Manager, External Communications

TVO•Toronto, ON

2h•CA$87,000 - CA$100,000•Onsite

About The Position

TVO Media Education Group (TVO) is a social impact organization devoted to inspiring learning that changes lives and enriches communities. We are an internationally recognized digital learning organization that strives to engage, inform and educate Ontarians of all ages. TVO is an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Education. Through our brands, TVO Kids, TVO Today, TVO ILC and TVO Learn, we provide multi-platform educational programming; ground-breaking original documentaries; in-depth public affairs content; the largest online secondary school in Ontario; and award-winning digital-learning resources that support Ontario’s curriculum. TVO is a registered charity funded primarily by the Province of Ontario and supported by thousands of sponsors and donors. Reporting to the Director, Corporate Communications, the Manager, External Communications is responsible for building and managing TVO’s public relations strategies, a critical role in the organization’s communications team. We are looking for a creative and daring communications professional who can see the stories that TVO has yet to tell that will engage new audiences with our products and create excitement around the brand. The successful candidate will bring media relations experience, a desire to coach and mentor, and a “let’s see what is possible” perspective to problem-solving.

Requirements

University degree (or equivalent) preferably in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field.
Minimum of 7 years of experience in communications, public relations, or related roles with a focus on media relations; agency experience is an asset.
Demonstrated experience developing holistic strategies that connect communications work to overall organizational objectives with good knowledge of communications best practices.
Experience building and executing successful PR strategies.
Experience managing agency relationships.
Ability to work well as a member of a team; a mentor, go-to resource, forward-thinking go-getter.
Ability to “make it happen” and create workarounds where needed.
Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously and deliver quality work under deadline pressure and changing priorities at times.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute innovative and impactful communications strategies, plans, and campaigns to drive awareness of TVO, as a brand and our properties, to multiple external audiences using a full suite of communications tools and channels.
Manage day-to-day inbound inquiries and build relationships with key media and influencers that result in authentic earned media.
Drive positive media coverage for TVO initiatives, particularly those that help tell the story of TVO as a media education not-for-profit helping Ontarians learn.
Partner with peers in Marketing, Audience Development, and Media to develop holistic promotion plans supporting TVO Original, TVOkids and other TVO programming to drive new audiences and profile.
Lead the development of media strategies and external communications messaging for TVO Education products and services to drive awareness of new initiatives as needed and meet key divisional targets.
Support TVO executives and divisional leaders with external speaking opportunities and media message preparation.
Support issues management by monitoring external conversations, developing clear messaging and response strategies to help mitigate reputational risk.
Oversee preparation of media monitoring reports for campaigns, monthly and quarterly reporting.
Coach and mentor junior team members and support their overall professional growth.