Director of Public Relations & Brand Engagement

Torstar; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media organization in Canada seeks a Director of Public Relations & Brand Engagement to enhance brand positioning and engage with stakeholders. The ideal candidate should possess extensive experience in marketing and public relations, with a strong understanding of media dynamics. This leadership role requires strategic vision and collaboration across teams to drive impactful campaigns and foster community connections.

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years’ experience in marketing, public relations, or communications.
• At least four years of leadership experience in relevant fields.
• Proven track record in strategic marketing and media relations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated marketing strategies for brand awareness.
• Serve as the primary liaison for public relations and stakeholder communication.
• Leverage digital platforms for public relations efforts and campaign visibility.

Skills

Storytelling

Stakeholder Engagement

Digital Strategy

Education

Undergraduate degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or related disciplines

Tools

Social Media Analytics

Job description

Company Description

Home to the Toronto Star, Canada’s largest daily newspaper, and other trusted brands including the Hamilton Spectator, Waterloo Region Record, Peterborough Examiner, St. Catharines Standard and Welland Tribute, Niagara Falls Review, as well as over a dozen local community news sites, Torstar is a progressive media organization committed to impactful journalism, community engagement, and innovative storytelling.

Torstar is committed to innovation, audience engagement, and the long-term sustainability of high-quality journalism in an increasingly complex and fast-changing media landscape. By integrating emerging technologies—such as data analytics, AI-powered tools, and modern content platforms—into everything we do, we deliver trusted, quality, high-impact news with speed, precision, and interactivity. This ongoing evolution reflects our deep commitment to innovation in the service of journalism, ensuring that our newsrooms remain agile, audience-centric, and equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital media ecosystem, without ever sacrificing reader trust.

Our Commitment to Diversity
We strive to be a leader in building and cultivating an employee community framed around fairness, support and opportunity. We believe thatwhat makes us different, makes a difference. And as a team, the diversity of our backgrounds, interests and experiences is what enriches our work, and our workplaces. We welcome all, and we strive for an inclusive culture that allows individual growth and shared success.

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and collaborative Director of Public Relations & Brand Engagement to lead our public relations strategy, brand positioning, stakeholder engagement, and content-driven marketing initiatives. This role is responsible for elevating Torstar’s brand, reach, and impact through compelling campaigns, government and stakeholder relations, strategic partnerships, and innovative communications strategies. You will work closely with senior leadership to build meaningful connections with audiences, partners, government, and the Canadian public. A strong understanding of marketing strategy is essential to extend reach, enhance engagement, and amplify our messaging across digital channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Marketing Leadership: Develop and execute integrated marketing strategies that grow brand awareness, engagement, and subscriber loyalty for the Toronto Star and other Torstar assets.
• Public & Media Relations: Serve as the primary liaison for public relations, maintaining strong relationships with media, community partners, and key stakeholders to advance Torstar’s public image and initiatives.
• Multimedia Integration: Leverage diverse tools to support public relations efforts, engage target audiences, and enhance the visibility and impact of campaigns. Ensure content and messaging are optimized for performance across digital platforms.
• Content Leverage & Campaigns: Collaborate with editorial, product, and partnership teams to transform compelling newsroom content into audience-building campaigns across digital, print, and event platforms.
• Stakeholder Communication: Develop proactive communication strategies that support corporate initiatives and reinforce Torstar’s mission. Engage with government institutions, civic organizations, and strategic partners. Provide support to Torstar’s policy team by amplifying messaging, providing strategic advice on campaigns and events, and supporting industry collaboration and innovation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the Executives, Publisher of Toronto Star, Marketing team, and editorial leadership to align marketing efforts with audience growth goals, strategic initiatives, and external collaborations.
• Measurement & Optimization: Use data and analytics to assess campaign effectiveness, media impact, and audience sentiment; adapt strategies to maximize performance and reach.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English or other related disciplines
• A minimum of seven years’ in progressively more senior roles with at least 4 years of leadership experience in marketing, public relations, policy or communications—ideally in media, tech, publishing, or a mission-driven brand.
• Proven track record in developing and executing strategic marketing plans and media relations campaigns.
• Strong storytelling skills and an ability to translate editorial content into high-impact messaging.
• Experience working with executive teams, stakeholders, and community partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms, tools, and analytics with an ability to develop effective digital engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of the Canadian media landscape, public affairs, or civic engagement is a strong asset.

Additional Information

AODA
We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for candidates, including persons with disabilities. In compliance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Ontario Human Rights Code we will endeavour to provide accommodation to persons with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you are selected for an interview and you require accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please notify the hiring manager upon scheduling the interview of your requirements.