Director of Communications & Brand Leadership

Ontario Cannabis Store; Toronto; On-site; CAD 127,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario Cannabis Store seeks a Director of Communications to lead the organization’s communications, brand, stakeholder management, and social responsibility strategies. Reporting to the Vice President, the role provides strategic guidance on reputational matters and serves as a trusted advisor to the senior leadership team.

The Director will oversee social responsibility programs and ensure messaging aligns with public health objectives and regulatory expectations while strengthening the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Social Sciences, Business, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in a Communications leadership role (Manager level or above).
• Public sector experience (5+ years) preferred.
• Strong strategic communications expertise, including experience serving as an organizational spokesperson.
• Superior analytical, problem‑solving, organizational, and leadership capabilities.
• Experience advising executive teams in regulated or publicly accountable environments preferred.
• Government or broader public sector experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead OCS's communications, brand, reputation, and social responsibility strategies, ensuring alignment with the Corporate Strategic Plan, mandate, values, and public sector responsibilities.
• Serve as the senior communications advisor to the Vice President and Executive Team, providing counsel on strategic initiatives, stakeholder engagement, issues management, and reputational risk.
• Lead crisis communications, media relations, and public affairs activities, acting as the primary spokesperson and ensuring executive readiness, effective messaging, and trusted public representation.
• Oversee internal and external communications, enterprise storytelling, brand governance, social media, sponsorships, and thought leadership to maintain a consistent and credible organizational voice.
• Provide strategic leadership for the Social Responsibility function, ensuring the development and delivery of evidence-based programs, partnerships, and initiatives that promote responsible use, public trust, and regulatory alignment.
• Drive the integration of communications, brand, and social responsibility priorities across the organization to ensure consistent messaging and support business and stakeholder objectives.
• Lead high-profile events, announcements, and stakeholder engagements with government, industry, and public sector partners.
• Build and lead a high-performing team by coaching, developing, and empowering leaders and employees while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, integrity, and transparency.

Skills

Strategic communications

Executive advisory

Public sector experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Ontario Cannabis Store seeks a Director of Communications to lead the organization’s communications, brand, stakeholder management, and social responsibility strategies. Reporting to the Vice President, the role provides strategic guidance on reputational matters and serves as a trusted advisor to the senior leadership team.

The Director will oversee social responsibility programs and ensure messaging aligns with public health objectives and regulatory expectations while strengthening the