Senior Advisor, Issues Management and Media Relations

Senior Advisor, Issues Management and Media Relations

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) – an agency that regulates Ontario’s alcohol, gaming, horse racing, and private retail cannabis sectors.

Division:
Communications and Service Experience Division
City:
Toronto
Job term: 1 Permanent
Job code: AGCO/10 - AGCO/10
Salary: $ - $ per year

• Lead and execute media relations activities that support and enhance AGCO’s public profile and reputation.
• Develop strategic communications materials including media responses, key messages, press releases, speaking notes, Q&A, and position statements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, and internal stakeholders.
• Provide proactive and reactive issues management support, including media monitoring, environmental scanning, issues forecasting, and crisis communications planning.
• Research and analyze public, political, and sectoral issues to identify emerging risks, trends, and opportunities impacting AGCO.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and senior leaders to provide strategic communications advice and support corporate initiatives.
• Lead and coordinate media inquiries, approvals, translations, and distribution processes ensuring timely, high‑quality deliverables.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by evaluating communication strategies, programs, and processes and recommending enhancements.
• Prepare communications products that meet accessibility and French‑language requirements.
• Manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines with professionalism and sound judgement in a fast‑paced environment.

• A university degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Issues Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in media relations, communications, issues management, public affairs, or public relations.
• Strong experience developing strategic communications materials and managing media relations activities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including ability to translate complex information into clear, plain language.
• Strong research, analytical, problem‑solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience working with senior leaders, stakeholders, government partners, and cross‑functional teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with ability to manage competing priorities under tight timelines.
• Knowledge of media relations and issues management principles, trends, and best practices.
• Sound judgement, political acuity, and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and online research tools.
• Knowledge of Ontario's alcohol, gaming, cannabis, and horse racing sectors, as well as the government/regulatory environment.
• Eligibility to work in Canada and ability to successfully complete a criminal background check.

• Experience working as a journalist or media spokesperson.
• Working knowledge of French and familiarity with French‑language services requirements.
• Experience in the public sector, regulatory environment, or government relations.
• Knowledge of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and accessibility standards.
• Established relationships with journalists, media outlets, or industry stakeholders.
• Familiarity with crisis communications planning and media training practices.

The AGCO is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer.