City : Toronto

Category : Strategic Communications

Industry : Real Estate and Rental and Leasing

Employer : Toronto Community Housing Corporation

Make a Difference

The Senior Communications Advisor, Media & Public Relations reports to the Manager, External Communications, as a part of the larger strategic planning and communications division. This role is responsible for planning and implementing media relations, issues management and public relations strategies in a manner that aligns with TCHC’s tenant-focused culture. Responsible for taking a lead role in supporting and promoting Toronto Community Housing’s business and communications priorities, with a particular focus on proactive communications and media relations planning, issues management strategies and social media crisis communications responses aimed at TCHC’s key external audiences, including tenants. The Senior Communications Advisor may be required to serve as a media spokesperson, is part of rotating on-call duties during the evening and weekend. 
The position requires a proactive, forward-thinking and client-focused mindset, with a high degree of discretion, as you may be responsible for providing advice on sensitive matters.

What you'll do

• Be part of a team that provides strategic counsel, advice and support to executives and senior management on high-profile media and communications strategies, and on managing or mitigating contentious issues or reputational risks

• Working with the Manager, Media Relations & Issues Management, take a lead role in developing and delivering communication strategies, including long-term, high-profile and complex strategic programs and projects that incorporate traditional and digital media relations tactics

• Create strong connections within TCHC and provide high-quality, professional client service to client groups

• Conduct research on media commentary and stakeholder views/positions on issues, and uses results as input to communications planning

• Anticipate and track issues, develop key messages and prepare communications products to support TCHC’s  strategic communications priorities

• Proactively identify media and public relations opportunities, develop communications strategies and pitch story ideas to earn coverage that reinforces Toronto Community Housing’s strategic priorities

• Maintain strong and effective working relationships with media contacts and engages independently in conversations with reporters and editors as required

• Act as a corporate spokesperson, when designated

• Write and edit news releases, backgrounders, speaking notes, Q&A, web copy, social media posts, media kits and other materials, for print, broadcast and online channels

• Organize news conferences, media opportunities and special events, including by providing direction to other staff and collaborating with external partners

• Provide direction to and manage relationships with vendors (such as media monitoring or audio/visual services providers)

• Mentor other staff in more junior positions on the team

• Act for the Manager, Media and Public Relations, in the manager’s absence

• Provide communications counsel and assist other TCHC business units with preparing presentations, talking points, speaking notes and handouts for community meetings and events, to ensure maximum effectiveness and consistency with corporate goals and objectives and brand identity

• Represent Toronto Community Housing in discussions with external partners

• Other duties as assigned

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or college in social sciences, liberal arts, humanities, journalism, public relations communications or related field, or equivalent experience, or equivalent combination of post-secondary education and on-the-job experience

• Minimum of 7 years of strategic communications/public relations experience including a minimum of 3 to 5 years of media relations/issues management experience

• Experience leading teams, preferably in a role as project lead

• Strong ability to manage high-profile sensitive issues in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrated ability to deliver expected outcomes in a results-oriented environment with multiple projects, strict deadlines, and changing, competing and at times conflicting priorities

• Excellent organizational skills, with a high level of attention to detail

• Strong networking and relationship building skills, including with executives and board members

• Exceptionally high degree of judgment and discretion; ability to quickly analyze, problem solve and mediate complex situations with multiple stakeholders

• Exceptional writing and editing skills

• Demonstrated excellence in verbal communication, interview and research skills

• Proven ability to develop and execute complex communications strategies

• Solid understanding of social housing and social issues faced by TCHC residents, staff, business partners, etc.

• Proficient with computer applications, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Suite, Content Management Systems such as Drupal and/or SharePoint, social media engagement tools such as Hootsuite, etc.

• Excellent interpersonal, project management and presentation skills

• Ability to provide excellent customer service to a variety of stakeholders

• Ability and sensitivity in providing respectful service to diverse populations

What’s next

Once you apply, we’ll review your resume and contact you if we believe your skills and experience will make you successful in the role. If you are selected to move forward, the process will include one or more interviews and/or assessments and reference checks.