Manager of Communications & Public Relations - City of Thunder Bay

Phelps; Thunder Bay; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits a visionary communications leader to join a dynamic team in Thunder Bay. This role involves shaping the city's communication strategy, enhancing public engagement, and building trust within the community. You'll collaborate with senior leaders on high-profile initiatives and lead a talented team to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. With a commitment to innovation and professional growth, this position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance and comprehensive benefits. If you're passionate about public relations and community engagement, this is the role for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive Benefits

Secure Pension

Professional Development Programs

Healthy Work-Life Balance

Qualifications

• 8+ years in strategic communications and public relations, ideally in public sector.
• Experience managing people, budgets, and cross-platform communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to align communications with Thunder Bay's strategic priorities.
• Advise senior leadership and manage high-impact campaigns.

Skills

Strategic Communications

Public Relations

Digital Marketing

Leadership

Community Engagement

Education

Degree in Communications

Degree in Public Relations

Degree in Marketing

Tools

Digital Marketing Tools

Analytics Platforms

Job description

Manager of Communications & Public Relations - City of Thunder Bay

The City of Thunder Bay is undergoing an exciting transformation—and we’re looking for a visionary communications leader to help tell that story.

On behalf of our client, the Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay, Phelps is recruiting a Manager of Communications & Public Relations—a unique leadership opportunity to develop and execute a bold, strategic communications vision that enhances public engagement, builds trust, and strengthens the City's brand locally and nationally.

About the Role

As the Manager of Communications & Public Relations, you will lead a talented team and play a vital role in aligning all communications with Thunder Bay’s strategic priorities, including its ambitious Smart Growth Action Plan. You will advise senior leadership, manage high-impact campaigns, and bring innovation to how the City communicates with residents, partners, and the broader public.

This is more than a management role—it’s a chance to shape how a city connects with its people.

Why This Role is Exciting

• Meaningful Impact – Influence public dialogue and community trust at a city-wide level
• Strategic Influence – Collaborate directly with senior leaders on high-profile initiatives
• Deep Community Engagement – Champion storytelling that reflects the voices and values of Thunder Bay
• Thriving Together – Join a leadership team that values innovation, collaboration, and development
• Investing in You – Thrive with a healthy work life balance, comprehensive benefits, secure pension, and professional development programs that support growth and open doors for career mobility.

Minimum Qualifications

• A degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or related field
• 8+ years in progressively senior leadership experience in strategic communications, branding, and public relations, ideally in a public sector environment
• Experience managing people, budgets, and cross-platform communications
• Advanced expertise in digital marketing tools, analytics, and platforms

Leadership Qualities

• Visionary Leadership – Set a clear direction and inspire a high-performing team
• Strategic Thinking – Align messaging with city-wide goals and long-term growth
• Collaborative Spirit – Build strong internal and external relationships
• Emotional Intelligence – Lead with empathy, adaptability, and authenticity
• Decisiveness & Resilience – Navigate complexity with clarity and confidence
• Communication Excellence – Craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences

Why the Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay?

The Corporation runs on people like you; that’s why they’re creating a workplace where everyone belongs. Driven by a commitment to excellence, they make a real impact in the community every day. With this employer, stability meets purpose, and diversity is valued. In their supportive and collaborative environment, your growth and well-being will be at the heart of everything they do.

Why Thunder Bay?

With a population of 123,000, Thunder Bay is Northwestern Ontario’s largest city and a hub for business, health, and education. Nestled on the shores of Lake Superior, it offers both urban opportunities and unmatched natural beauty. It’s also one of Canada’s most culturally diverse mid-sized cities—and a place where community, innovation, and quality of life come together.