Team Lead, Issues and Media Relations at Fonction publique de l'Ontario — NeverHard

About the job Plan, coordinate, and oversee the development and execution of integrated communications strategies that support ministry and government priorities, ensuring alignment, consistency, and responsiveness to emerging issues. Lead a team of communications professionals, providing mentorship, assigning tasks, ensuring quality control, and leading cross‑functional and inter‑ministerial project teams to deliver high‑impact communications initiatives. Provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior leadership, including the Minister and Deputy Minister, on issues management, media relations, and the communications implications of policy and program decisions. Lead the writing and review of a wide range of communications materials (issues management plans, media responses, house book notes), ensuring clarity, consistency with messaging, and alignment with government protocols. Build and maintain partnerships across ministries, jurisdictions, and stakeholder groups to coordinate communications efforts and enhance public trust in ministry initiatives. What you bring to the teamLeadership and project management skills You have excellent leadership skills to motivate and guide communications teams, providing coaching, technical direction, and training to support team success. You can apply project management methodologies to lead all phases of communications and issues‑management projects, ensuring timely and successful delivery. Communications and media relations expertise You have expertise in media, public relations, issues management and strategic communications planning, grounded in editorial standards and contemporary practices to lead initiatives and advise senior officials. You can identify and assess emerging or complex issues that require communication expertise. You have experience developing strategies and plans that mitigate risks and propose solutions using best practices while ensuring alignment with mandates and guidelines. Communication and analytical skills You have well‑developed oral and written communication skills to simplify complex policy and legislation for public and media audiences. You can prepare and edit a wide range of communications products for internal and external audiences including emails, memos, briefing decks, messaging, issues‑management plans and media call responses that align with organisational priorities. You have proven research and analytical skills to conduct environmental scans, market research and post‑implementation evaluations using performance measurement methodologies. Interpersonal and relationship‑management skills You have excellent stakeholder and relationship‑management skills to build and maintain collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior officials and media. You can influence and advise senior leaders by providing strategic guidance on complex issues and communications planning. You have the interpersonal and facilitation skills to lead discussions, chair meetings, and manage conflicting viewpoints to build consensus. You can navigate politically sensitive environments with sound judgement and political acuity when engaging with executive offices and diverse stakeholder groups. Technical expertise You understand broad government direction and central agency functions and ensure communications strategies align with corporate and ministry mandates. You provide expert advice and develop communication products that support strategic programme objectives while ensuring consistency with government priorities and legislation. How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialised individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. Our hiring process is accessible and consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We work to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to disability, family status and religion. Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives Accessibility Anti‑Racism Policy What we offer We offer: A career that can grow across ministries and job functions. Flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programmes. A comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Base salary that aligns to market trends with performance‑based pay and scheduled salary progression. Tailored work arrangements, including opportunities such as flex hours, self‑funded leave and more. A modern, friendly and accessible physical work environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr