Job ID: 52700

• Job Category: Communications & Marketing
• Division & Section: Ombudsman Toronto
• Work Location: 375 University Avenue, Toronto, ON (Hybrid)
• Job Type & Duration: Full-time, 1 Permanent Vacancy
• Salary: $86,716.00 - $112,255.00, TM5293, Wage Grade 6
• Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 Hours Per Week 
• Affiliation: Non-Union
• Number of Positions Open: 1 
• Posting Period: 02-JAN-2025 to 17-JAN-2025

Reporting to the Ombudsman, the Communications & Engagement Consultant provides advice and leads Ombudsman Toronto's communication, outreach and engagement with Toronto communities, City divisions, corporations, and local boards the Ombudsman oversees.  In this permanent position, the role will support quality service goals at Ombudsman Toronto and contribute to an environment which values fairness, equity, and inclusive behaviours.

What will you do?

• Recommend and implement detailed plans/procedures regarding communication and engagement program requirements.
• Conduct research into assigned area to provide recommendations and innovative advice and ideas to the Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman.
• Lead the development, implementation and coordination of engagement and communication strategies and plans that include multi-faceted programming (e.g., media relations, digital and social stakeholder relations, etc.). Provide advice and recommendations to the Ombudsman for short-term and long-term communication plans.
• Identify opportunities to raise awareness of the Office and connect Ombudsman Toronto with the diverse residents, communities, businesses, and groups that it serves as well as with the organizations it oversees, and members of City Council.
• Develop strategies and plans to promote awareness of the Office and its work, assess stakeholder needs, and make recommendations about outreach and public education priorities, including identifying specific speaking and outreach opportunities for the Ombudsman and relevant stakeholder groups to engage.
• Develop training materials used to deliver education sessions for elected officials and public servants; educate public servants on the role of the Ombudsman and the elements of fair service. Track outreach activities and provide feedback to the Ombudsman about progress.
• Plan and coordinate outreach and engagement events, ensuring logistics and supporting materials are provided to the Ombudsman in a timely manner.
• Deliver public outreach sessions and attend community and other events as the representative of Ombudsman Toronto.
• Build and maintain cooperative working relationships with stakeholders including community groups, Council staff, public servants, broader community stakeholders and the media.
• Conduct internal and external research to ensure the Office understands the needs of its target stakeholder groups and brief the Ombudsman on key details to ensure they are informed.
• Provide the Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman with information based on media scans, i.e., traditional media, social media, blogs, etc. and recommendations related to ongoing investigations.
• Provide communication support for engagement initiatives and special events.
• Lead the planning, production, and distribution of communication and engagement materials including videos, speeches, presentations, posters, pamphlets, emails, etc.
• Coordinate production and distribution of news releases, fact sheets, correspondence and other media relations materials as approved by the Ombudsman.
• Act as the media point of contact for the Ombudsman. Manage, prioritize and/or redirect media inquiries and/or provide information to a wide range of stakeholders both internal and external.
• Develop and maintain media lists to ensure contacts are current; build relationships with relevant media and proactively identify opportunities for the Ombudsman to meet with key journalists.
• Coordinate media interviews for the Ombudsman, including developing interview strategies, creating supporting materials (briefing notes, key messages, etc.), recording interviews, and attending interviews to provide on-site guidance.
• Draft and revise key messages to ensure all external communication is aligned with the Office's priorities, vision, mission, and values, and is accessible to all stakeholders.
• Maintain cooperative working relationships both within the Office and external stakeholders e.g., media, community groups, public etc.
• Conduct regular media monitoring. Analyze media coverage and issues of relevance to the Office in traditional and social media (as well as other sources), public response to the Office’s work and activities, and website and social media analytics.
• Make recommendations on the website and social media strategy. Administer the Office’s website and manage social media accounts to increase Ombudsman Toronto's online presence and visibility, including the development and upkeep of all content, monitoring and analysis of metrics, and serving as the liaison with the website host company.
• Provide communication advice and recommendations, and design and edit outgoing documents including investigative and other related communication materials according to Office's standards. Lead the planning, production, and distribution of the Office’s annual report, including corresponding outreach and media strategies.
• Coordinate and maintain electronic and hard copy filing systems related to responsibilities.
• Operate computers using a variety of desktop applications, including design applications.
• Handle special projects as directed by the Ombudsman and Deputy Ombudsman.

What do you bring to the role?

1. Post-secondary education in Communications, Public Relations or in a professional discipline pertinent to the job function or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Considerable experience in the areas of marketing, public relations, media relations, and social media engagement, with a focus on community engagement and stakeholder relations.
3. Considerable experience developing communications strategies and plans and creating, implementing, and coordinating multimedia communications programs for a high-profile office, dealing with highly sensitive matters.
4. Considerable experience developing a variety of communications materials including published reports or articles, briefing notes, fact sheets, and web and social media posts and other communications products, applying graphic design principles, web content tools and meeting accessibility standards and requirements.
5. Well-developed interpersonal and public relations skills with an ability to communicate (orally, written, online and in-person) effectively with all levels of the organization and a wide range of external contacts, including the media and public, exercising good judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential or sensitive matters.
6. Proficient in diverse outreach techniques, including leveraging ethnic media, community groups, and cultural nuances, alongside a solid grasp of current social media trends and adeptness in crafting tailored digital strategies for various audiences and platforms.
7. Digital proficiency and experience in utilizing a variety of software packages, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook as well as web content management tools and processes.
8. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize and manage assignments and workload under tight timelines and competing deadlines in a changing environment with minimal supervision
9. Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills.
10. Demonstrates social and political acuity. Is knowledgeable about, and sensitive to, the various approaches required to engage with Toronto's diverse communities in a respectful and equitable manner.
11. Ability to travel throughout the City of Toronto, and provide off-site training or education sessions in the City of Toronto.

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. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.