Senior Communications Advisor; Media Relations

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• Job : 61659
• Job Category: Communications & Marketing
• Division & Section: Communications, Media Relations
• Job Type & Duration: Full-Time, 1 Permanent & 2 Temporary (12 month) vacancies

Salary Range: $ - $

Ideal Hiring Zone: $ - $

• 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.

The Media Relations and Issues Management Centre of Excellence
, within the Communications Division, supports all City divisions with expert media relations, issues management and reputation management. The Centre builds strong media relationships, anticipates emerging issues, and works to ensure balanced, accurate and timely coverage of City programs, services and priorities.

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
• 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:

• Post-secondary education in a discipline pertinent to the job function, such as journalism, communications, marketing or…