Manager Communications in Toronto

Job Category: Communications & Marketing

Division & Section: Communications; Media Relations & Issues Management

Work Location: City Hall, 100 Queen St. W. Toronto, ON M5H 2N2 - Hybrid work in accordance with the City of Toronto’s Hybrid Work Policy

Job Type & Duration: 1 Full-Time, Permanent Vacancy

Salary Range: $126,000.00- $176,140.00 - Hiring Range: $126,000.00 to $141,926.00

Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Affiliation: Non-Union

Number of Positions Open: 1

Posting Period: 2-Oct-2026 to 25-Oct-2026

The Communications Division plays a vital role in connecting the City of Toronto with residents, staff, and key stakeholders by delivering clear, impactful messaging about City programs, services, and priorities. Operating with an agency-like model, the division develops and executes integrated marketing and communications campaigns that drive measurable results.

This is a unique opportunity to build and lead a team focused on proactive issues management, developing strategies and action plans that reflect the City’s values and priorities while helping protect its reputation and foster public trust. You’ll be responsible for setting the direction for this new unit in the Media Relations & Issues Management Centre of Excellence, guiding coordinated responses to complex and politically sensitive issues, and ensuring communications are timely, accurate, and aligned with broader organizational goals.

Your team will be responsible for:

• Managing cross-divisional and large-scale reputational risks to enhance and protect the City’s public image
• Preparing Communications senior leadership for Council and Committee meetings through detailed briefings on emerging issues and ongoing campaigns
• Providing insight and analysis on politically sensitive items to inform issues management and communications strategies and leadership briefings
• Ensuring timely and strategic decision-making through accurate tracking, documentation, and reporting on issues, reports, and policy matters
• Championing continuous improvement of the forecasting process by leveraging data, trends, and feedback
• Developing a proactive strategy that includes social listening, crisis response planning, and collaboration with the Manager, Social Media, to engage with the public and address concerns in real time
• Supporting the Division’s Agenda Forecasting System to anticipate and plan for Council and Committee items with corresponding issues management and communications strategies.

What you bring to the role:

• Post‑secondary education in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience leading the full issues management process, including developing and implementing issues management strategies and action plans that align with organizational priorities and values.
• Extensive experience providing strategic communications advice and operational support to senior leaders in a complex, high‑profile organization.
• Extensive experience monitoring, identifying, and assessing sensitive, emerging, and high‑profile issues to develop timely and effective communications strategies.
• Considerable experience in budget planning and administration, including resource allocation to support strategic priorities.
• Strong understanding of municipal governance, Council procedures, and decision‑making processes.
• Proven ability to leverage data, trends, and feedback to improve forecasting processes and strengthen organizational preparedness.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing high‑performing teams, championing strategic best practices, and fostering innovation.
• Knowledge of outreach strategies for diverse and multilingual audiences.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies, including MFIPPA, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and AODA.

Why You Will Love Working at The City:

• We are committed to building a high‑performing public service with strong and effective leaders.
• We offer competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for learning and professional development, and a culture that values collaboration and employee well‑being.
• Hybrid work in accordance with the City of Toronto’s Hybrid Work Policy.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve.

Accommodation: The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization.