Communications, Research, and Advocacy Director

Communications, Research, and Advocacy Director

Job Title: Communications, Research, and Advocacy Director

Location: Onsite, 15 Wellesley Street West, Toronto

Reports To: Executive Director

About Us:

The Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association is the representative voice for more than 12,000 professional career firefighters in Ontario. We are dedicated to enhancing public safety, advocating for firefighter rights, and ensuring that our members have the tools and support needed to effectively protect their communities. We seek a passionate and driven individual to join our team as the Communications, Research, and Advocacy Director.

Position Summary

The Communications, Research, and Advocacy Director will play a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Ontario Firefighters Association through strategic communications, evidence-based research, and robust advocacy. This high-impact leadership position will be responsible for shaping the association’s public image, driving key research initiatives, and leading advocacy campaigns that promote the well-being and interests of firefighters across Ontario.

A collaborative team player, you will thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines with a can-do attitude.

Key Responsibilities

Communications

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy that raises awareness of the Association's work, achievements, and key issues.
• Write and produce all external communications, including press releases, newsletters, social media content, website updates, and reports.
• Serve as the primary media contact, managing relationships with journalists, responding to inquiries, and coordinating media interviews and briefings.
• Ensure consistent and effective messaging across all communication channels, enhancing the Association’s public and policy presence.
• Lead internal communications to keep members informed, engaged, and up-to-date on organizational initiatives, events, and updates.

Research:

• Conduct research, data collection, analysis, and reporting that support advocacy efforts, including data on firefighter health and safety, working conditions, legislation, and public safety trends.
• Analyze research findings and produce reports, white papers, and policy briefs to inform advocacy strategies and member outreach.
• Collaborate with external research partners, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure that the association’s work is grounded in credible, up-to-date information.

Advocacy:

• Support the association’s advocacy efforts at the provincial level to promote policies that enhance firefighter safety, labour rights, and public protection.
• Monitor and analyze policy developments related to firefighting, emergency services, and public safety, identifying opportunities for intervention and advocacy.
• Develop and execute lobbying strategies, including the creation of briefs, coordinating meetings with government officials, and building coalitions with other stakeholders in the public safety sector.
• Organize advocacy campaigns to mobilize members, raise public awareness, and engage in grassroots lobbying efforts to influence public opinion and policy decisions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, research, advocacy, or public affairs, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Experience working in or with non-profit professional associations or the public safety sector is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of Ontario’s political landscape, public policy processes, and key issues affecting firefighters and emergency services is desirable.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences, including the public, government officials, and media.
• Proven ability to lead strategic research initiatives and translate complex data into accessible reports and advocacy materials.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing advocacy campaigns that influence policy and drive change.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Political acuity, tact, and diplomacy in handling sensitive issues.
• Advanced computer/software skills, including Microsoft Office, with working knowledge of Survey Monkey, MailChimp, and Canva.

Other Requirements

• Satisfactory Criminal Records and Credit Check
• Have a valid “G” Class driver license or equivalent and access to a personal vehicle for business use

Working Conditions

• Location: This position is based at the head office in Toronto.
• Hours: Regular working hours are Monday to Friday, with occasional flexibility required for meetings and events after hours or on weekends.
• Travel: Some travel, including overnight hotel stays, is required for approximately 3 weeks each year to attend offsite events.
• Position Type: Permanent, full-time role (40 hours per week).
• Compensation: The salary range is $100,000 to $120,000 commensurate with experience, with an excellent benefits package, including an OMERS pension.

The OPFFA values diversity and inclusion and encourages individuals to apply who can bring the value of their experiences to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Accessibility accommodation is available for all phases of the recruitment and selection process. We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.