Communication Advisor in Toronto

The Communications Advisor is a communications role that helps share City news, manage media relations and support public messaging. The position creates clear content, responds to media requests and helps protect the City’s public image during both routine and high-profile situations. This role develops communication plans, supports media events and works with City teams to deliver timely information across different platforms. It also helps manage emerging issues, crisis communications and public engagement through storytelling.

The City of Toronto offers a supportive workplace that values creativity, inclusion and professional growth.

This is a full-time role with one permanent position and one temporary position lasting 12 months. The position supports media relations, public communications and issues management across City programs. This role is based at City Hall and follows a Monday to Friday routine of 35 hours each week. The role offers competitive pay and supports communication during routine operations and emergency situations. The position helps strengthen public awareness through the media.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and manage press conferences, media briefings and onsite media events.
• Prepare news releases, media advisories and speaking notes and other materials.
• Respond to media inquiries timely.
• Provide media training to staff when required.
• Support interviews as a spokesperson when needed.
• Build communication plans and media strategies for City programs and campaigns.
• Review emerging issues and recommend communication strategies.
• Support crisis communications and after-hours media response.
• Research assigned topics and prepare reports and policy recommendations.
• Monitor communication budgets and meet project deadlines.
• Follow corporate communication standards across all platforms.
• Take part in team meetings and contribute to communication improvements.

Requirements:

• Post-secondary education in Journalism, Communications, Marketing or a related field or an approved combination of education and work background.
• Considerable work background in corporate communications or public affairs within a complex public or private sector company.
• Considerable work background in proactive and reactive media relations, issues management and crisis communications.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal interaction skills with strong writing and editing skills.
• Knowledge of outreach approaches for diverse and multilingual audiences using an inclusive communication style.
• Genuine interest in public service and creating meaningful stories about the City.
• Training in Incident Management System or emergency management practices is considered an asset.
• Work background serving as a media spokesperson is considered an asset.