The Ministry of Transportation's (MTO) Communications Branch is seeking motivated issues management professionals who are interested in leading and managing a variety of issues that deliver on key government priorities.
The Communications Branch of MTO is a fast-paced and politically pressured environment, with a myriad of demands and short lead times. Working in this Branch requires an adroit professional who can go above and beyond regular office hours and situations while staying on top of deliverables. If you enjoy a dynamic workplace and work well in challenging situations, then this role may be for you.
As a key member of the issues team, the ideal candidate will have experience developing issues products (e.g., Qs and As, House Book Notes, Issues Management Plans), a solid understanding of government issues, sharp political acuity, eager to present to ADM's and Minister Offices and be able to monitor, anticipate and manage issues and trends that could have implications for MTO and the government writ large.
In addition, the candidate will possess strong relationship management, tact and diplomacy skills when working with senior executives in the ADM offices, Deputy's Office, Cabinet Office, Minister's Office and issues staff from Metrolinx and across government.
Please note the following working hours for the permanent positions:
• 1 Permanent – working hours 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
• 1 Permanent – working hours 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
About the job
• Manage a large portfolio of files in a fast-paced environment that support key government priorities.
• Prepare and coordinate information products including housenotes, media responses, media Qs and As, issues plans and key messages for the ministry.
• Identify, analyze and monitor contentious issues affecting the ministry and maintain effective liaison with divisional contacts, Assistant Deputy Ministers, Deputy Minister, Minister's Office, and Cabinet Office.
• Exercise strong judgement in anticipating contentious issues, developing new approaches to problem-solving and issues management.
What you bring to the team
Business Knowledge and Skills
• You understand government decision-making and policy and planning processes.
• You have knowledge of and experience with issues management within a communications branch including monitoring and responding to inquiries from print, broadcast and social media outlets as part of the issues management function.
Leadership and Organizational Skills
• You can organize work, deal with senior ministry and political staff and work independently and as part of a team in a high volume, high pressure environment.
• You have the political acuity to assess and manage politically sensitive and potentially contentious issues and provide strategic advice.
• You can negotiate consensus on complex strategic issues.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• You communicate in a clear and concise manner.
• You can develop and deliver a variety of issues products including: housenotes, media Qs and As, issues plans and key messages.
• You can prepare concise briefings and reports to support the management of contentious issues.
• You can liaise directly with media on in-coming media requests, prepare proposed responses and seek approvals to respond to requests, often under tight timelines.
• You have stakeholder management skills to deal diplomatically with senior managers, political staff and program staff.
• You have the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities often under tight timelines.
• You have experience developing both pro-active and reactive communications
Research and Analytical Skills
• You have strong research, conceptual and analytical skills.
• You have an understanding of media relations and proven, direct experience using issues management techniques.
• You can identify and respond to contentious issues and develop proactive approaches to issues management.
OPS Commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti- racism:
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful, and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.