Senior Manager, Media Relations and Issues Management

Regional Municipality of Peel • Brampton, ON

12h • Hybrid

About The Position

At the Region of Peel, we’re committed to protecting and strengthening our public trust through proactive media engagement and effective issues management. As Senior Manager, Media Relations and Issues Management, you’ll lead critical reputational strategies that safeguard and enhance our organization’s public image while ensuring consistent, transparent, and timely communication.

We are seeking a strategic Senior Manager, Media Relations and Issues Management to lead our proactive and reactive reputational management efforts. This role will be crucial in safeguarding and enhancing our organization's public image, ensuring consistent messaging, and building strong relationships with key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of media relations, issues and crisis communications, as well as have a proven track record of managing complex issues and leading high-performing teams. This is a great opportunity for someone with deep issues experience, strong leadership skills and a passion for public service to make a real impact at one of the largest municipal governments in Canada.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in media relations, crisis communications, or related fields.
• 8+ years of experience in leading and managing teams.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful media relations and communication strategies.
• Strong understanding of media relations, crisis communication, and reputation principles.
• Excellent written and verbal persuasive skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze public perception, media coverage, and stakeholder sentiment to identify potential risks and opportunities.
• Proactively manage and enhance the organization's public image through strategic initiatives and communication campaigns.
• Lead the development and implementation of thought leadership initiatives to establish the organization as a trusted authority.
• Develop and execute strategic media relations plans to secure positive coverage.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key media contacts and influencers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and manage all media interactions.
• Analyze media coverage to assess the effectiveness of media relations outreach.
• Organize and manage press conferences and media events as required.
• Anticipate and mitigate reputational risk across traditional and social media.
• Manage multiple reputational challenges simultaneously with the ability to prioritize and execute appropriately.
• Draft large-scale risk assessments, playbooks, messaging briefings and guidance documents.
• Serve as a lead of the crisis management team, providing strategic communication counsel and support.
• Conduct crisis communication simulations and training to prepare the organization for potential crises.
• Advise senior leaders and key spokespeople in sensitive, high-impact situations.
• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and other public forums.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment and integration of media relations into programs.
• Develop and manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the media relations and issues management team.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Recruit, train, and develop team members to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve their goals.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to team members.
• Mentor and coach team members to enhance their communication and leadership skills.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision plan (including psychological health coverage)
• OMERS Pension Plan
• Vacation Time That Grows
• Personal Days
• Floating holidays
• Flexible hours
• Annual performance reviews with merit increases
• Tuition reimbursement
• Development resources

What This Job Offers

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