Senior Communications Advisor

OCS Ontario Cannabis Store; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

OCS Ontario Cannabis Store in Toronto is seeking a Senior Advisor, Communications to shape and lead strategic messaging across internal and external audiences. You will collaborate with leaders on high‑profile initiatives, manage media relations, develop messaging and content, and help advance the organization's mission in a highly regulated environment.

This permanent, full‑time role offers a dynamic start‑up vibe in a stable public sector‑backed setting with opportunities to influence

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Education in Communications or related field.
• 3–5 years of communications experience; 5+ years preferred.
• Experience in a highly regulated industry is an asset.
• Fluency in French is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate communications strategies and programs.
• Build trusted relationships across the organization and with external stakeholders.
• Collaborate across the business to align strategic and departmental initiatives with corporate objectives.
• Provide communications advice on messaging, audience engagement, and risk mitigation.
• Create and review a wide range of communications materials including presentations, emails, posts, press releases, and briefing notes.

Skills

Communications

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Post-secondary education

Communications degree

Job description

The Ontario Cannabis Store provides safe, responsible access to recreational cannabis for adults 19 and older. We operate the sole legal online store for recreational cannabis in Ontario and are the provincial wholesaler of cannabis for private retail stores.

Working at the OCS is a unique opportunity to be part of an agile start-up in a ground-breaking new industry. We’re a diverse team passionate about delivering a great customer experience, working together with mutual respect and building value out of our differences. We’re an inclusive organization that understands that delivering great results comes out of ensuring every voice is heard.

About The Role

We're looking for a Senior Advisor, Communications to join our team. In this role, you will work closely with leaders on high-profile communications and stakeholder initiatives that directly support the reputation and success of the OCS. As a forward-thinking strategic communicator, you will leverage exceptional communication skills to influence outcomes, provide advice on and evaluate communications strategies, develop compelling and impactful messaging, and help advance the OCS's mission across diverse platforms and audiences through collaborative partnerships across the organization.

About Your Day

• Develop, implement, and evaluate communications strategies and integrated programs, including communications planning, media relations, issues management, stakeholder engagement, and content development.
• Build trusted relationships across the organization and with external stakeholders through service excellence.
• Collaborate across the business to align strategic and departmental initiatives with corporate objectives.
• Provide communications advice and recommendations on best practices, audience engagement, and risk mitigation.
• Advise on stakeholder messaging and desired outcomes through cross-functional collaboration.
• Ensure accurate and reliable communications by partnering with business units and subject matter experts.
• Create and quality review a wide range of communications materials, including presentations, key messages, emails, promotional content, social media posts, press releases, briefing notes, and fact sheets.
• Ensure communications are engaging, consistent, audience-focused, and aligned with corporate identity and editorial standards.
• Conduct environmental scanning and media monitoring to identify emerging issues, risks, and strategic responses.
• Analyze trends, stakeholder needs, and market dynamics to inform communications and strategic planning.
• Measure communication plan KPIs and leverage insights to continuously improve messaging effectiveness.

About You

• Post-secondary education in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Education in Communications or related field
• 3-5 years of communications experience; 5+ years is preferred.
• Experience in a highly regulated industry is an asset; public sector experience is preferred.
• Strong verbal, written, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Ability to translate complex initiatives into clear, relevant, and actionable messaging for diverse audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills.
• Solid knowledge of the Canadian media landscape, communications best practices, emerging trends, and communication platforms.
• Fluency in French is an asset.

About The Job

• Location: Toronto, ON near York Mills and Yonge Street
• Hours of Work: 36.25 a week
• Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
• Required Travel: Rare, usually within the GTA

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $90,000 - $100,000. This is a pay grade 6 role, with a salary range of $71,777.30- $107,379.81. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

We are committed to providing an accessible, equitable and inclusive candidate and employee experience. We provide reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and in employment. If you require an accommodation, please let us know, we will work with you to meet your needs.