Are you a strategic communicator with a passion for public engagement and a talent for translating complex ideas into clear, compelling messages? The Regional Operations Division is hiring two Regional Outreach Specialists, including one bilingual (English/French) position in the Northeast Region and one unilingual position in the Northwest Region (Thunder Bay)
In this dynamic and impactful role, you will lead the development of innovative outreach strategies and communication products that support sustainable resource management. You'll also collaborate with ministry staff and stakeholders to shape public understanding of natural resources management. If you're a creative thinker, a skilled relationship-builder, and thrive in a fast-paced, issues driven environment, we invite you to apply for this unique and interesting role!
About the job
In this role, you will:
• contribute to a team culture that encourages learning, nurtures collaboration, champions inclusivity and if free from discrimination and harassment.
• respond to media requests, act as a spokesperson where required, and liaise with Communications Services Branch (CSB) on media issues.
• provide advice, assistance, and direction to regional staff on regional public relations program, outreach initiatives and promotional products.
• research, write, review, and edit educational and promotional materials, products, and information for regional and district applications.
• coordinate the development, review and delivery of regional communications planning and the development of strategies, plans and outreach initiatives.
• consult and collaborate with ministry colleagues on information, outreach, and communications requirements to support regional resource management priorities and project initiatives.
• plan, organize and/or contribute to Minister's events and other special events.
• contribute to and support issue management.
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
For the bilingual position only - you must possess oral French language skills at the advanced level. Your proficiency level will be confirmed before hire.
Interpersonal and communication skills:
You have:
• The ability to explain complex/scientific information in plain language through promotional products and presentations to promote program understanding and to write and edit a variety of materials.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills to consult and negotiate with ministry staff to formulate, implement, and evaluate communications and promotional strategies.
• Tact, diplomacy, and political acuity to work with ministry partners, stakeholders, and the media in advancing and gaining support for natural resource management programs and policies.
Strategic thinking and analytical skills:
You have:
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills to synthesize a variety of data and information and propose/develop communication and outreach strategies that effectively promote and advance regional objectives and to respond to media enquiries effectively.
• Analytical skills to gather information and conduct environmental scans, identify emerging and potential sensitive issues, and provide strategic advice to proactively manage and mitigate risks.
Knowledge:
You have:
• Demonstrated knowledge of communications, marketing, and public/media relations to create, implement and evaluate communication and outreach strategies; provide issues management advice and plans; act as a spokesperson for media requests.
• The ability to learn ministry priorities, legislation, programs, and government structures to provide strategic advice, and develop effective communication strategies to support the decision-making process.
Project management and planning skills:
You have:
• Project management, coordination, and event planning skills to develop and implement a variety of communications, outreach and public relations activities and projects.
• The ability to arrange for and support representation of the ministry at events, to schedule own activities and broad initiatives, and to establish priorities with other staff.
Computer proficiency:
You have:
• Knowledge of computer software such as internet, word processing, email, photo editing and desktop publishing to research and extract data, prepare communications, educational and promotional materials/products.
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
What we offer
Northwest Region The Northwest Region spans over half a million square kilometres, with more than 90% Crown land, extensive forests and waterways, and a strong Indigenous presence across four treaty areas. The region supports key resource-based industries, manages most of Ontario's wildfires, and plays a vital role in provincial land use planning and resource management. You'll be supported by Christine Debruyne, an experienced OPS leader with over 15 years in operational and policy roles. Christine is known for her collaborative, strategic approach and her commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and fostering an inclusive, team-oriented workplace.
Northeast Region The Northeast Region features a diverse landscape of Crown and private lands, four ecoregions, and the shores of Lake Huron and Lake Superior. With significant development pressures, strong Indigenous partnerships across seven treaty areas, and a mix of resource-based industries and recreational use, it offers a dynamic environment for resource management. Your leader, Julie Robinson, brings more than 16 years of government planning experience and an authentic, people-focused leadership style. Julie emphasizes collaboration, inclusion, and shared accountability, and is dedicated to creating a diverse, supportive environment where staff can grow and succeed.
The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:
• a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• a comprehensive compensation and benefits package
• base salary that aligns to market trends with performance-based pay and scheduled salary progression
• tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self-funded leave and more
• a modern, friendly and accessible physical work environment