Director of Communications

Toronto, ON
On-site
Posted Oct 14, 2026
1 position

Opens LinkedIn

Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Lead · 10+ years
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Seniority: Director
Application method: Direct apply is available

Job summary

Lead strategic communications, media relations, and issues management in support of the Minister's priorities and the government's health care agenda. Advise the Minister, coordinate with political and government stakeholders, and lead the communications team in delivering timely, consistent communications.

Job details

Director of Communications Office of the Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Ontario Location: Toronto, Ontario Position Type: Full-Time | In-Office, 5 Days per Week Application Email: justine.m.henderson@ontario.ca Position Overview The Office of Ontario's Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, the Honourable Sylvia Jones, is seeking an experienced and politically astute Director of Communications to lead strategic communications, media relations, and issues management. This is a senior leadership position in a fast-paced political environment, requiring exceptional judgment, strong political instincts, and the ability to deliver clear, effective communications on complex and sensitive health care issues. The successful candidate will have demonstrated political experience, an understanding of the Ontario government's priorities, and the ability to advance and communicate the government's policy agenda. Key Responsibilities Strategic Communications and Planning Lead the development and execution of proactive communications strategies supporting the Minister's priorities and the government's health care agenda. Provide strategic communications advice to the Minister. Develop communications plans for major government announcements, policy initiatives, and stakeholder engagements. Ensure consistent messaging across speeches, media materials, digital platforms, and public communications. Media Relations and Issues Management Lead media relations, including responding to inquiries, managing interview requests, and identifying proactive media opportunities. Anticipate, assess, and manage emerging issues, reputational risks, and sensitive political matters in collaboration with the Issues team. Develop media lines, briefing materials, and responses to complex issues. Provide timely advice and recommendations in high-pressure and rapidly evolving situations. Political and Stakeholder Coordination Work closely with the Premier's Office, other Ministers' Offices, ministry communications officials, and senior government stakeholders. Ensure communications activities reflect government priorities and broader political considerations. Support the Minister's participation in announcements, media events, stakeholder meetings, and public engagements. Maintain awareness of the political and media landscape to identify opportunities, risks, and emerging issues. Team Leadership and Management Lead and oversee the Minister's Office communications team, establishing clear priorities, expectations, and accountabilities. Manage competing deadlines and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality communications products. Foster a collaborative, responsive, and results-oriented team environment. Coordinate effectively with policy, issues, stakeholder relations, and operations teams. Required Qualifications Demonstrated political experience is mandatory, preferably within a Minister's Office, Premier's Office, political campaign, or comparable political environment. Significant experience in strategic communications, media relations, issues management, or public affairs. Strong understanding of the Ontario political landscape, government decision-making processes, and the role of political staff. Excellent political judgment, discretion, and ability to manage confidential and sensitive information. Exceptional writing and editing skills, including experience preparing media statements, speeches, key messages, and briefing materials. Proven ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and respond effectively to emerging issues. Strong leadership, interpersonal, and relationship-management skills. Demonstrated ability to provide strategic advice to senior leaders and decision-makers. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as operationally required. Expectations of the Role This is a political staff position, not a non-partisan public service role. The successful candidate must be comfortable working within a political environment and committed to supporting the government's priorities, policy direction, and communications objectives. The position requires a high degree of professionalism, discretion, accountability, and flexibility. Candidates should be prepared to work in a demanding environment where priorities can shift quickly and sound political judgment is essential. This is a full-time, in-office position based in Toronto, requiring attendance five days per week. How to Apply Interested candidates are invited to submit their résumé to: justine.m.henderson@ontario.ca Email Subject: Director of Communications Role Only candidates with relevant political experience will be considered.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Requires demonstrated political experience and significant experience in strategic communications, media relations, issues management, or public affairs, along with a strong understanding of Ontario politics and government decision-making. Candidates must demonstrate excellent political judgment, writing and editing, leadership, discretion, and the ability to manage competing priorities and emerging issues under pressure.