DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS

Job Category: Communications & Marketing

Division & Section: Public Health, Communications

Work Location: Toronto Public Health, 277 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2L6

Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Hybrid, Permanent Vacancy

Salary: $160,462.00 - $207,027.00, TM5047 and wage grade 10

Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Affiliation: Non-Union

Number of Positions Open: 1

Posting Period: 21-OCT-2024 to 04-NOV-2024

Are you passionate about the power of communication to shape healthier communities? Do you thrive in fast-paced, high-impact environments where your strategic vision can lead change? If so, this may be the role for you. Toronto Public Health is looking for a Director, Communications, and we invite you to apply.

In this pivotal role, you’ll take the lead in developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies that reflect the vision, mission, and values of Toronto Public Health. As the voice of public health to the most populous city in Canada, your work will directly contribute to the well-being of our community by ensuring that public health information is not just heard, but understood, trusted, and acted upon.

As a trusted advisor to the Medical Officer of Health and the senior leadership team, you’ll provide strategic counsel on high-stakes, politically sensitive public health issues. Your leadership will be essential in managing crisis communications, maintaining public confidence, and ensuring that our messages resonate with government officials, stakeholders, and the broader community.

You’ll also be the connector—working to establish and foster relationships with media outlets, city officials, and other key stakeholders to amplify Toronto’s public health priorities. Your role will extend to community as well, directly connecting with and supporting members of the public through innovative public health campaigns, raising awareness on critical health issues, and ensuring that our communications approach remains at the forefront of modern, digital practices. Equally important, you will lead our internal communications plans; you will support and guide Toronto Public Health employees using good, clear communications within our team.

Leading a high-performing team, you’ll foster a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement, ensuring our communications are not only responsive to emerging trends but also aligned with the evolving needs of the community. Your expertise in both traditional and digital media will shape public health’s narrative, from grassroots awareness initiatives to high-profile campaigns.

At the heart of this role is public service: the belief that effective, clear, and compassionate communication can save lives and build healthier, more resilient communities. If you are driven by a commitment to public health and want to make a tangible difference, this is your opportunity to lead a mission that truly matters.

Join us and be a champion of health, communication, and community well-being.

Key Qualifications:

• Proven Leadership: Extensive experience as a communications and public affairs leader in the public health or health sector, with demonstrated ability to lead high-impact communications strategies that support public health or related organizational objectives.
• Education: A related degree in Communications, Business Administration or a job-relevant professional discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; Professional designation, certification or accreditation from a recognized communications or public relations association is considered an asset (e.g. CMP, SCMP, APR, ABC, etc.)
• Political Acuity: Considerable experience providing strategic communication advice to senior executives, political leaders, and decision-makers, with a deep understanding of the complexities of operating within government or large public sector organizations.
• Crisis & Issues Management: Expertise in planning and executing proactive issues and reputation management strategies, anticipating, and navigating crises with tact and diplomacy.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong track record of establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, external agencies, and community organizations.
• Health Sector Experience: Solid understanding of public health priorities and issues, with experience in managing communications in health-related programs or organizations.
• Strategic Thinking & Innovation: Proven ability to develop and execute forward-thinking communications plans, using data and insights to drive decision-making and improve engagement.
• Team Leadership: Experience leading diverse, high-performing teams, with a focus on fostering innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Conflict Resolution: Highly developed interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to resolve conflicts, build consensus, and navigate complex political dynamics.
• Communications Excellence: Possess highly developed strategic skillset in executive communication and thought leadership.
• Budget & Resource Management: Experience managing budgets and resources effectively, ensuring financial accountability while delivering on strategic goals.
• Commitment to Equity: Strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, with experience leading in a unionized environment and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Familiarity with relevant government legislation in the area of governance, budgeting, financial reporting, service delivery, employee and labour relations and occupational health and safety.

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.