Are you a dynamic and experienced communicator ready to lead and coordinate the issues management process and corporate communications for the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services? If so, join the Communications Branch as an Issues and Media Advisor, where you will respond to emerging and/or contentious issues.
Why work for the Ontario Public Service?The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.
We offer:• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Collegial and professional work culture.
• Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas.
• On-the-job training to support your success in the role.
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
In this role, you will:
• Provide consultation and coordination in the development, implementation and maintenance of media relations strategies
• Monitor media to anticipate and identify emerging issues and trends with potential implications for the ministry
• Develop remedial strategies to minimize negative impacts of potential and existing issues
• Provide advice to the Minister, Deputy Minister, and senior management on contentious issues management on a proactive and reactive basis
• Prepare Housebook Notes and issues management forecasts
• Develop and deliver issues identification and management training sessions for ministry staff
• Conduct research and environmental scans of issues identified
• Coordinate the collection of information from managers and staff related to requests for information and/or briefing materials from the Minister's office
• Prepare/edit draft/final briefing documents for review by the Manager
• Write and/or edit government messaging for Minister's Housebook Notes, • Acts as an information resource to ministry/branch staff on specific issues
• Conduct research and environmental scans of issues identified
• Respond to media inquiries, interests, concerns on Ministry policies, programs and services
What you bring to the team
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
You have:
• oral and written communications to provide advice/guidance to senior ministry and political staff, respond to inquiries for information and lead/coordinate meetings
• experience delivering presentations and providing advice/guidance in issues briefing sessions
• experience preparing and editing a broad range of briefing materials
• effective consultative, organizational and writing/editing skills
• experience supporting issues through the issues management process with meetings, briefings, discussions and a variety of written materials to ensure accurate and timely advice to a range of clients
Research and Analytical Skills:
You can:
• identify and review issues within the context of the political environment and the government's policy direction and priorities
• evaluate the relevance of information prepared by ministry staff
• identify and advise management on contentious stakeholder issues and public opinion trends
Business Knowledge:
You have knowledge of:
• communication/media relations/public relations theories, techniques and processes and skills in strategic media relations
• the government decision-making process and protocols
• policy development/approvals process; legislative rules, procedures and processes
• social/new media strategies and trends, and their capabilities/application for corporate communications, distribution and service delivery