonstrated understanding of accessibility standards, inclusive communications practices and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion principles.

Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with internal partners and stakeholders.

Experience working in a public sector or municipal environment is an asset.

Willingness to participate in an on-call rotation outside of normal business hours, as required.

Disclaimer:

Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms:

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship.  If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.