Communications Consultant

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 Communications Consultant. Reporting directly to the Corporate Communications Manager, the Communications Consultant works closely with their assigned portfolio departments, in addition to the whole Community and Public Relations Department. Responsibilities include developing and implementing internal and external communications plans, providing communications expertise and support, championing web communication, and upholding corporate identity standards.

Actual duties may vary. Communications Consultants may also be hired for specific projects or to focus on specific corporate priorities.

• Serve as the City's Communications Advisor and Liaison
  - Provide strategic communications counsel to departments, senior leadership, Council, and stakeholders. Act as the primary communications resource for corporate initiatives and issues.
• Develop and Execute Strategic Communications Plans
  - Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of internal and external communication strategies that support corporate objectives.
• Manage Media Relations
  - Create and approve news releases, media kits, public service announcements, and media backgrounders. Coordinate media responses and support media-facing activities.
• Coach and Support Organizational Spokespersons
  - Prepare and advise designated spokespersons for media interviews, public appearances, and communications issues.
• Lead Corporate Messaging and Content Development
  - Oversee the development, editing, and approval of written communications including reports, publications, speeches, web content, and promotional materials.
• Protect and Enhance the City's Reputation and Brand
  - Provide leadership for corporate identity standards and ensure consistent messaging across all departments and communication channels.
• Manage Complex Communications Projects
  - Coordinate multiple communications projects simultaneously, providing project management expertise and ensuring successful delivery within timelines and budgets.
• Lead Website Governance and Digital Communications
  - Oversee website content, architecture, standards, and enhancement initiatives. Lead web governance teams and promote the website as a key communications and customer service tool.
• Support Public Engagement and Community Outreach
  - Develop communications strategies for public consultation activities such as surveys, open houses, workshops, trade shows, and community…