Manager, Public & Media Relations - Bilingual

Who we are
The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer is a non-partisan agency of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, responsible for the administration of provincial elections, by-elections and referenda.

Our recruitment process reflects our mission to uphold the integrity and accessibility of the electoral process and to manage elections in an efficient, fair, and impartial manner. Together, we lead change by building modern services that put the needs of electors first.

We believe in Responsiveness and Innovation, Accountability and Integrity, Respect and Efficiency.

Join our team
The Operations division is seeking a highly motivated bilingual - English and French, public and media relations professional in our Scarborough location who wants to work for an organization that offers career growth opportunities and a competitive rewards program.

As Manager, Public and Media Relations – Bilingual, you will lead the development and implementation of media and social media plans, programs, and initiatives, and manage public and external stakeholder relations to support Elections Ontario's Strategic Plan.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Reporting to the Director, Communications and Strategic Services, you will:
• Manage the planning, development, and implementation of media and public relations initiatives.
• Provide strategic and consultative advice to the Director, Communications and Strategic Services, on communications policy development and implementation and monitor policy and operational issues.
• Manage the ongoing identification, assessment and response to emerging trends and issues that have potential implications to Elections Ontario, known as EO, and to ensure issues are identified early and issues management plans are developed and implemented to avoid or mitigate risk.
• Collaborate with other managers within the unit on EO's website, social media content, and public events to ensure consistent and accurate messaging and when developing briefing materials for the Director, Communications and Strategic Services, and CEO.
• Develop key messages and provide analysis and advice on issues related to media and public relations, ensuring that communications accurately and consistently reflect the messaging, tone, style and image of EO.
• Evaluate media and public relations plans and provides recommendations on improving communications to better inform and engage the general public.
• Prepare presentations, talking points, briefing notes, Qs & As, and other communications material for EO executives, the Director, Communications and Strategic Services, and other directors, to deliver at stakeholder meetings/consultations and events.
• Manage public-facing events, including developing presentations for the CEO and working with public relations vendors on strategy, promotion, and execution.
• Build strong relations with media and acts as a bilingual media spokesperson when required.
• Prepare timely and accurate responses and communications material for external and internal stakeholders on request.
• Prepare and delivers presentations on media and public relations initiatives at stakeholder meetings and consultations; participate in internal committees to ensure representation of the communications division and to address issues and concerns.
• Manage unit staff, providing operational and functional guidance.
• Ensure communications professionalism and excellence in customer service, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Travel between the mid-town and Scarborough offices may be required.

How do I qualify?

Qualifications

• Fluently bilingual in English and French. Selected candidates may be required to undergo English and French testing.
• Knowledge of strategic communications and management practices, methodologies and techniques to develop and implement communication plans that support EO's overall strategic plan.
• Experience in public and media relations, social media, and issues management to develop strategies and effective messaging consistent with EO's branding and image.
• Exceptional oral and written communication, consultation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to prepare key messages, press kits, briefing notes, speeches, reports, presentations, and other communications products, as well as to liaise with and establish relationships with external stakeholders.
• Management, leadership, and administrative skills to supervise staff and vendors, oversee day-to-day activities of the unit, provide operational and functional guidance, and prioritize deliverables.
• Project management and budgeting skills to oversee projects and corresponding budgets.
• Sound judgment and political acuity to provide strategic advice to the Director, Communications and Strategic Services.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including day, afternoon/evening and weekend shifts Mondays-Sundays during the election period.
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Compensation

Salary band: $96,813 to $127,343 per annum
Hiring range: $96,813 to $112,078 per annum

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter as one attachment quoting File # EO-2018-38 to hr@elections.on.ca no later than June 8, 2018.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require a disability-related accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at 1-888-668-8683, Fax at 1-866-714-2809, TTY at 1-888-292-2312 or hr@elections.on.ca. We will accommodate your needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

While we appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their submissions. Previous candidates need not apply.

Collection of Information

Your personal information is being collected and will be used to determine your qualifications for employment with the Ontario Public Service, and for recruitment modernization initiatives. OPS Careers is an authorized common service in accordance with s. 6 of the Ministry of Government Services Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.25 and this collection of personal information is necessary to the proper administration of OPS Careers.

Please do not provide more personal information than what is asked of you. For example, do not include your social insurance number, photograph, or banking information, etc. with your application. We strongly encourage you not to provide us with information beyond that which is requested in the job posting.

If you have any questions about the collection, use, disclosure, or retention of your personal information, please contact us.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Friday, June 8, 2018 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.