Senior Communications Consultant

About Red Deer

Red Deer sits at the heart of Central Alberta along the QEII corridor, perfectly positioned between Calgary and Edmonton. With more than 100,000 residents and a regional reach of over 300,000, it’s a growing hub for business, services, and opportunity.

Here, big-city amenities meet small-city ease. Enjoy abundant parks and trails, vibrant arts and culture, excellent recreation and education, and a strong sense of community.

With easy access to lakes, outdoor adventures, and the mountains, plus a thriving economy and high quality of life, Red Deer is an inviting place to live, work, and grow.

The City of Red Deer is a dynamic municipal organization with a $480M operating budget, a $60M capital program, and a workforce of nearly 1,700 employees. It is focused on growing with purpose by attracting talented, community-minded people who want to make a difference.

Guided by the vision “Our City, One Voice,” Red Deer is building a thriving, inclusive, and connected community, with priorities centered on a vibrant economy, community wellbeing, and strong engagement.

At its core, the City values its people, embracing diverse perspectives and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and shared success.

The City of Red Deer is currently recruiting for a Senior Communications Consultant to fill an 18-month full-time term position. This Senior Communications Consultant position provides strategic communications advice on complex and longer-term communications issues, projects and initiatives. Responsible for leading in the development and implementation of strategic communications plans focusing on major corporate initiatives, budgets, strategic areas of emphasis, capital projects, strategic planning, media relations and issues management.

Provides leadership to department students as opportunities arise. Provides leadership and mentorship to Communications Consultant staff on a project basis. Actual responsibilities may vary. Senior Communications Consultants may also be hired for specific projects or to focus on specific corporate priorities.

• Lead Strategic Communications Planning
  - Identify organizational communications needs and provide expert advice on communications and public consultation strategies.
• Develop and Execute Communication Plans
  - Create, implement, and evaluate integrated communications and public engagement plans that support corporate priorities and sensitive initiatives.
• Provide Strategic Communications Counsel
  - Advise Senior Administration, Council, and departments on communications approaches, risk management, and reputation protection.
• Manage Issues and Reputation Communications
  - Anticipate and address politically sensitive or high-profile issues to maintain public trust and organizational credibility.
• Develop Corporate Messaging
  - Lead the creation of clear, consistent messaging on complex topics such as strategic plans, budgets, growth initiatives, and confidential matters.
• Create Communications Content
  - Write and produce communication materials including news releases, briefing notes, speeches, Q&A, newsletters, website content, advertising, and multimedia materials.
• Manage Media Relations
  - Build and maintain proactive relationships with media, coordinate media events, and support positive organizational visibility.
• Coach and Support Leaders
  - Provide media and communications coaching to staff and Council members, helping them communicate effectively and respond to public concerns.
• Provide Leadership and Relationship Management
  - Mentor and supervise students and communications staff, while building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, community partners, and consultants.
• Ensure Accountability and Resource Management
  - Manage project budgets, meet client expectations, track progress, and ensure all communications activities align with the organization's strategic plan and objectives.

• Knowledge gained through completing an undergraduate degree in communications, journalism, or related field, plus five years of progressively more complex…