Director, Media Relations and Public Relations

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading non-profit organization in Toronto is seeking a Director of Media Relations and Public Relations to shape its public image and reputation. The role involves developing media relations strategies, managing crisis communications, and engaging with media professionals. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in media relations and excellent communication skills. This is a full-time permanent position with a hybrid work model.

Benefits

Flexible work schedule

Rich time off policy

Office closure on Jewish holy days

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in media relations or public affairs.
• Proven track record of successful media placements and crisis communications.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive media relations strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and media professionals.
• Lead the development of talking points during crisis situations.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communication

Crisis management

Writing and editing

Networking with media

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field

Master’s degree

Job description

About UJA Federation of Greater Toronto

At UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, our vision is to lead the most vibrant Jewish community in North America - a community characterized by its diversity, unity, compassion, generosity and commitment to Jewish values. Together with our philanthropic, volunteer and professional leadership, we’re changing lives.

As one of North America’s leading Jewish non-profits, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto works to preserve and strengthen the quality of Jewish life in Greater Toronto, Canada, Israel and around the world. UJA advances this mission through fundraising, programs, and research focused on our strategic pillars: fighting poverty and improving well-being, growing Jewish education and identity, countering antisemitism and hate, and strengthening connections with Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

About the Opportunity

The Director, Media Relations and Public Relations will play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing UJA’s public image and reputation across all media channels. This individual will be responsible for cultivating strong relationships with journalists and media outlets, identifying and amplifying compelling stories that highlight UJA’s impact, and positioning UJA as a trusted voice on key issues affecting the Jewish community.

Reporting to the Vice President, Communications and Content Strategy, the Director will collaborate across departments—including with senior leadership, the content and communications team, and the planning and advocacy divisions—to proactively elevate UJA’s presence in print, online, and broadcast media. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, skilled communicator, and trusted advisor who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can balance proactive storytelling with effective issues and crisis management.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Media Relations & Public Positioning

• Develop and execute a comprehensive media relations strategy to raise UJA’s public profile across traditional and digital media platforms.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and other media professionals.
• Proactively identify and pitch stories that highlight UJA’s mission, impact, and leadership within the broader community.
• Serve as the main point of contact for all media inquiries, ensuring timely, accurate, and aligned responses.
• Coordinate media interviews, press releases, op-eds, and feature stories in collaboration with UJA’s leadership and content team.

Crisis and Issues Management

• Lead the development of talking points, Q&A, and key messages during crisis or sensitive situations.
• Work closely with internal partners (including UJA’s Planning and Advocacy teams) and external partners such as CIJA to align on messaging and strategy.
• Support leadership in managing public response and maintaining organizational credibility and trust during high-stakes moments.

Public Relations & Brand Building

• Identify PR opportunities to strengthen UJA’s brand visibility with current and prospective donors, positioning UJA as a leader in Jewish philanthropy and community impact.
• Collaborate with the content and marketing teams to ensure consistent, mission-driven storytelling across earned, owned, and shared media.
• Develop creative campaigns and partnerships that broaden UJA’s reach beyond traditional audiences.

Training, Coaching & Internal Communications Support

• Design and deliver media training, issues response, and messaging workshops for lay leaders, senior professionals, and spokespeople.
• Coach leadership and staff in delivering key messages effectively in public forums, media interviews, and speeches.
• Prepare executives and volunteers for speaking opportunities, panels, and interviews by providing strategic counsel, briefing materials, and rehearsal support.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive and communications leadership on tone, framing, and positioning of public communications.

Collaboration & Strategic Integration

• Partner closely with the Communications & Content Strategy team to ensure media efforts align with UJA’s broader communications and fundraising objectives.
• Collaborate with UJA’s development, advocacy, and planning departments to identify media opportunities that advance key priorities.
• Stay informed on public discourse, emerging issues, and community sentiment to advise on proactive media and PR opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related field (Master’s degree an asset).
• 8+ years of progressive experience in media relations, public affairs, or communications, preferably in a complex organization or agency environment.
• Passionate advocate and visible champion of UJA’s mission, values, and goals, inspiring others through action and unwavering commitment to advancing our shared purpose.
• Proven track record of successful media placements and managing issues or crisis communications.
• Deep understanding of the Canadian media landscape and strong relationships with key outlets.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear and persuasive messaging.
• Experience coaching executives and preparing spokespeople for interviews and speeches.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities with diplomacy and professionalism.
• Understanding of or connection to the Jewish community and Israel-related issues is an asset.

This is a full‑time permanent position. At UJA we support a flexible work schedule and all of our employees engage in hybrid work. Engagement and connection are key to supporting the best employee experience and we want to ensure that this puts balance and well‑being at the forefront of our approach to ways of working. In addition to a rich time off policy, UJA’s offices are closed on all Jewish holy days (yom tov) and we support early office closures to observe the Jewish Sabbath (Shabbat).

Qualified applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume.

Only those applicants invited for interview will be contacted. Please be advised that all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of professional references and background checks including Social Media Account(s) and a Police Records Check/Vulnerable Sector Screening.

Commitment to Inclusion and Accessibility

UJA Federation supports a diverse candidate and employment experience. We are proud of our dynamic professional team, which reflects the diversity of the Jewish community and general community alike in Greater Toronto. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all communities. We encourage you to follow us to get regular updates on open roles. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace and believe this is essential to ensure that every member of our team can thrive.

We adhere to barrier‑free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code‑protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.