Overview
Manager, Issues & Media Relations Jobs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at Ontario Public Service Leadership | Leadership dans la fonction publique de l’Ontario
Title: Manager, Issues & Media Relations
Company: Ontario Public Service Leadership | Leadership dans la fonction publique de l’Ontario
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Great experiences start with the right people.
The Ministry of Health is seeking an experienced, dynamic communicator to join us as the Manager of Issues and Media Relations. We are looking for someone who thrives on navigating complex issues, providing strategic advice and delivering superior results in a fast-paced and supportive public sector environment.
In this role, you will monitor, identify and manage contentious high-profile issues, deliver mitigation strategies and coordinate rapid media responses. The role requires a strong strategic thinker who is equally comfortable operating at a high level and engaging directly in the day-to-day operations of the unit and working horizontally with colleagues both in the branch and across the ministry and government.
We are looking for an inspiring people leader to guide a team of diverse and highly skilled communications professionals, build strong partnerships across the ministry, and provide professional client support. If you are energized by leading teams and shaping high-impact communications that make a meaningful difference for Ontarians, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ministry's vital work.
The Ontario Public Service: Strengthening Ontario, together.
A career in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) is driven by purpose. We're building a stronger Ontario by delivering programs and services that make a real difference in people's lives. If you share this ambition, you'll find a workplace that reflects the diversity of the people we serve and empowers you to lead with confidence.
Why Your Leadership Belongs Here
- Purpose that drives you: Lead work that matters. Your leadership will shape policies, programs, and services that improve lives across the province—every day.
- A culture that supports you: Thrive in a flexible, inclusive, and respectful workplace that values your well-being and empowers you to bring your whole self to work.
- A career that grows with you: Explore leadership opportunities across ministries and sectors. With access to mentorship, learning, and mobility, your career can evolve here.
- Recognition that reflects your impact: We value the difference you make. You'll receive competitive pay, a defined-benefit pension, and benefits that support your well-being—plus meaningful recognition for your contributions.
About the job
We believe great leadership starts with high standards and strong support. In the OPS, that means showing up with authenticity, acting with integrity, and having the courage to do what's right, even when it's hard.
As a leader, you'll shape a team culture that sparks innovation, supports collaboration, and champions inclusion. You'll help build a workplace that is diverse, anti-racist, and accessible, where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to thrive.
You won't be doing it alone. We invest in our leaders through mentorship, learning opportunities, and cross-ministry networks that help you grow your impact and connect with peers across the organization.
Leadership is about impact, and in this role, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful one.
You will:
- Lead the ministry's issues and media relations function, including identifying and managing contentious and high profile issues, coordinating cross ministry responses, and overseeing media relations, social media community management, and public correspondence.
- Provide strategic advice and expert materials on sensitive, high impact issues for senior executives and the Minister, including preparing superior briefing materials to support the Minister in the Legislature.
- Coordinate and collaborate across the ministry and government, working closely with internal and external partners to ensure integrated, timely, and effective issues management advice, products, and responses.
- Serve as a key partner in an interdisciplinary communications management team, contributing to long term planning, problem solving, and knowledge sharing to support integrated communications strategies.
- Lead a diverse and skilled team of communications professionals, fostering a collaborative, high performance culture aligned with the branch's strategic communications, digital communications, and outreach functions.
Meet Your New Team
The Communications Branch is an integral partner supporting both the Ministry of Health and the broader OPS. Our branch reports into Deputy Minister of Health and Cabinet Office Communications to directly support the Minister and Minister's Office team, Deputy Minister and members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). We offer strategic communications advice and high-quality products. Each unit brings its expertise such as market research, media planning, digital communications, issues management to offer an integration of services to directly support the ministry's priorities and program delivery.
What you bring to the team
Leadership and People Management
- Demonstrated management or leadership experience, with clear accountability for team results, staff development, and organizational performance.
- Established experience leading people and teams by setting direction, coaching others, and building a culture of trust, inclusion, and high performance.
- Proven ability to lead and engage a team of communications professionals in a fastpaced environment, fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
- Expertise in talent management, succession planning, and fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture.
- Strong track record of building organizational capacity through coaching and mentoring.
- Ability to set clear goals, performance standards, and drive accountability.
Strategic Communications & Issues Management Expertise
- Deep knowledge of strategic communications planning, media relations, and crisis management principles.
- Ability to develop and implement proactive and reactive strategies for high-profile, sensitive issues.
- Skilled in crafting clear, accurate messaging for diverse audiences under tight timelines.
- Experience advising senior executives and political offices on tone, messaging, and risk mitigation.
Political Acuity & Stakeholder Management
- Strong understanding of government decision-making processes and legislative protocols.
- Ability to navigate complex political environments and manage relationships with senior officials.
- Skilled at building consensus among diverse stakeholders with competing priorities.
- Demonstrated capacity to anticipate emerging issues and provide strategic advice to mitigate risk.
Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
- Experience leading the development and implementation of new standards, systems, and protocols.
- Ability to analyze operational gaps and introduce innovative solutions for efficiency and quality.
- Skilled in managing multi-year business planning, budgets, and resource allocation.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to OPS customer service standards.
Remember:
The deadline to apply is Monday, April 20, 2026 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.
