Director, Communications
About The Position
The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) is seeking a Director, Communications to lead the organization's communications, brand, stakeholder management, and social responsibility strategies. This role reports to the Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Social Responsibility and is crucial for supporting OCS's mandate, corporate priorities, and public accountability. The Director will be responsible for protecting and enhancing OCS's reputation, public trust, and stakeholder confidence. This position acts as a trusted advisor to the Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic guidance on reputational matters, stakeholder issues, and communications-related crises. Additionally, the Director will oversee the Social Responsibility function, ensuring alignment with public health objectives, regulatory expectations, and OCS values. Through integrated communications and brand leadership, this role contributes to enterprise planning and strengthens OCS's position in the public and legal cannabis sectors.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Social Sciences, Business, or a related field
- 7+ years of experience in a Communications leadership role (Manager level or above)
- Strong strategic communications expertise, including experience serving as an organizational spokesperson
- Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and executive advisory skills
- Solid understanding of data analysis, budgeting, and business operations
- Superior analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and leadership capabilities
Nice To Haves
- Ongoing professional development; Master's degree in a related field preferred
- Public sector experience (5+ years) preferred
- Experience advising executive teams in regulated or publicly accountable environments preferred
- Government or broader public sector experience preferred
- Advertising agency experience considered an asset
Responsibilities
- Lead OCS's communications, brand, reputation, and social responsibility strategies, ensuring alignment with the Corporate Strategic Plan, mandate, values, and public sector responsibilities.
- Serve as the senior communications advisor to the Vice President and Executive Team, providing counsel on strategic initiatives, stakeholder engagement, issues management, and reputational risk.
- Lead crisis communications, media relations, and public affairs activities, acting as the primary spokesperson and ensuring executive readiness, effective messaging, and trusted public representation.
- Oversee internal and external communications, enterprise storytelling, brand governance, social media, sponsorships, and thought leadership to maintain a consistent and credible organizational voice.
- Provide strategic leadership for the Social Responsibility function, ensuring the development and delivery of evidence-based programs, partnerships, and initiatives that promote responsible use, public trust, and regulatory alignment.
- Drive the integration of communications, brand, and social responsibility priorities across the organization to ensure consistent messaging and support business and stakeholder objectives.
- Lead high-profile events, announcements, and stakeholder engagements with government, industry, and public sector partners.
- Build and lead a high-performing team by coaching, developing, and empowering leaders and employees while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, integrity, and transparency.
Benefits
- Accessible, equitable and inclusive candidate and employee experience
- Reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and in employment
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
