Director, Communications and Engagement

**Job Number** ============== : 56413 **Community Services | City of Edmonton** **Big city. Complex challenges. Meaningful impact.** Edmonton is growing, evolving and tackling some of the most important issues facing cities today. From community safety and social well-being to recreation, culture and emergency services, the work of Community Services touches the lives of Edmontonians every day. **We're looking for an exceptional communications leader who sees complexity as opportunity, builds trust through relationships and knows how to turn strategy into impact.** Reporting directly to the Deputy City Manager, Community Services, you'll be a trusted advisor, strategic partner and influential voice at the leadership table. You'll lead a talented team of communications and engagement professionals, navigate high-profile and often sensitive issues, and help shape how the City connects with the people it serves. **What will you do?** * **Lead with purpose.** Inspire, coach and empower a high-performing team that delivers exceptional communications and engagement * **Shape the conversation.** Provide strategic counsel on complex, high-profile and emerging issues that matter to Edmontonians * **Build bridges.** Cultivate trusted relationships with senior leaders, elected officials, and community and business partners * **See around corners.** Anticipate challenges, identify opportunities and bring sound judgment and political acumen to difficult decisions * **Make an impact.** Champion innovative communications, meaningful public engagement and change initiatives that deliver measurable results * **Think beyond boundaries.** Connect departmental priorities to the City's broader goals and help move the organization forward * **Live our values.** Align with our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm) * **Foster inclusion.** Support, uphold, and foster a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion **Qualifications** ------------------ : You're a strategic thinker, trusted advisor and people-first leader who thrives where the stakes are high and the answers aren't always obvious. **You bring:** * Significant experience leading communications, engagement and related functions in a large, complex organization * Exceptional judgment, political acumen and the confidence to provide candid, thoughtful advice * A demonstrated ability to build strong teams, navigate change and influence across organizational boundaries * Expertise in strategic communications, public engagement, issues management and business partner relationships * Relevant education, training and/or experience in communications, marketing, journalism, business or a related discipline. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered * Advanced education and relevant professional accreditations are considered assets Above all, you lead with integrity, curiosity and a commitment to public service, equity, diversi