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Posting Information

Posting Number: CK54081P

Position Title: Lead Communications Strategist

No. of Staff Required: 1

Position Type: Full Time

Position Groups: Management and Exempt

Division: City Manager (DV100)

Department: City Manager (DP100-1)

Branch: City Manager (BR100-1)

Purpose of Position: Non Union

Job Summary Join the City of Kelowna’s vibrant Executive Office as our Lead Communications Strategist. We are looking for a energetic communications leader with strong strategic thinking, exceptional writing skills, and a talent for building collaborative relationships.

Responsibilities Strategic Communications

Communications lead to develop and implement strategic communications plans that support City Manager and City Council as well as the corporate priority plans.

Develop solutions and processes for complex and varied corporate initiatives; create, implement, evaluate and continually adapt both corporate external and internal communications strategy that guides the work of the corporate communications department.

Conduct and analyze key research to ensure strong understanding of citizens, key stakeholders, community issues/trends and communications preferences. Coordinate the work of relief staff and external consultants.

Communications lead for key corporate service departments including Human Resources (including labour relations) and financial services.

Media Relations and Issues Management

Proactively develop communications solutions for senior managers before projects go public to ensure process will enhance or mitigate corporate reputation.

Anticipate media interest and proactively prepare Mayor,



Council and City Manager to enhance or mitigate negative impact to the organization.

Develop media relations strategies for complex and varied business challenges – preference is to be proactive and be able to quickly develop and implement reactive media strategies for emergent issues.

Communications lead for Regional Emergency Operations Center to ensure channels and processes are operational for large scale emergencies throughout the Central Okanagan.

Corporate Communication Channels and Reputation Management

Develop communications strategies to shape and influence city’s reputation to ensure ongoing public and staff support for city initiatives.

Responsible for developing and implementing key corporate communications platforms – platforms which are key to delivering city services and information are continually changing in today’s 24/7 virtual world.

Communications Standards

Develop corporate communications policies, frameworks and guidelines that guide the actions of all city staff.

Negotiate branding programs with third party partners to ensure citizens recognize city-owned properties and value for money.

Responsible for RFPs and contracts that govern communications.

Manage Budget

Varies annually between $50,000 and $100,000.

Builds and manages individual project communications budgets: build case, secure funding and manage funds appropriately.





Qualifications Knowledge University degree in communications/public relations or related field. Must have a deep and broad understanding of communications theory, strategic communication, stakeholder analysis, media relations theory, agenda setting, public consultation and research. The communications consultant must be able to assess various data and input to develop effective solutions.

Skills & Abilities The candidate must have a minimum of five years experience in communications and have demonstrated strengths in strategic communications. Specific skills include critical thinking to ensure effective recommendations to address a broad array of communications and business challenges. Other core skills include effective written and oral communication and ability to conduct valid research projects. The individual must be comfortable working in an ambiguous environment where all challenges must be approached differently, and no two solutions are the same; remaining within best practices guidelines. A high degree of interpersonal skills that include coaching and consulting are a must. This person must be able to manage multiple projects including resources (staff, consultants, contractors) with competing priorities and tight deadlines. Must work collaboratively with City Manager, Mayor, third party partners and city employees to build productive relationships.

Additional Hiring Information

Pay Rate: $87,000 to $101,500 annually

Posting Date: 04/08/2026

Closing Date: 04/22/2026

Days of Work: Monday to Friday

Hours of Work: 8 am to 4 pm

Work Location: CITY HALL

Documents Needed to Apply Required Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Other Document 1

Other Document 2

Other Document 3

Other Document 4

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Apply on Kit Job: kitjob.ca/job/2g9iml

📌 Lead Communications Strategist (Kelowna)
🏢 City of Kelowna
📍 Kelowna