Career story: Manager of Cluster Coordination

What does a day in your shoes feel like? And what are the key skills that can make or break a career in your field?

We’ve asked a diverse group of Apolitical members to share their career story with us and the tips they have for junior public servants. In this article, Andeen Drayton explains why it’s important to be a good communicator in their role as Manager of Cluster Coordination in a busy CIO’s office.

What is your current role and how do you spend your time on a standard day?

I'm currently the Manager of Cluster Coordination in a busy CIO's office. Overall, everything I do falls under the umbrella of strategic communications within an I+IT division: content and event planning, researching/writing, graphic design services, digital publication development (annual reports, IT roadmaps etc.) and website maintenance.

I'm also the lead for our Anti-Racism Action Plan and Employee Engagement Strategy. And of course, I provide direct communications support for the CIO (blogs, memos, briefings etc).

What did you do before taking up this role?

I was our division's Web + Internal Communication Coordinator before assuming my current role. Prior to this, I've been an IT Strategic Planning Advisor, a Systems Officer (technical support) and even did a short stint in finance. All of these roles were within the Ontario Public Service (OPS).

In your opinion, what are the most important skills someone needs to excel in your field?

You have to be a good communicator (obviously). You don't have to be slick with "the best words." Communicate naturally and clearly in ways that are tailored to your audience. Two things to keep in mind that'll always help you:

1. It's not about what you want to say but what your audience needs to hear.
2. Assume your audience is intelligent. If not, you'll communicate with them accordingly… that never goes well.

Interpersonal skills are also very important. You'll be working with diverse groups of people at various levels of government. Step back and understand the personalities, dynamics etc. It makes the path to achieving organisational goals much smoother, and you want that for career growth. Also, treat everyone with respect and expect the same for yourself. You won't always get that respect, but don't let anyone drag you down to their level. Your reputation follows you everywhere. Make yours a good one.

Lastly, be adaptable. If you want to work in communications, especially at the senior levels of government, know that things are ever-changing. What was approved an hour ago and ready to go, could grind to a halt as you were about to hit send. You'll have to pivot and work with other people/units/divisions/ministries to get it right, get it approved, and get it out… still preferably an hour ago.

What advice would you give to young public servants who are interested in a career in your field?

Be sure it's what you're passionate about. It makes working through the hustle and bustle a lot easier for yourself and your teams.

Also, don't narrow your field of interest. I started freelancing years ago but I was interested in everything, so I learned web and graphic design because they were interconnected. Then of course, writing content for clients' websites was a natural fit. By the time I came into the OPS, I had a skill set that was pretty rare and has only grown over time. Having a broad skill set can make you indispensable. Additionally, those communications/design skills are transferable and beneficial to many other career paths. Don't limit yourself.

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