Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason
- Job ID #31880: Community Engagement Advisor
- Union: Non-Union
- Job Description ID #: 6119
- Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city
by 4:00 p.m. on April 15, 2026.
- Duration: Up to 6 Months
- Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy
- Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
The incumbent will be responsible for providing strategic advice and operational support to the Mayor and their staff on all matters related to community engagement, outreach strategy, and stakeholder relations.
The Advisor plays a key role in strengthening the Mayor’s connection to residents, community organizations, and stakeholder groups across Hamilton by developing and maintaining a comprehensive network of community relationships. This includes proactively identifying engagement opportunities, emerging community leaders, and underrepresented voices to ensure inclusive and representative outreach.
A core responsibility of this role is the preparation of speeches, speaking notes, briefing materials, and key messaging documents for the Mayor for community events, announcements, and stakeholder meetings.
The Advisor leads and participates in community engagement activities, including offsite visits, meetings, and events, which may occur outside of regular business hours. The role also supports the Mayor’s Office in responding to escalated constituent inquiries referred through the Constituent Assistant or reception.
The incumbent provides advice and recommendations to the Mayor and their staff on community issues, engagement strategies, stakeholder relations, and emerging public sentiment, informed by policy analysis and community feedback.
GENERAL DUTIES
- Develops and maintains a strategic community engagement and stakeholder relations framework to support the Mayor’s Office priorities.
- Identifies, maps, and cultivates relationships with community organizations, neighbourhood associations, cultural and faith-based groups, not-for-profit agencies, business organizations, and other key stakeholders.
- Proactively identifies engagement opportunities for the Mayor, including community events, site visits, forums, and relationship-building initiatives with priority and underrepresented communities.
- Prepares written materials for the Mayor including speeches, remarks, briefing notes, talking points, correspondence, and backgrounders, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with strategic messaging.
- Coordinates and support the Mayor’s participation in community events, including preparation of event briefings, stakeholder lists, logistics, and key messaging support.
- Leads or support cross-departmental initiatives related to community engagement, ensuring alignment, coordination, and timely delivery of project objectives.
- Provides strategic advice to the Mayor and Chief of Staff regarding community priorities, stakeholder dynamics, public perception, and engagement opportunities or risks.
- Supports the development and implementation of community outreach initiatives in collaboration with Communications and relevant City departments.
- Researches and evaluate community partnership opportunities, ensuring alignment with municipal policies, strategic priorities, and community needs.
- Responds to escalated constituent inquiries referred through the Constituency Assistant, ensuring timely, respectful, and solution-oriented resolution.
- Leads the coordination and administration of the Order of Hamilton Awards Program, including nominations, adjudication support, communications, and event planning.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated ability to analyze major proposals, research, and develop solutions by using a broad knowledge required at the university level of education normally acquired through the completion of a degree in a related discipline or a combination of education and related work experience.
- Previous experience and knowledge in community and constituent relations and outreach practices.
- Ability to work both independently and within a team setting; ability to work under pressure and to produce deliverables under imposed deadlines.
- High level of communication skills, with particular emphasis on empathy, excellent writing ability; experience in a computerized environment; working knowledge of Word, Excel, database software, etc.
- In depth knowledge of Hamilton’s various cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Strong interpersonal skills, high level of sensitivity, and demonstrated good judgement, solid knowledge of constituent relations and development of best outreach practices.
NOTE
The incumbent must be prepared to work extended hours and comply with all Corporate Health and Safety Policies and Practices for this position and in the workplace.
Disclaimer:
Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.
Terms:
The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.
