Press Secretary

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Press Secretary has experience with newsrooms and the news cycle, builds constructive relationships with reporters, demonstrates skill meeting reporter deadlines while ensuring the Mayor’s priorities are clearly communicated and presented.

Responsibilities

The Press Secretary will be responsible for delivering on the strategic and day-to-day communications needs of the Mayor’s office:

• Lead media monitoring and daily press briefings for the Mayor
• Own the delivery of a daily, early morning, press round up
• Clearly communicate the Mayor’s objectives and achievements to media
• Plan and direct the Mayor’s press strategy, respond to media inquiries, pitch stories, send press releases and manage press events
• Provide tactical and strategic input into the Mayor’s office digital media strategy
• Build good working relationships with journalists in the City Hall media gallery and beyond
• Proactively achieve accurate and positive press coverage of the Mayor’s activity
• Prepare remarks for the Mayor at press and tour events
• Proactively research key policy files, including being aware of and conversant in city staff reports, council and committee agendas to name a few
• Work with the Legislative team to understand the Mayor’s policy positions and priorities, and proactively make recommendations on what to promote
• Take ownership of the composition and editing of press releases, quotes, statements, talking points, and Q&A documents
• Ensure information from City reports is available to journalists in clear language
• Liaise with City Staff to plan and develop events, announcements and other communications opportunities
• Actively monitor and respond to the external environment, including news and social media, to understand the communications landscape and anticipate/plan for future needs.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• At least 3 years of communications and media experience
• Experience in government or politics, preferably at the municipal level
• Comfort with ambiguity, tension, conflict and problem-solving in high-stakes and rapidly evolving situations
• Strong political judgement
• Experience working with elected officials of all stripes with diplomacy and tact
• Experience in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines, that involves working with multiple stakeholders
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion
• Creative approach to storytelling and problem-solving
• Familiarity with the Ganz public narrative framework is an asset

Application Procedure & Employment 

Full-time indefinite contract for the duration of the term of office.

Salary band: $80,000 to $100,000.

Anticipated start date: January 6, 2024.

Location: In person work at Toronto City Hall, with some travel throughout the city.
Available to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed.

If you have any questions please contact Francis Kung, Director of Operations, Office of Mayor Olivia Chow at [email protected].

Please submit a letter of interest and a detailed resume by Thursday, December 12 at 5:00 pm to [email protected]. 

Subject line: Application for Press Secretary

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. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.