The Office of Mayor Olivia Chow is hiring for a new part-time position: Communications Advisor (Writer). We are seeking an experienced writer to support a variety of content, including but not limited to: video scripts, web and social copy, and most often speeches.
We’re Hiring:
Communications Advisor (Writer) (Part-Time)
This person should have a passion for storytelling, a strong understanding of public narrative, a commitment to Mayor Chow’s vision for Toronto, and experience in writing, especially speech, script, or screenwriting.
Responsibilities
The Communications Advisor (Writer) will be responsible for delivering on a number of projects: from assisting with speech writing for events across the city, to writing video scripts and social content.
- Writes remarks for events that incorporate policy and community background details, key messaging, and all with a strong focus on storytelling
- Communicates and cooperates with the policy, outreach, communications and strategy teams to ensure content is relevant, accurate and on message
- Writes scripts for online video content spanning topics from cultural and community celebrations to public policy
- Reviews detailed background materials, policy briefings, past speeches, and personal stories to inform all written content
- Occasionally attends community events with the Mayor to calibrate written text with delivery
- Conducts occasional research on relevant topics in order to develop original content
Qualifications, Skills & Experience
- Strong interpersonal skills, able to build strong relationships, receive and incorporate feedback into finished products
- Proven ability to craft engaging content for speeches, videos, and web/social
- Strong research skills
- Ability to take complex concepts and make them accessible, compelling and exciting
- Highly organized, able to complete drafts of content or finished projects on time
- A love of storytelling and a deep understanding of its power to build strong personal connections
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Strong attention to detail and experience meeting tight deadlines
- Strong familiarity with and experience using public narrative (Ganz) as a means to motivate people through storytelling to join a shared purpose
- Ability to write quickly and turn around 300-800 word speeches in short periods of time
- Experience learning and writing in someone’s voice
- Experience writing for leaders
- Experience writing for different audiences
- Strong political judgement and knowledge of Toronto
- Education in communications or a related field is considered an asset, this can include screen, theatre, and creative writing
- Experience working and writing for a politician or elected official is an asset
- A commitment to equity and building a more caring, safe, and affordable city
- Highly motivated and able to work under pressure on tight deadlines
Application Procedure & Employment
Part-time hourly work $36/hour with up to 10-20 hours a week available. Hours of work will vary based on demand.
Anticipated start date: as early as June 3, 2024
Location: Both work from home, in person work at Toronto City Hall, with occasional travel in the city.
If you have any questions please contact Francis Kung, Director of Operations, Office of Mayor Olivia Chow at [email protected].
Please submit a compelling and creative letter of interest alongside a detailed resume by Friday, May 24 at 5pm to [email protected].
Include three relevant writing samples.
Subject line: Application for Communications Advisor (Writer)
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.
Accommodation
The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.