Senior Advisor, Issues Management and Media Relations

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario • Toronto, ON

1d • CA$103,518 - CA$129,393 • Onsite

About The Position

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is seeking an experienced, strategic and media-savvy Sr. Advisor, Issues Management and Media Relations to help shape and protect the organization’s public profile and reputation. In this high-impact role, you will lead strategic media relations and issues management initiatives, provide trusted communications advice to senior leaders, and work on complex, high-profile issues across Ontario’s regulated alcohol, gaming, cannabis, and horse racing sectors. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic communicator who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about public affairs, storytelling, and reputation management.

Requirements

• Eligibility to work in Canada and the ability to successfully complete a criminal background check.
• A university degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Issues Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in media relations, communications, issues management, public affairs, or public relations.
• Strong experience developing strategic communications materials and managing media relations activities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear, plain language.
• Strong research, analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience working with senior leaders, stakeholders, government partners, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities under tight timelines.
• Knowledge of media relations and issues management principles, trends, and best practices.
• Sound judgement, political acuity, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and online research tools.
• Knowledge of Ontario’s alcohol, gaming, cannabis, and horse racing sectors, as well as the government/regulatory environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working as a journalist or media spokesperson.
• Working knowledge of French and familiarity with French-language services requirements.
• Experience in the public sector, regulatory environment, or government relations.
• Knowledge of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and accessibility standards.
• Established relationships with journalists, media outlets, or industry stakeholders.
• Familiarity with crisis communications planning and media training practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute media relations activities that support and enhance the AGCO’s public profile and reputation.
• Develop strategic communications materials including media responses, key messages, press releases, speaking notes, Q&As, and position statements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, and internal stakeholders across the organization.
• Provide proactive and reactive issues management support, including media monitoring, environmental scanning, issues forecasting, and crisis communications planning.
• Research and analyze public, political, and sectoral issues to identify emerging risks, trends, and opportunities impacting the AGCO.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and senior leaders to provide strategic communications advice and support corporate initiatives.
• Lead and coordinate media inquiries, approvals, translations, and distribution processes while ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by evaluating communication strategies, programs, and processes and recommending enhancements.
• Prepare communications products that meet accessibility and French-language requirements.
• Work in a fast-paced environment managing multiple priorities and tight deadlines with professionalism and sound judgement.

Benefits

• Generous time-off policy, including 2 volunteer days to contribute to causes that matter to you.
• Defined benefit pension plans to secure your financial future.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, with 100% employer-paid premiums.
• Well-being credits to support gym memberships, therapy, financial planning, and more.
• Employer-paid parental leave top-up.
• Professional development opportunities with access to training programs, leadership resources, and reimbursement for professional memberships.
• 24/7 confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Convenient, central location near the subway line for easy access when working in the office. Paid onsite parking is also available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior