Manager, Communications Issues

Job DescriptionMetrolinx is connecting communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Metrolinx operates GO Transit and UP Express, as well as the PRESTO fare payment system. We are also building new and improved rapid transit, including GO Expansion, Light Rail Transit routes, and major expansions to Toronto’s subway system, to get people where they need to go, better, faster and easier. Metrolinx is an agency of the Government of Ontario.At Metrolinx, equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to living our values of serving with passion, thinking forward and playing as a team.Our Media Relations & Issues Management Office is looking for a Communications Issues Manager to join on a 13-month contract. This role will lead the development and implementation of issues management strategies and projects to support the communications objectives of Metrolinx and effectively handles issues that could impact the reputation of Metrolinx and its Divisions. The role reports to the Senior Manager, Media Relations & Issues Management and manages key issues related to media relations and crisis communication, representing and protecting the interests and corporate reputation of Metrolinx. Term: 13 monthsWhat will I be doing?Managing the development of annual and project specific issue management plans to ensure the efficient and effective flow of external requests of sensitive information that meet stakeholder needs. Identifying, monitoring, and assessing a wide range of sensitive, emerging, and high-profile issues, and providing timely and effective communications counsel to government, internal and external stakeholders to manage media issues, protect the organization’s reputation and generate positive and balanced media coverage of Metrolinx programs and services.  Leads issues management and communications planning in response to company-wide Freedom of Information requests. Leads the development and implementation of crisis communications and emergency response strategies, plans, protocols and procedures in protecting the interests and corporate reputation of Metrolinx. Counsels, supports, and advises senior executive on contentious communications issues with the media and the public. What Skills and Qualifications Do I Need?Completion of a Communications or related degree or a combination of education, training, and experience deemed equivalent. Demonstrated progressive experience in media relations and issues management. Experience in strategic issues management planning techniques, methods and practices to plan and implement issues management strategies to address and support Metrolinx’s corporate communications objectives.  Project management experience to lead, manage, and monitor simultaneous projects to tight deadlines, and monitor project performance results Interpersonal, political acuity, initiative, tact and diplomacy skills to manage the identification and response to contentious, politically and time sensitive issues/problems pertaining to media relations, issues management, public announcements and crisis communications activities. Oral/written/presentation communications skills to develop and implement communication plans and materials and respond to communications and media relations issues. Don’t Meet Every Requirement? If you’re excited about working with Metrolinx but your past experience doesn’t quite align with every qualification of this posting, we encourage you to apply. You just might be the right candidate for this or other roles. We are always looking for great talent to join our team.We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities, including those who identify as Indigenous, Black, racialized, women, people with disabilities, and people with diverse gender identities, expressions and sexual orientations.AccommodationWe value the unique skills and experiences each person brings to Metrolinx and are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment. We are committed to the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act so if you require accommodation during the hiring process, please let our Recruitment team know by contacting us at: 416-202-5601 or email hr.recruitment@metrolinx.com .Application ProcessAll applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. Metrolinx will be using email to communicate with you for all job competitions. It is your responsibility to include an updated email address that is checked daily and accepts emails from unknown users. As we send time-sensitive correspondence, we recommend that you check your email regularly. If no response is received, we will assume you are no longer interested in pursuing the opportunity. Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate.For Internal applicants, with the recent implementation of the Internal Mobility Policy, the internal recruitment process has changed for non-union roles. Candidates must be in their current role for 12 months prior to applying for another role and each applicant must be in good standing (not participating in a Performance Improvement Plan). Please review all provisions of the policy before submitting your application.Should it be determined that any background information provided is misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, Metrolinx reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of your application.We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.WE ARE AN EQUITABLE AND INCLUSIVE EMPLOYER.