Senior Communications Advisor

Overview   Job Details  — Temporary Full Time (Non-Union)
Posting Status  — Open to all current Town of Oakville employees and external applicants.
Duration  — Approximately 8 months
Closing Date  — Applications for this position must be received at  by no later than 11:59 p.m. on February 12, 2026.
This job posting is for an existing vacancy and therefore will be filled accordingly.
Responsibilities   Reporting to the Manager of Corporate Communications, the Senior Communications Advisor (SCA) will play a key role in supporting the Communications team for approximately eight months (April to November 2026) during a period of heightened activity. The position will focus on delivering strategic communications support for key initiatives that advance the goals of the team, clients and broader community.
The SCA is responsible for establishing strategic direction for their clients’ (Town departments) communications initiatives. The SCA has senior level experience developing and implementing effective internal and external communications plans and providing on-going strategic communications advice and support to clients in an effort to build, promote and protect the Town’s brand. The SCA understands and commits to the mission and values of the corporation.
Develop and implement custom communications plans – including strategies focused on issue or reputation management, crisis communications, media relations, public engagement, social media, event planning, collateral development, internal communications, promotion, marketing and advertising.
Write and develop a variety communications material for internal and external audiences, including but not limited to media briefs and speaking notes, news releases, interview backgrounders, social media posts, web and intranet content, staff and resident newsletters, email bulletins, brochure and advertisement copy.
Ensure organizational initiatives and projects are successfully communicated to employees and community.
Manage collateral development from inception to completion including project scope and budget requirements, research, concept development, writing, approvals, design, and printing as well as the hiring and tendering of third-party vendors.
Manage resources to ensure budget, deadlines and deliverables are met.
Proactively manage the Town’s reputation by identifying potential issues (including contentious ones) and providing advice and solutions.
Making well-thought-out recommendations to management.
Proactively monitor media stories/issues relevant to the Town and pitch stories that align with the interests of target publications.
Coordinate responses to incoming media inquiries, plan and manage media opportunities and provide on-site media support as required.
Identify, advise and/or manage opportunities to engage the Town’s diverse community in a two-way dialogue as per the Town’s public engagement procedure.
Provide recommendations and support to clients on advertising and marketing opportunities.
Act as the centre of expertise for media and public relations opportunities, and provide information, tools and advice for programs and initiatives.
Review and edit materials for consistency of style, format, readability and accessibility.
Plan or support the execution of some internal and external events for clients.
Establish, enhance and maintain productive relationships with other levels of governments and municipal partners.
Exercise discretion in dealing with sensitive political and confidential corporate issues or materials.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications   You have a university degree, diploma and/or post graduate certificate in communications or related field along with a minimum of five years of relevant experience in corporate communications, public relations, and marketing or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Your formal education is augmented by progressively responsible positions with deep experience and competence in the duties and skills noted here.
You have strong political acumen, and expertise in strategic communications planning and execution, public engagement, issues management, media relations, social media and…