Director, National Media Relations & Strategy

Federation of Canadian Municipalities; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 127,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work model

Hybrid work with Ottawa travel

Benefits package

Professional development

Job summary

Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is seeking a Director, Media Relations to shape and execute a national media strategy that supports GMF and PPA objectives. You will lead proactive media engagement, manage stakeholder relations, and position FCM as a leading voice for municipalities across Canada.

This senior role requires 10+ years in media relations or public affairs, building journalist relationships, and guiding executive spokespeople.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Public Affairs, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive senior-level experience in media relations, political communications, journalism, or public affairs.
• Strong track record of cultivating journalists and generating earned media opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead FCM’s national media relations strategy.
• Shape and advance a clear national narrative and promote GMF programs and events.
• Provide strategic media counsel on budgets, legislation, and policy debates.
• Lead media pitches, story development, and relationships with journalists.
• Prepare senior spokespeople and support crisis communications and issues management.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communication

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis communications

Team leadership

Bilingual (EN/FR)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications/Journalism/Public Affairs

Job description

Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is seeking a Director, Media Relations to shape and execute a national media strategy that supports GMF and PPA objectives. You will lead proactive media engagement, manage stakeholder relations, and position FCM as a leading voice for municipalities across Canada.

This senior role requires 10+ years in media relations or public affairs, building journalist relationships, and guiding executive spokespeople.