Issues and Media Relations Officer

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If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, have strong communication skills and knowledge in issues management, then consider this challenging opportunity with the Communications Branch at the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC).

You will provide bilingual senior communications expertise in the development and implementation of strategic communications planning, and media relations strategies, services and products for the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), to position program delivery and messaging to the public and the media.

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About the job

You will:
• develop media relations strategies to support OHRC announcements to bring attention to or heighten the media profile of OHRC
programs and initiatives
• evaluate media consultation processes, products and materials, and recommend and establish revised policies, procedures or protocol to support both media requirements and corporate interests/focus
• write and edit in French and English speeches, publicity material, and print, electronic and content development for social media platforms,
communications and the website
• produce key messages for relevant issues
• update the website and help drive the content for social media
• create and cultivate innovative ideas for online content
• provide theoretical and practical expertise to support diverse communications planning strategies and implementation activities

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What you bring to the team

Mandatory requirements

• You are proficient in English as well as in oral and written French at the superior level

Technical Knowledge and Skill:

• You demonstrate knowledge of principles and techniques of communications services within digital media applications and tools; communications theory, methods, techniques and practices in new media and web site design, content development and graphics; and social media tools to maximize the use of different platforms for communication
• You demonstrate knowledge of media relations techniques to assess and advise on potential/emerging issues, develop strategies, and provide media and issues management services to the OHRC

Issues Management and Political Acuity:

• You demonstrate knowledge of issues management, crisis management and political acuity to analyze and assess media perceptions, and public and stakeholder opinions on a range of OHRC issues; and develop and recommend media relations strategies

Analytical and Evaluative Skills:

• You demonstrate analytical skills to assess the information needs of the media; social media networks, identify politically sensitive issues which may impact on the OHRC
• You demonstrate analytical skills to determine the extent to which issues may become contentious and to ensure that executive management is alerted and fully equipped with suitable, timely responses
• You demonstrate evaluative skills to select style, approach and messaging for statements and written materials to achieve appropriate communication response to the nature/tone of media requests received

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• You demonstrate oral communication and interpersonal skills to consult with and discuss information and nature of issues with OHRC and executive office staff when conducting research for responses to media questions; and to contact the media to correct or supplement information published or broadcast
• You demonstrate writing and editing practices and conventions, techniques for organization of text, and writing styles to provide media relations services; develop strategies; and write, edit and coordinate the preparation of media advisories; and to write responses to media questions on controversial or contentious issues receiving public/media attention

Project Management Skills:

• You demonstrate project management skills and techniques to plan and coordinate concurrent activities and projects within competing priorities and deadlines, and to ensure that products and publications meet content and quality standards

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Additional information:

Note:

• This ad is also available in French.
• In accordance with the Ontario Public Service Employment Screening Checks Policy, the top candidate(s) may be required to undergo a security screening check. Please refer to the Additional Information / Address section above to determine the screening checks that are required for this position.
  
  You will be responsible for obtaining the criminal record check at your own expense and provide it, along with your written consent, to the Transition and Security Office (TSO), HR Service Delivery Division to evaluate the results. If applicable, the TSO, with your written consent, will request and obtain any additional screening checks as indicated in the Additional Information / Address section above that were not obtained directly by you. (Note: If a Vulnerable Sector Screening/Check is required, it must also be obtained in person at your local police service.)
  
  A record under the Criminal Code and/or other federal offence record(s) does not automatically mean you will be ineligible for the position. The screening check(s) will only be reviewed and evaluated by the TSO for the purpose of making a security clearance decision. The details of an individual's screening check(s) will be considered in specific relation to the duties and responsibilities of the position being filled. Screening check records will be maintained by the TSO and kept strictly confidential.
• T-AG-116923/18

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Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.