Senior Corporate Communications Specialist in Toronto

As a self-regulatory organization, the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) is committed to setting high regulatory standards for the investment industry, safeguarding investors, and supporting the integrity of Canada’s capital markets. Join a growing team and contribute to the dynamic and complex world of Canadian capital markets. CIRO is seeking a Senior Corporate Communications Specialist (Bilingual) to join the Corporate Communications & Public Affairs team. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, you will develop and execute strategic communications that support CIRO's mandate, advance organizational priorities, and strengthen confidence among investors, industry stakeholders, employees, and the public.

As a trusted advisor, you will partner with senior leaders and subject matter experts across the organization to deliver integrated communications strategies, manage media relations, support executive communications, and help navigate emerging issues and reputational risks. You will also play a key role in ensuring CIRO's communications effectively reach both English- and French-speaking audiences across Canada.

Core Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute integrated communications strategies that support CIRO's strategic priorities and regulatory initiatives.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leaders and business partners.
• Identify opportunities to proactively advance CIRO's reputation, mandate, and thought leadership.
• Measure communications effectiveness and provide recommendations based on audience insights and performance data.

Media Relations & Reputation Management:

• Lead media relations activities, including media inquiries, proactive outreach, spokesperson support, and media training.
• Build and maintain relationships with national, Quebec, and French-language media.
• Develop key messages, media materials, executive briefing notes, and communications strategies for emerging issues and sensitive matters.
• Monitor the media environment and support issues and crisis communications response activities as required.

Executive, Employee & Digital Communications:

• Develop executive communications, including speeches, presentations, speaking notes, and leadership messaging.
• Support employee communications and engagement initiatives, including town halls and organizational announcements.
• Oversee the development of content across digital channels, including the website, intranet, newsletters, and social media.
• Apply analytics and industry best practices to strengthen engagement and communications outcomes.

Key Skills and Competencies:

• University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Political Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum seven years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public affairs, media relations, or a related field.
• Fluency in English and French (spoken and written).
• Exceptional writing, editing, and communications skills in both English and French.
• Strong strategic thinking, judgment, and issues-management capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex and technical information into clear, compelling communications for diverse audiences.

Nice to Haves:

• Experience in financial services, capital markets, government, regulatory organizations, or other highly regulated sectors is preferred.
• Experience supporting executive communications, reputation management, issues management, and providing communications counsel to senior executives and business leaders.
• Media relations experience, including working with national and Quebec-based media.
• Strong understanding of digital communications, content strategy, social media, and analytics.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work under tight timelines.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Data-informed approach to communications planning and measurement.

What we offer:

• Competitive base salary in alignment with market.
• Performance based bonus.
• Hybrid work environment.
• Employer paid Health Benefits and Spending Account that offer flexibility to meet your individual or family needs as of day one.
• Defined Contribution Pension Plan with company matching that starts on your first day of employment.
• Paid flex days and sick days.
• Maternity Leave Of Absence/Paternity Leave Of Absence top up.
• Paid continuous learning and continuing development including designations.

CIRO is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). CIRO will provide accommodation to job applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Should you require accommodation, please contact Human Resources.