Public Relations Specialist

Ernst & Young Advisory Services Sdn Bhd; Toronto; On-site; CAD 76,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

EY Toronto is seeking a Specialist, Public Relations to shape and execute forward-looking PR strategies that build EY's external profile. You will draft materials, train spokespeople, and build relationships with media across Canada while aligning earned media with business priorities.

The role requires strong writing, news judgment and the ability to manage multiple requests in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in English is required; French is an asset.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in communications, public/media relations, journalism or related field.
• Minimum five years experience in public relations, corporate communications or related field.
• Outstanding writing, oral and presentation skills.
• Existing relationships with Canadian media and proven earned media opportunities.
• Fluency in English; French is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Connect PR initiatives to business goals and BMC objectives.
• Provide strategic counsel, interview prep and media training for EY leaders.
• Draft and edit press releases, key messages, and bylined articles.
• Build and maintain relationships with national, local and trade media.
• Own proactive media plans for industries, events and sponsorships.
• Manage multiple requests across industry groups and service lines.
• Stay engaged with news, market trends and policy developments.
• Translate complex issues into timely, compelling stories for Canadian journalists.
• Monitor media coverage and prepare weekly and quarterly reports.
• Develop a media contacts database and targeted media lists.
• Assist with crisis communication planning and external agency work.
• Liaise with translators, digital and social experts, and internal stakeholders.

Skills

News judgment

Storytelling

Media relations

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Education

Post-secondary education in communications or PR

Tools

Cision

Meltwater

Job description

At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence.

We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go.

Join EY and help to build a better working world.

The opportunity

As a Specialist, Public Relations (PR), you will partner closely with Brand, Marketing and Communications (BMC) teams to shape and execute thoughtful, integrated and forward-looking PR strategies that build EY’s external profile, earn meaningful media coverage and connect our business priorities to the conversations shaping the market. This includes helping position EY's perspectives on the issues shaping the future of Canadian business.

We’re looking for a proven PR professional who brings sharp news judgment, strong writing instincts and the confidence to own their space. You are naturally curious, plugged into the Canadian media landscape and energized by the pace of news cycles. You know how to spot a timely angle, build trusted relationships and turn complex business issues into clear, compelling stories. If you are proactive, collaborative and motivated by the opportunity to help shape how EY shows up externally, this role is for you.

As a best-in-class employer, EY is relentlessly committed to bringing our purpose to life for our people, our clients and the communities we live in. We have a meaningful brand story to tell, timely perspectives to contribute and innovative services and solutions to showcase. If you are ready to help us strengthen EY’s public voice, create proactive media opportunities and translate business priorities into stories that matter, we want to hear from you.

This job posting relates to an existing vacancy within our organization.

Responsibilities:

• Connect PR initiatives to business goals, firm priorities and broader BMC objectives, with a clear understanding of how earned media can support reputation, relationships and growth.
• Provide strategic counsel, interview preparation and media training support to EY leaders and spokespeople, helping them communicate with clarity, confidence and relevance.
• Draft and edit press releases, key messages, briefing documents, talking points, statements, bylined articles, social media posts, blogs and more.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with national, local and trade media, using a strong understanding of reporter interests, editorial calendars and news cycles to create timely opportunities.
• Own and advance proactive media plans and materials for key industries, service lines, events, sponsorships and other initiatives, working closely with internal stakeholders from planning through execution.
• Manage multiple requests across various industry groups and service lines while balancing expectations of leaders within EY.
• Stay deeply engaged with news, market trends, public policy developments, economic issues and industry conversations to identify proactive opportunities, emerging issues and moments where EY has a distinctive point of view.
• Identify opportunities to elevate EY's perspectives on the business, economic, policy and technology issues shaping Canadian organizations and markets.
• Translate complex business and market issues into timely, compelling stories that resonate with Canadian journalists and stakeholders.
• Monitor media coverage and prepare weekly coverage updates, as well as quarterly reports.
• Develop and manage a database of media contacts and build targeted media lists for initiatives.
• Assist with communications planning to manage crisis response and issues-based inquiries.
• Work with our external agency to surface, shape and execute proactive earned media opportunities.
• Liaise with translators, digital and social experts, marketing teams and internal stakeholders.

Skills and attributes for success:

• Curiosity and interest in business, economic, public policy, technology and market issues, with the ability to identify emerging trends and translate them into compelling communications opportunities.
• Strong news judgment and a talent for identifying timely, compelling story angles that support strategic objectives.
• A strong understanding of the Canadian media landscape, including the ability to develop and maintain credible relationships with journalists, reporters and producers.
• Readiness to work in a fast-paced, complex and dynamic environment, balancing multiple priorities while operating with sound judgment and a strong sense of urgency.
• A high degree of ownership and accountability, with the confidence to move work forward, make recommendations and manage stakeholders effectively.
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach combined with the initiative to independently identify opportunities and drive progress.
• Familiarity using media monitoring tools, such as Cision and/or Meltwater.

What we look for:

• Post-secondary education in communications, public/media relations, journalism or related field (post-grad certificate in PR preferred).
• Minimum five years experience in public relations, corporate communications, journalism or a related field; experience supporting business, economic, public policy, technology or professional-services topics is considered an asset.
• Outstanding written, oral and presentation skills, with demonstrated experience developing media materials, executive briefing documents and story-driven content.
• Existing relationships with Canadian media and proven experience securing earned media opportunities.
• Comfort working with AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies to support research, monitoring, planning and content development.
• This role involves interaction with clients operating nationally and globally where fluency in English is required. Proficiency in French is considered a strong asset.

What we offer

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. In addition, our Total Rewards package allows you decide which benefits are right for you and which ones help you create a solid foundation for your future. Our Total Rewards package includes a discretionary bonus program, a comprehensive medical, prescription drug and dental coverage plan, a defined contribution pension plan, a great vacation policy plus firm paid days that allow you to enjoy longer long weekends throughout the year, statutory holidays and paid personal days (based on province of residence), and a range of exciting programs and benefits designed to support your physical, financial and social well-being. Plus, we offer:

• Support and coaching from some of the most engaging colleagues in the industry
• Learning opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career
• The freedom and flexibility to handle your role in a way that’s right for you

EY reports salary ranges in accordance with applicable provincial pay transparency legislation. Individual salaries within the anticipated salary ranges noted below are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to internal equity, education, relevant experience, knowledge, and applicable skill sets.

• Toronto: $75,600 - $113,400

To help create the best experience during the recruitment process, please describe any accommodations you may need.

Inclusiveness at EY

Inclusiveness is at the heart of who we are and how we work. We’re committed to fostering an environment where differences are valued, policies and practices are equitable, and our people feel a sense of belonging. We embrace diversity and are committed to combating systemic racism, advancing gender equity and women in leadership, advocating for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, promoting our neuroinclusion and accessibility initiatives, and are dedicated to amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) nationally as we strive towards reconciliation. Our diverse experiences, abilities, backgrounds, and perspectives make our people unique and help guide us. Because when people feel free to be their authentic selves at work, they bring their best and are empowered to build a better working world.
Learn about our commitment to Inclusiveness at https://www.ey.com/en_ca/about-us/corporate-responsibility/equity

EY | Building a better working world

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

At EY, we use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as one element of our recruitment process to enhance efficiency and improve the candidate experience. While AI supports us in our process, human judgment and decision-making remain integral in our candidate experience. We are committed to the responsible use of AI, and our practices are continuously reviewed and refined to ensure they align with ethical principles and regulatory requirements.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.