COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR

City of Toronto • $89K — $120K *

Toronto, ON M3C 0E3In-Person

Education, Government & Non-Profit

5 - 7 years of experience

Today

Be an Early Applicant

By clicking Apply, I agree with Ladders' Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

Post-secondary education in journalism, communications, marketing, or equivalent experience.
Experience in corporate communications or public affairs within complex organizations.
Proficient in proactive and reactive media relations, issues management, and crisis communications.
Excellent judgment and discretion for handling sensitive matters.
Strong organizational skills; capable of multitasking under pressure.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with a strong editing ability.
Familiarity with outreach strategies for diverse audiences, applying an inclusive lens.

Responsibilities

Plan and execute press conferences and media opportunities.
Develop media materials that simplify complex information into narratives.
Proactively pitch storytelling opportunities to media outlets.
Handle high volumes of media inquiries, contributing to 15,000+ interactions annually.
Prepare City spokespeople for interviews and public appearances.
Lead integrated communication strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
Monitor emerging issues, providing strategic crisis communications support.

Benefits

A supportive work environment that focuses on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Opportunity for professional development and training in emergency management.
Work-life balance with a Monday to Friday schedule.
Engagement with senior management and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
Participation in shaping the City’s communication strategies across platforms.

Full Job Description

Job ID: 65478
Job Category: Communications & Marketing
Division & Section: Communications, Media Relations & Issues Management
Work Location: City Hall
Job Type & Duration: Full-time, 1 Permanent & 1 Temporary (12 month) Vacancy
Salary Range: $89,337.00 - $120, 831.00
Hiring Zone: $95,388.00 - $103,420.00
Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Affiliation: Non-Union
Number of Positions Open: 2
Posting Period: 29-JUN-2026 to 07-JUL-2026

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, strategic and agile 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 media pitching expertise. The candidate will bring an 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 contributes issues management and emergency communications support. The Communications Advisor may serve as a spokesperson, conducting live or pre-recorded interviews across television, radio, online and print platforms.

Major Responsibilities:

Media Relations:

Plan, co-ordinate and execute press conferences, technical briefings and onsite media opportunities.
Develop clear, compelling media materials (media advisories, news releases, speaking notes and more) 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 [email protected].
Prepare City spokespeople for interviews, public appearances and media conferences.
Contribute to media training for staff across the organization.
Provide on-camera, on-the-record and live interview support as a spokesperson, if required.

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.
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.
Contribute real-time strategic advice during incidents, emergencies and reputational risks.
Contribute to the development of issues management and crisis communications strategies.
Support after-hours and weekend issues response as part of a rotating standby schedule.

Additional Responsibilities:

Implements detailed plans and recommend policies/procedures regarding program specific requirements.
Conducts research into assigned areas ensuring that such research takes into account developments within the field, corporate policies and practices, legislation and initiatives by other levels of government.
Provides input into and administers assigned budget, ensuring that expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
Develops and executes large-scale, multi-channel communications plans, internal/external and proactive/reactive strategies, issues management, digital and media strategies and processes in support of City programs, projects, campaigns, ensuring that budgets and deadlines are met.
Identifies reputational risks, monitors and advises on emerging issues that can affect the City's brand and the achievement of its goals. Supports and operationalizes communications strategies that protect and/or enhance the City's reputation.
Identifies and adheres to corporate communication policies and standards to ensure consistency of information across all platforms.
Ensures all communication materials meet corporate standards, e.g. inclusive images/language, CP style, clear language for multiple channels (web, social media, video, audio, print, signage) and use the City's voice.
Responds in a timely manner to media and other requests for information on City programs and services.
Works positively with all staff in the division and contributes to the goals of the division by participating in staff meetings and providing input on the City's communications protocols and policies that support divisional objectives.

Key Qualifications

Post-secondary education in a discipline pertinent to the job function, such as journalism, communications, marketing or combined equivalent of education and experience.
Considerable experience in corporate communications or public affairs within a complex public or private sector organization.
Considerable experience in proactive and reactive media relations, issues management and crisis communications.
Sound judgment and discretion when working on sensitive or high-profile matters.
Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to perform effectively under pressure and tight deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including superior writing and editing expertise.
Knowledge of outreach strategies for diverse and multilingual audiences, applying an inclusive and culturally responsive communications lens.
Demonstrated passion for public service and for telling compelling, people-centered stories about the City.
Training in Incident Management System (IMS) or emergency management best practices is an asset.
Experience serving as a media spokesperson is an asset.

About City of Toronto

City of Toronto provides its users with information on the lifestyles, business, and locations of Toronto. Lifestyle information consists of health, energy, services, children’s services, arts, culture, festivals, events, housing, and transportation. Business-related information consists of investments, startups, reports, event planning, and city-based partnerships. Furthermore, it provides its users with history, facts, images, events, and attractions of Toronto. City of Toronto is based in Ontario.

City of Toronto Careers

There has never been a better time to explore the diverse job opportunities at the City of Toronto—the hub of professional growth and innovation in the region.

Work You’ll Experience

Join the City of Toronto’s dynamic team to assist in transforming the city through public service and innovative leadership. The City of Toronto offers a unique position in the marketplace, combining public administration with cutting-edge initiatives that enhance the lives of its residents. Engage with a team of skilled professionals dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Toronto is not just a place of employment; it is a place where careers flourish and where the professional environment encourages continuous personal and professional development.

City of Toronto Jobs and Employment

The City of Toronto is building a market-leading workforce that supports the city’s vision through strategic leadership and proactive management. This team helps to master the challenges of urban growth and community service.

Innovative Work

At the City of Toronto, innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it's a practical approach to solving real-world issues that affect millions of people. With projects that range from improving municipal services to enhancing urban sustainability, employees at the City of Toronto push the boundaries of what is possible in public service.

Professional Growth and Development

The City of Toronto is committed to nurturing the careers of its employees with unmatched training, development programs, and leadership opportunities. Whether through professional development workshops, leadership training, or diversity training, the City ensures that every team member has the tools to succeed.

Explore Career Opportunities

From internships to full-time positions, the City of Toronto offers a range of job opportunities that cater to various skills and career aspirations. Positions in healthcare, engineering, finance, urban planning, and more are available, providing a broad spectrum of career paths for job seekers.

The City of Toronto Employment Culture

The City’s employment culture is centered on creating a supportive and inclusive workplace. This culture is evident in its commitment to diversity and innovation, where each team member’s contributions are valued and celebrated.

Stay Connected with City of Toronto Careers

Join the Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. The City of Toronto looks for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Explore the various benefits, from health insurance to retirement plans, that make the City of Toronto a premier employer.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the professionals who are part of the City of Toronto team.

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at the City of Toronto.

SEARCH CITY OF TORONTO JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

Learn more about City of Toronto

Size

10,001 employees

Industry