Senior Publicist

Royal Ontario Museum • Toronto, ON

32d • CA$74,303 - CA$84,917 • Onsite

About The Position

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is seeking a strong storyteller to join their team. This role involves developing, executing, and tracking media campaigns and outreach strategies to support exhibitions, events, programs, and institutional initiatives. The goal is to increase public awareness, drive attendance and engagement, and support the museum's strategic direction. The successful candidate will build and maintain media contacts, collaborate with internal teams, and work with external stakeholders to create engaging narratives. Experience in internal communications and issues management is also required. The role requires someone who can act as both a strategic communications lead and a skilled storyteller to connect with diverse audiences.

Requirements

• A minimum of a college diploma (3 years) in a communications, public relations, journalism, or related program – OR an acceptable equivalent in education and experience.
• At least eight (8) years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, or strategic communications – preferably within the arts and culture sector, nonprofits, higher education, or related fields.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills – the ability to synthesize often complex and detailed information into a compelling public-facing narrative.
• Experience developing original news releases and corporate/internal communications materials.
• Communications project management, including engagement with internal and external stakeholder groups.
• Issues management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask while meeting tight deadlines.
• Experience with Microsoft Office programs and media monitoring services such as Meltwater and Prowly.
• Aptitude for working both independently and within a small, collaborative team.

Nice To Haves

• French language skills would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive public relations strategies that promote exhibitions, curatorial research, public programs, acquisitions, and institutional initiatives, with a focus on increasing organizational profile and driving visitor attendance.
• Write and edit a variety of media materials – including news releases, media backgrounders, Q&A documents, communication plans, crisis management documents, briefing notes, and more.
• Secure media interviews through targeted pitching and compelling story concepts to ensure maximum coverage.
• Coordinate and supervise onsite media visits and shoots, as well as supporting ROM spokespeople (leadership, curators, etc.) with key messaging and advance interview preparation.
• Develop and sustain media contacts and relationships at the local, national, and international levels, and assist in maintaining media database.
• Actively respond to incoming media requests as required.
• Develop advance plans and effective messaging strategies to assist with timely management of communications issues.
• Track earned media coverage and produce campaign media reports for relevant stakeholder audiences.
• Collaborate closely across Museum departments to ensure impactful, aligned messaging across all communication channels.
• Assist with internal communications needs, including the development and distribution of all-staff emails and other messaging.
• Assist with hiring and supervision of seasonal Communications intern.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits coverage: For permanent and full-time contract positions, enjoy paid benefits for individuals and families, a health spending account, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Worry-free retirement savings: With our pension plan, you benefit from an employer-matched Defined Benefit contribution plan, which provides predictable lifetime retirement income, survivor benefits, and early retirement options without the stress of investment decisions.
• Support for new parents: Enjoy a parental leave top-up to 95 percent of your salary for 17 weeks, helping you balance work and family life.
• Perks: Free ROM membership for permanent full-time and part-time staff, plus discounts to over 200 attractions through Attractions Ontario.

What This Job Offers

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