University of Toronto

Director, Public Relations & Communications

University of Toronto$106K — $124K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • University degree in public relations, communications, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in public relations and communications, with academic experience required.
  • 5+ years managing and leading staff, ideally in a unionized environment.
  • 5+ years experience executing media relations strategies and producing high quality publications.
  • 5+ years managing budgets and negotiating contracts.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute strategic communications plans to enhance the Faculty’s visibility.
  • Lead public relations activities, including media and social media engagement, and event-related content.
  • Deliver high-quality publications and recruitment materials.
  • Provide senior-level media relations expertise with a focus on Faculty achievements.
  • Oversee a team of three professionals, managing human resources and financial operations.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • Supportive work environment fostering collaboration and innovation.
  • Access to university resources and facilities.
  • Flexible work arrangements.
Full Job Description
Date Posted: 06/19/2026
Req ID: 48847
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Kinesiology & Physl Ed.
Department: Faculty of Kinesiology & Physl Ed
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategic Communications, Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement, the Director provides senior leadership and direct operational expertise for public relations and communications. The Director is responsible for developing, implementing and executing comprehensive communications strategies by which to enhance the Faculty's image and visibility locally, nationally, and internationally as among the top Kinesiology faculties worldwide.

The Director leads and personally delivers a range of public relations and communications activities, including media and social media, digital and event-related content development, publications and academic recruitment materials. Specifically, the Director provides senior counsel, budget oversight and as well, is required to write, edit, manage creative production, including vendors, and project evaluations. The Director is also responsible for providing senior media relations and communications expertise and will prepare press releases and pitch reporters on important Faculty research and achievements.

The Director participates in senior-level decision-making and is responsible for working closely with senior management on media relations, events, publications, newsletters, institutional statements and issue management, ensuring appropriate consultation and process.

The Director manages a staff of 3 high-caliber professionals and assumes responsibility for human resources, labour relations and financial management, including dispute resolution and compliance of collective agreements.

The incumbent will have a strong ability to do the technical work necessary for impactful strategies and their successful execution.

EDUCATION:
    • University degree in public relations, communications, related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.


EXPERIENCE:
    • A minimum of 10 years of relevant, progressive experience in public relations and communications. Experience in academic environment required and experience in health recreation or sport environments an asset.
    • 5+ years experience managing and leading staff, preferably in a unionized environment.
    • 5+ years experience managing media relations strategies and high quality publications.
    • 5+ years experience developing and managing budgets and negotiating contracts.
    • 5+ years experience using web content management systems.
    • 5+ years experience working in a highly complex organization.


SKILLS:
    • Outstanding written communication skills a must; excellent oral and presentation skills
    • Strong in negotiation, persuasion and ability to deal professionally with tension and conflict.
    • Tact, mature judgement, political acumen, diplomatic
    • Excellent critical thinking and problem solving
    • Creative and strategic leadership skills
    • Supervisory skills and ability to set priorities and foster a strong team environment including the ability to inspire staff and colleagues toward the achievement of a goal
    • Strong time management, administrative and organization skills
    • Highly developed organization, communication and relationship management skills.
    • Ability to maintain professional decorum and make sound judgements under pressure.
    • Ability to interact with senior members of the University and the business community.
    • Highly customer service oriented with sensitivity to various levels of expectation from a diverse community of stakeholders, including students, community members, staff, faculty and alumni.


OTHER:
    • Familiarity with developments in AI related to public relations and communications.
    • Proven record executing large, complex projects, including writing, copy editing, artistic direction and production timelines
    • Self-motivated and accountable
    • Expert in-depth knowledge of print and digital trends in communications and best practices.
    • Demonstrated success using web and social media to inform and engage audiences.


Closing Date: 07/12/2026,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Personnel Subarea:PM
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 4 -- Hiring Zone: $106,705 - $124,491 -- Broadband Salary Range: $106,705 - $177,843
Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations

About University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is a public research university located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the largest university in Canada by enrollment and one of the top-ranked universities in the world. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of academic disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, and business. The University of Toronto is known for its research excellence and has produced many notable alumni, including four Nobel laureates. The university was founded in 1827 and has three campuses in the Toronto area.
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