Public Engagement Specialist (Communications Coordinator II)

Requisition ID: 43113 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

The Public Engagement Specialist plans, designs and/or delivers public, industry and interest-holder engagement projects involving high profile issues and complex strategies in support of Energize Vancouver, the Climate Emergency Action Plan, Climate Adaptation Strategy, and other core sustainability policies. This position provides engagement counsel to senior managers and project teams as well as develops and implements engagement plans and programs. The specialist will exercise considerable independence of judgement and action in the work.  Work performance will be evaluated in terms of the effectiveness of engagement programs and services provided to inform the development or implementation of policy and plans.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports the development of the City’s policies and programs by providing public, industry and interest-holder engagement expertise. Activities will include developing and implementing engagement plans (internal, industry and public), offering strategic advice for related engagement plans and coordinating efficiencies amongst those efforts.
• Establishes relationships and liaises with a variety of internal and external contacts; and plans, assigns and supervises the work of contractors.
• Project advisory/support services
  • Conducts engagement planning and process design to help set goals and objectives and bring clarity to the purpose of engagement early on in order to create appropriate expectations, to provide solid direction, strategic advice, and to anchor evaluation at the end of process.
  • Identifies appropriate tools and tactics that will help the subject matter experts meet engagement objectives, and leverage existing programs and tools from other projects, and to provide strategic advice to other related engagement processes.
• Deliver or support delivery of specific engagement and communication tactics –
  • Implements engagement plans, particularly the design and execution of both in-person (large public events and workshops/charrettes) as well as online tactics (such as forums, surveys, voting platforms, etc).
  • Engagement process design/consultation objectives and outcomes;
  • Coordinates logistics such as books venue, speakers, food, supplies, graphic design, and outreach; coordinates the production of videos or podcasts; moderates online tool use.
  • Leads reporting of event outcomes, including input analysis, graphics; and overseeing web presence (such as the Energize Vancouver webpages). This involves coordination with other related engagement processes and external partners.
  • Works with communications staff and contractors to ensure timely, necessary outreach to the target audience is adequate to meet objectives of engagement plan.
  • Identify stakeholder engagement needs, including details around interest holder audiences and needs for translation.
  • Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Completion of a university degree in a field related to Social Studies, particularly Planning or Communications with specific focus on engagement, or its equivalent. Considerable professional experience in the planning field or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Preference for formal training in International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) engagement and planning methods.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge in a wide range of in person and online engagement tactics, including demonstrated facilitation and process design experience;
• Working knowledge of a wide range of sustainability issues, particularly related to building decarbonization and civic climate action;
• Working knowledge of municipal planning and decision-making processes as well as the social, economic and regulatory environment in which the City operates.
• Ability to identify and analyze issues and needs to develop and implement public engagement strategies to support various initiatives.
• Ability to develop and execute complex public, industry and interest-holder engagement processes;
• Ability to use social media and innovative, online engagement tools;
• Ability to effectively communicate complex ideas orally, in writing, and in visual presentations with a wide variety of internal and external contacts
• strong reporting and evaluation skills; and strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to use MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and web page editing;
• Ability to work independently as well as part of inter-disciplinary work teams, to multi-task, and to work within defined timelines is essential as are initiative and enthusiasm for public engagement;
• Ability to work with multicultural communities or cultural connections would be assets; and
• Ability to use Adobe Creative Suite with graphic skills would be an asset.

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite.  At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability (1275) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks 

Employment Type: Auxiliary/Casual 

Position Start Date: April, 2025 

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-027: $47.62 to $56.27 per hour

Application Close: March 30, 2025

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.