Communications and Media Relations Specialist

Federation of Canadian Municipalities; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 74,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Communications and Media Relations Specialist to enhance visibility and advocacy for municipal governments. This role involves developing media strategies, crafting messages, and collaborating with various stakeholders to promote sustainable practices. The ideal candidate will have strong writing skills, media experience, and a deep understanding of municipal politics. Flexible work arrangements and a commitment to diversity make this an attractive opportunity.

Benefits

Flexible work hours

Summer hours

Fridays off during July

Commitment to employee development

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience with media.
• Experience working with elected officials preferred.

Responsibilities

• Developing media strategies to support GMF’s priorities.
• Building relationships with journalists and media professionals.
• Monitoring media and identifying emerging stories.

Skills

Critical thinking

Analysis

Strategy development

Writing

Editing

Interpersonal skills

Judgment

Initiative

Versatility

Organizational skills

Education

University degree in journalism

Media relations

Job description

Communications and Media Relations Specialist

Join to apply for the Communications and Media Relations Specialist role at Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of municipal governments, representing the interests of cities and communities with the federal government.

Position

Communications and Media Relations Specialist (known internally as Advisor, Media Relations)

Department

Green Municipal Fund (GMF) - GMF Communications and Marketing

Classification

Level 5

Salary

Our salaries generally range from $74,095 - $94,903, and are based on qualifications and experience.

Languages

Bilingualism (English & French) is required.

Term

Permanent Full-Time

Location

Remote for non-NCR residents / Hybrid for NCR residents.

Why GMF is the place for you

At GMF, we empower our people to create change where it has the most impact – municipalities. GMF is a $1.6 billion permanent endowment from the Government of Canada, managed at arm's length, making it nimble and available for higher-risk, higher-impact initiatives. A further $530M investment into GMF to support the National Adaptation Strategy was announced in November 2022. Our team is committed to helping local governments switch to sustainable practices faster. GMF is the cornerstone program of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

Our unique mix of funding, resources, and training gives municipalities the tools they need to build resiliency — and create better lives for Canadians. Through GMF, municipalities have reduced carbon emissions; built better transportation assets; constructed efficient and resilient buildings; diverted waste from landfill; made previously unusable land available for development; and improved soil and water quality.

You in this role

The Advisor, Media Relations is responsible for developing media strategies in support of FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF) program objectives and ensuring that GMF is recognized for its impact and value to the municipal sector and Canadians. The Advisor identifies opportunities to highlight the impact of FCM advocacy with a focus on national and regional news and works to enhance the visibility and understanding of FCM across cities and communities nationwide.

The Advisor develops news releases and media backgrounders, secures media exposure supporting advocacy objectives, and collaborates with colleagues in the Policy and Public Affairs department to ensure FCM and GMF are highly visible and their impact widely recognized.

While establishing strong relationships with national and regional media, the Advisor ensures that FCM’s GMF narrative and advocacy positions are included in news stories or generate stand-alone media coverage. The role also involves generating media leads and content that demonstrate GMF’s value and influence to members, clients, stakeholders, and the public.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the development and implementation of media strategies to support GMF’s priorities and ensure visibility of the municipal sector.
• Liaising with GMF colleagues to align communication strategies and maintain transparency.
• Developing key messages and speaking points.
• Building and maintaining relationships with journalists, influencers, and media professionals to facilitate accurate reporting and manage crises proactively.
• Crafting clear and compelling messages for media engagement, including traditional and social media, aligned with GMF’s objectives.
• Coordinating media participation of FCM President or spokespersons, preparing briefing documents, and briefing spokespeople.
• Monitoring media daily, identifying emerging stories, and leveraging networks to enhance GMF’s visibility.
• Developing media products such as backgrounders, news releases, op-eds, and letters to highlight program milestones and impacts.
• Assessing the effectiveness of media outreach efforts.
• Collaborating to leverage media exposure across FCM channels and identify opportunities for broader outreach.
• Responding to media inquiries, preparing briefing notes, and tracking inquiries.
• Managing external contractors to ensure communication activities align with GMF guidelines and policies.

Your skills make us better

Education

• A combination of professional and lived experience and/or university degree or equivalent in journalism, media relations, or related discipline.

Experience

• At least five years of proven experience with national, regional, or local media, developing media strategies, briefing spokespeople, and writing news releases and related materials. Experience working with elected officials is preferred.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of federal and municipal politics, the environmental sector, or business media, with experience working with national and regional media.

Competencies

• Critical thinking, analysis, and strategy development skills.
• Superior writing and editing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, judgment, initiative, and versatility.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple demands.
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations.
• Self-directed work style and team collaboration skills.
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in both English and French is essential; bilingualism required.

Why working here rocks

We Prioritize Work-life Balance With Our Flexible Model

• Flexible work hours, with the option to work from home, and occasional travel to Ottawa.
• Summer hours and Fridays off during July and Labour Day.
• Flexible arrangements to support productivity and well-being.
• Commitment to employee development and benefits.
• Office located in Byward Market, Ottawa.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

We foster an organizational culture embracing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities upon request.

How To Apply

If this role aligns with your goals and skills, apply today! The deadline is May 26th, 2025, or until filled. Candidates must reside in and be authorized to work in Canada, with ability to work remotely from within Canada.

For more information, visit www.fcm.ca or https://greenmunicipalfund.ca/.