COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR

City of Toronto • Toronto, ON

1d • CA$89,337 - CA$120,831 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced, strategic and agile Communications Advisor to join the Media Relations team. Reporting to the Manager, Media Relations, the successful candidate is a natural storyteller with a journalist’s mindset — skilled at anticipating issues, navigating complex files and proactively engaging with media, including media pitching expertise. The candidate will bring an understanding of Toronto’s media landscape and either have established relationships with key journalists or the ability and drive to build them quickly. The ideal candidate is someone who excels in high-pressure, rapidly evolving situations and can confidently contributes issues management and emergency communications support. The Communications Advisor may serve as a spokesperson, conducting live or pre-recorded interviews across television, radio, online and print platforms.

Requirements

• Post-secondary education in a discipline pertinent to the job function, such as journalism, communications, marketing or combined equivalent of education and experience.
• Considerable experience in corporate communications or public affairs within a complex public or private sector organization.
• Considerable experience in proactive and reactive media relations, issues management and crisis communications.
• Sound judgment and discretion when working on sensitive or high‑profile matters.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to perform effectively under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including superior writing and editing expertise.
• Knowledge of outreach strategies for diverse and multilingual audiences, applying an inclusive and culturally responsive communications lens.
• Demonstrated passion for public service and for telling compelling, people-centered stories about the City.

Nice To Haves

• Training in Incident Management System (IMS) or emergency management best practices is an asset.
• Experience serving as a media spokesperson is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Plan, co-ordinate and execute press conferences, technical briefings and onsite media opportunities.
• Develop clear, compelling media materials (media advisories, news releases, speaking notes and more) that translate complex or technical information into accessible narratives.
• Seek out proactive storytelling opportunities and pitch to local and national media outlets.
• Respond to high volumes of media inquiries — including contributing to the 15,000+ media interactions received annually through [email protected].
• Prepare City spokespeople for interviews, public appearances and media conferences.
• Contribute to media training for staff across the organization.
• Provide on-camera, on-the-record and live interview support as a spokesperson, if required.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with senior management, divisional partners and stakeholders across the City.
• Lead integrated communications approaches that align with organizational priorities and apply best practices in measurement and engagement.
• Ensure communications practices respect equity, diversity and inclusion, and effectively reach multilingual and diverse audiences.
• Monitor emerging issues, Council and Committee agendas, policies, and media coverage to assess potential impacts on the City.
• Contribute real-time strategic advice during incidents, emergencies and reputational risks.
• Contribute to the development of issues management and crisis communications strategies.
• Support after-hours and weekend issues response as part of a rotating standby schedule.
• Implements detailed plans and recommend policies/procedures regarding program specific requirements.
• Conducts research into assigned areas ensuring that such research takes into account developments within the field, corporate policies and practices, legislation and initiatives by other levels of government.
• Provides input into and administers assigned budget, ensuring that expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
• Develops and executes large-scale, multi-channel communications plans, internal/external and proactive/reactive strategies, issues management, digital and media strategies and processes in support of City programs, projects, campaigns, ensuring that budgets and deadlines are met.
• Identifies reputational risks, monitors and advises on emerging issues that can affect the City’s brand and the achievement of its goals. Supports and operationalizes communications strategies that protect and/or enhance the City's reputation.
• Identifies and adheres to corporate communication policies and standards to ensure consistency of information across all platforms.
• Ensures all communication materials meet corporate standards, e.g. inclusive images/language, CP style, clear language for multiple channels (web, social media, video, audio, print, signage) and use the City's voice.
• Responds in a timely manner to media and other requests for information on City programs and services.
• Works positively with all staff in the division and contributes to the goals of the division by participating in staff meetings and providing input on the City's communications protocols and policies that support divisional objectives.

Benefits

• The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve.
• 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.
• Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree