SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR (MEDIA RELATIONS)

National Media Awards Foundation; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 103,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Toronto's Communications Division is seeking a Senior Communications Advisor to join the Media Relations team. Reporting to the Manager, Media Relations, you will be a strategic storyteller with media pitching expertise and a Toronto-focused network.

You will handle issues management and crisis communications, serve as primary spokesperson for interviews across TV, radio, online and print, and mentor staff on communications best practices.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in journalism, communications, marketing or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in corporate communications, public affairs or marketing within a complex organization.
• Extensive experience in proactive and reactive media relations, issues management and crisis communications.
• Experience using data and insights to guide decision-making and evaluate communications effectiveness.
• Strong leadership abilities with experience guiding teams and influencing across diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to cultivate trusting, collaborative relationships with colleagues, partners and external stakeholders.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with superior editing capabilities.
• Knowledge of outreach to multilingual audiences with inclusive communications.
• Demonstrated passion for public service and storytelling.
• Training in Incident Management System (IMS) or emergency management is an asset.
• Experience serving as a media spokesperson is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and execute press conferences, technical briefings and on-site media opportunities.
• Develop clear, compelling media materials that translate technical information into accessible narratives.
• Seek proactive storytelling opportunities and pitch to local and national media outlets.
• Respond to high volumes of media inquiries — including the City’s media inbox.
• Provide on-camera, on-the-record and live interview support as a spokesperson when required.
• Prepare City spokespeople for interviews, public appearances and media conferences.
• Contribute to and deliver media training for staff and leaders across the organization.

Job description

• Job ID: 61659
• Job Category: Communications & Marketing
• Division & Section: Communications, Media Relations
• Work Location: City Hall, 100 Queen Street West
• Hybrid in accordance with the City’s Remote Work Policy
• Job Type & Duration: Full-Time, 1 Permanent & 2 Temporary (12 month) vacancies
• Salary Range: $103,431.00 – $141,247.00
• Ideal Hiring Zone: $103,431.00 – $115,000.00
• Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
• Affiliation: Non-Union
• Number of Positions Open: 3
• Posting Period: 02-FEB-2026 to 17-FEB-2026

About the Division

The Communications Division delivers effective marketing and communications to the public and City staff. Through a centralized approach that nurtures growth and opportunity for its staff, the Communications division focuses on proactive storytelling that puts the City, and its divisions – as partners – at the centre. Integrated communications and marketing activities align with the broader organizational strategy and drive measurable impact.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, strategic and agile Senior Communications Advisor to join the Media Relations team. Reporting to the Manager, Media Relations, the successful candidate is a natural storyteller with a journalist’s mindset — skilled at anticipating issues, navigating complex files and proactively engaging with media, including extensive media pitching expertise. The candidate will bring a deep understanding of Toronto’s media landscape and either have established relationships with key journalists or the ability and drive to build them quickly.

The ideal candidate is someone who excels in high-pressure, rapidly evolving situations and can confidently deliver issues management and emergency communications support. The Senior Communications Advisor will also regularly serve as a primary spokesperson, conducting live or pre-recorded interviews across television, radio, online and print platforms.

Major Responsibilities

Media Relations

• Plan, coordinate and execute press conferences, technical briefings and on-site media opportunities.
• Develop clear, compelling media materials that translate complex or technical information into accessible narratives.
• Seek out proactive storytelling opportunities and pitch to local and national media outlets.
• Respond to high volumes of media inquiries — including contributing to the 15,000+ media interactions received annually through [e-mail].
• Provide on-camera, on-the-record and live interview support as a spokesperson, when required.
• Prepare City spokespeople for interviews, public appearances and media conferences.
• Contribute to and deliver media training for staff and leaders across the organization.

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Build strong, collaborative relationships with senior management, divisional partners and stakeholders across the City.
• Lead integrated communications approaches that align with organizational priorities and apply best practices in measurement and engagement.
• Mentor and guide communications staff, promoting high standards and consistent application of communications principles.
• Ensure communications practices respect equity, diversity and inclusion, and effectively reach multilingual and diverse audiences.

Issues & Crisis Management (in partnership with issues management and social media teams)

• Monitor emerging issues, Council and Committee agendas, policies, and media coverage to assess potential impacts on the City.
• Provide real-time strategic advice to senior leaders during incidents, emergencies and reputational risks.
• Lead the development of issues management and crisis communications strategies.
• Support after-hours and weekend issues response as part of a rotating standby schedule.

Key Qualifications

1. Post-secondary education in a discipline pertinent to the job function, such as journalism, communications, marketing or combined equivalent of education and experience.
2. Extensive experience in corporate communications, public affairs or marketing within a complex public or private sector organization.
3. Extensive experience in proactive and reactive media relations, issues management and crisis communications, including advising senior officials.
4. Extensive experience using data and insights to guide decision-making, monitor trends and evaluate communications effectiveness.
5. Strong leadership abilities with experience guiding teams and influencing decision-making across diverse stakeholder groups.
6. Ability to cultivate trusting, collaborative relationships with colleagues, partners and external stakeholders.
7. Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
8. Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to perform effectively under pressure and tight deadlines.
9. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including superior writing and editing expertise.
10. Knowledge of outreach strategies for diverse and multilingual audiences, applying an inclusive and culturally responsive communications lens.
11. Demonstrated passion for public service and for telling compelling, people-centered stories about the City.
12. A strong narrative and storytelling instinct, with the ability to make complex information meaningful and engaging.
13. Training in Incident Management System (IMS) or emergency management best practices is an asset.
14. Experience serving as a media spokesperson is an asset.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.

Job Criteria

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Consulting
• Industries: Government Administration