Assistant Director, Strategic Communications Manager

Are you a seasoned communications and public relations professional looking for a senior leadership opportunity? Do you thrive on creating innovative solutions to effectively reach your audiences? Are you committed to building and mentoring a diverse team of communicators? The Communications Branch within the Ministry of Education (EDU) is seeking a dynamic and collaborative leader to join their team as the Assistant Director, Strategic Communications.

Communications Branch @ EDU
The Communications Branch provides strategic communications advice and support to the Minister and Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education. They work with senior personnel within the ministry to provide strategic advice and deliver on a variety of communications services and products aimed at parents, students, educators, and others in the education and training sectors.

Please note: Based on our experience working remotely during the Pandemic, a hybrid approach for remote work arrangement will be applied where employees will have the flexibility to work remotely certain days in a week. Attendance at the Toronto office will be required as per a hybrid plan.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Refer to the “How to apply” section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

The Strategic Communications Unit @ EDU
The team provides strategic advice and communications support to the Minister’s Office and EDU divisions. They communicate the ministry’s agenda to a variety of audiences, including stakeholders, the media, and the general public. The Strategic Communications team:

• works with the Minister’s Office, divisions and Cabinet Office to identify communications needs and opportunities
• researches, develops, and implements strategic communications plans.
• prepares news releases, marketing materials, speeches, and house statements.
• develops and implements strategic, creative marketing campaigns to support ministry initiatives.
• coordinates the Minister’s media events.
• provides support to the Deputy Minister’s Office.

As the Assistant Director, Strategic Communications, you will:

• manage the branch’s public relations, marketing and event coordination functions.
• lead a team of communications professionals, providing advice and expertise during policy development.
• develop, implement, evaluate, and support strategic communications planning for ministry and corporate projects.
• manage the development of proactive and innovative multi-year strategic communications and marketing plans and products that support EDU’s directions and priorities.
• motivate, coach, mentor and manage of team of professional staff, while supporting and promoting a productive, diverse and inclusive work environment.

How do I qualify?

Strategic Leadership Skills

• You demonstrate the leadership behaviours, attributes and mindset for leaders, across the organization, to lead the OPS into the future and deliver our vision.
• You are a collaborative leader and have incorporated the principles of diversity, inclusion, and equity across all elements of your management style.
• You have demonstrated success in fostering an environment of accountability, continuous improvement, creativity and excellence.
• You have experience in motivating, building relationships, and coaching a diverse team of highly performing professionals.
• You have the ability to provide advice and expertise to senior leaders regarding critical or emerging issues, on stakeholder interests or concerns that could impact ministry priorities, and aid in the development of responses.

Relationship and Stakeholder Management Skills

• You have experience liaising with and building and maintaining collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, partners, and clients across a large and complex organization.
• You have strong verbal communications skills, and a high degree of tact and political acuity to confidently delivery high profile briefings the Minister, Deputy Ministers, and other senior executives.
• You have experience with building consensus, negotiating, and managing relationships in a politically sensitive environment.
• You demonstrate innovative thinking, issues management and problem-solving skills.

Technical Skills and Specialized Knowledge

• You have experience with large-scale communications planning to provide leadership and expertise in the development and evaluation of strategic communications plans, products, tools, and new approaches.
• You have knowledge of best practices relevant to strategic communication planning, public relations, social media and stakeholder and public outreach/engagement.
• You have demonstrated creativity and innovation to more effectively communicate with targeted audiences.
• You have strong oral and written communications skills to effectively explain recommendations, strategies, policy/program details and key messages.
• You have demonstrated political acuity, organizational awareness and tact while successfully managing high-profile sensitive issues and relationships.
• You understand different audiences and the most effective methods for allowing them to receive information, and can plan and execute public education tactics accordingly.
• You have knowledge of project management principles and methodologies to oversee and guide the overall delivery of mandates and strategies.

Be sure to check out theApplication Preparation Guide for Aspiring Managers for tips to help you prepare an impactful application!

Additional Information:

Note:

• T-EU-192843/23