Director, Media Relations

Director, Media Relations page is loaded## Director, Media Relations remote type:
Communications locations:
Toronto, Ontario time type:
Full time posted on:
Posted 3 Days Agotime left to apply:
End Date:
February 21, 2026 (6 days left to apply) job requisition :
JR26-27639
** Location Address:
** 100 Queens Quay East, 9th Floor, Toronto
** Number of Openings:
** 1
* * Pay:**$94,126.00 - $
** Job Posting

Description:

**** This is an onsite role** **#LI-Onsite
** Reporting to Senior Director, Corporate Communications, you will be responsible for shaping and protecting the public reputation of the LCBO through proactive, strategic, and responsive media engagement and issues management. Serving as the primary point of contact for journalists and news organizations, you will act as one of the agency’s official spokespersons and lead all media relations activities, including issues and crisis communications.

This role operates in a dynamic, high-accountability public sector environment and requires sound judgement, diplomacy, political acuity, and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly to diverse audiences.

If you love navigating complex issues, building strong media relationships, and influencing public understanding through clear, strategic communications, then this is the role for you!
** About the Role
*** Serve as LCBO’s primary media contact, responding to inquiries from print, broadcast, and digital media in a timely, accurate, and professional manner.
* Act as an official spokesperson for the agency, delivering clear, consistent messaging aligned with corporate priorities.
* Prepare media materials including news releases, statements, backgrounders, interview briefs and key messages.
* Develop and maintain strong, credible relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets across the province and nationally.
* Brief and prepare senior executives and subject-matter experts for media interviews and public appearances.
* Led the development and implementation of LCBO’s issues management and crisis communications plans.
* Provide real-time media strategy, messaging, and spokesperson support during high-risk and/or high-profile situations.
* Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, assessing reputational impact and recommending corrective or proactive actions.
* Coordinate closely with senior leadership, external agencies, and government counterparts during sensitive or escalated matters.
* Support comprehensive, media relations strategies that support the LCBO’s mandate and business objectives.
* Identify emerging issues, trends, and media risks and opportunities, providing strategic advice to senior leadership.
* Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance management to media relations staff, fostering a high-performing and responsive team.
* Ensure messaging is coordinated and aligned with broader government communications protocols.
* Lead LCBO’s media monitoring function.
* Collaborate with broader LCBO Communications, Corporate Affairs, and Divisional leadership to ensure accuracy, consistency, and readiness for media relations activities.
** About You
*** University degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or corporate communications.
* 8+ years of progressive experience in media relations or public affairs, including experience as a spokesperson.
* 5+ years of demonstrated senior leadership experience in people management.
* Demonstrated experience managing issues and crisis communications in a complex, highly visible environment.
* Deep understanding of the media landscape (including social media) and news cycles, with proven ability to navigate potential sensitive issues.
* Strategic mindset and ability to understand and connect the dots across a complex business that runs in a fast-paced sector.
* Ability to function as a trusted advisor to senior management and business leaders and to work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels in the delivery of consistent, aligned communications strategies.
* Exceptional written and verbal communications skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear public messaging.
* Innovative thinker who can respond to changing…