CAROLINE BARRIÈRE
Ottawa,ON
Summary
Strong bilingual leader dedicated to expanding the reach of recreational and cultural programming, removing all barriers to participation, and maximizing the City's impact on the most vulnerable clients and communities. Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent political acuity and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively promote the City of Ottawa. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
ACTING DIRECTOR and ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
City of Ottawa
01.2023 - Current
- Lead the Community Recreation, Culture and Sports Services team to successfully achieve their goals
- Provide strategic and political support to the General Manager while working collaboratively with the departmental leadership team
- Adept in developing, coaching, evaluating and motivating management team members while maintaining trust and mutual respect
- Engage with employees to build collaboration and implement innovative and flexible solutions
- Provide strategic direction to critical projects, including: Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Strategy, Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe Strategy, Safety and Security in the Downtown Core Pilot Project, Operationalizing of Thriving Communities to Community Connections
- Build relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders, including the Chief William Commanda Bridge team and Ottawa Titans
- Understanding of the municipal budget process and preparation while maintaining good financial practices
- Support Corporate Service Review to identify and action efficiencies within the department to align with strategic direction
- Champion the development of new programming opportunities, including summer camp for children living in temporary emergency accommodations, to better serve the needs of diverse residents
- Support to team with strategic direction in the transition of community centre and arena to emergency shelters while adapting and maintaining a client-centric focus.
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC INFORMATION AND MEDIA RELATIONS (ACTING)
City of Ottawa
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Provided expert strategic communications and media relations direction to support corporate objectives, priorities and programs
- Demonstrated business sense by ensuring all communication preserve the reputation and integrity of the City
- Fostered innovation and change in collaboration with Mayor’s Office, Chairs and Councillors on arising issues while supporting City Manager Office and Corporate views
- Engaged and motivated employees through multiple initiatives and channels.
PROGRAM MANAGER, MEDIA RELATIONS AND LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT
City of Ottawa
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Led a team navigating conflict and resolving challenges in a highly political environment
- Acted as the Emergency Information Officer to maintain public confidence in time of crisis
- Drove innovation to respond to the evolving COVID-19 reality and restrictions while informing residents in real time
- Protected the City’s reputation through risk assessment with the media relations team
- Developed and maintained positive working relationships with reporters, staff and external stakeholders
- Managed teams responsible for events, speechwriting, and legislative support
- Led communications for several draft City budgets
- Developed the City’s media spokesperson training course.
COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIST
City of Ottawa
01.2010 - 01.2016
- Portfolios included Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services, OC Transpo, Emergency and Protective Services, and Community and Social Services
- Developed strategic approach and implemented appropriate tactics to respond to crises and emergencies
- Supported City Manager Office, Mayor’s Office, General Managers and City staff with communications products
- Researched and drafted responses to media inquiries
- Developed legislative report analysis to support management and subject-matter experts
- Provided media training.
SENIOR REPORTER
Journal Le Droit
01.1996 - 01.2009
- Acting chief editor responsible for news assignment and the entire newsroom
- Managed the Arts and Entertainment Saturday section
- Reported on City of Ottawa business, health and education
- Contributed to the editorial board.
Education
MASTER OF ARTS - FRENCH
Carleton University
Ottawa, ON05.2010
BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATIONS JOURNALISM -
UQAM
Montreal, QC05.1997
Skills
- Strategic Leadership
- People Management
- Business Leadership
- Decision-Making
- Process Improvement
- Effective Employee Development
- Political Acuity
- Media Relations
- Strategic planning and execution
- Emergency Management
- Budget Management
Languages
FRENCH
Native or Bilingual
ENGLISH
Full Professional
Professional Development
- MENTORING PROGRAM (MENTOR), City of Ottawa, 2024
- INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP, City of Ottawa, 2024
- COACHING CIRCLE - ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS, City of Ottawa, 2022 - 2023
- MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS FOR PEOPLE LEADERS, City of Ottawa, 2023
- PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY, City of Ottawa, 2023
Awards
- CITY MANAGER AWARD, Winning team - Turning ideas into results - Community Private parking enforcement program, 2014
- PUBLISHED AUTHOR, Le théâtre de Koffi Kwahulé - Une nouvelle mythologie urbaine - Éditions L’Harmattan (Paris), 2012
Projects
DRAFT CITY BUDGETS COMMUNICATIONS, City of Ottawa, 2018 - 2022 COVID-19 and VACCINATION RESPONSE, City of Ottawa, 2020 - 2021
Timeline
ACTING DIRECTOR and ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
City of Ottawa
01.2023 - Current
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC INFORMATION AND MEDIA RELATIONS (ACTING)
City of Ottawa
01.2022 - 01.2023
PROGRAM MANAGER, MEDIA RELATIONS AND LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT
City of Ottawa
01.2016 - 01.2022
COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIST
City of Ottawa
01.2010 - 01.2016
SENIOR REPORTER
Journal Le Droit
01.1996 - 01.2009
MASTER OF ARTS - FRENCH
Carleton University
BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATIONS JOURNALISM -
UQAM
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