Assistant Director, Strategic Communications
Top Benefits
About the role
Organization: Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
Division: Communications – Strategic Initiative External Relations
City: Toronto
Job Term: Permanent – Full‑Time
Job Code: Manager 11 (M11)
Salary: $108,203 to $152,511
Posting Status: Open
Are you an experienced communications leader who thrives in fast-paced and dynamic environments? Are you looking for your next leadership opportunity? If so, please consider applying for this role with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.
The Communications Department within the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario is seeking an experienced leader to join their team as the Assistant Director, Strategic Communications.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario is an administrative tribunal responsible for the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and Part X of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA).
The Communications Team
works with the Commissioner, Assistant Commissioners, and divisions to identify communications needs and opportunities; researches, develops, and implements strategic communications plans; prepares news releases, communications and marketing materials, speeches, and presentations; develops and implements corporate communications strategies; develops and implements strategic, creative marketing campaigns to support the IPC’s multi-year strategic plan; manages the IPC’s website and digital communications initiatives; responds to inquiries from members of the public and institutions we oversee through its public contacts unit; coordinates and executes IPC events and coordinates IPC presence at external stakeholder events and conferences.
About The Role
The Assistant Director, Strategic Communications leads the IPC’s strategic and corporate communications function. This role provides expert advice to senior leadership and oversees a team responsible for issues management, media relations, digital and social media, public education, and marketing. The position plays a key role in advancing IPC priorities through proactive, integrated, and research‑driven communications strategies
What can I expect to do in this role?
Reporting To The Director Of Communications, You Will
Manage a full range of communications functions, including strategic communications, issues management and media relations, internal/corporate communications, public contacts, and translation services. Lead a team of communications professionals to provide communications expertise and advice and to develop, implement, evaluate, and support strategic communications planning for the IPC and contribute to business, operational, and financial planning. Provide strategic communications expertise and advice to senior executives, including the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, senior management, and staff on communications strategies, options, products, recommendations, risks, and issues management. Manage the development of proactive and innovative integrated communications plans and products that support the IPC’s multi-year strategic plan. Provide quality assurance, including editing and proofreading, for a broad range of communications products to ensure they are clear, accurate, consistent, and aligned with IPC positioning, messaging, and organizational standards. Work across department units and foster and maintain critical linkages and partnerships with IPC divisions.
How do I qualify?
Education And Experience
You will qualify for this position by demonstrating:
10+ years of relevant experience senior‑level experience in strategic communications, media relations, issues management, or public‑sector communications. 3+ years managing or supervising a team, managing budgets, and delivering complex, multi‑year initiatives. Bachelor’s degree with a Communications or related major.
Knowledge Requirements
Strategic communications planning, digital and social media, marketing, and public engagement. Issues management, stakeholder relations, and research‑based communications practices. Canadian Press editorial standards, plain language and accessibility principles, Public‑sector governance, legislative environments, and accountability frameworks.
Skills And Abilities
Strong leadership, judgment, and decision‑making skills. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including briefing senior executives. Proven ability to build partnerships, influence decision‑makers, and manage competing priorities.
Asset Qualifications
Ability to communicate orally and in writing in French. Masters in communications or related major.
What’s in it for you?
A modern organization with a flexible hybrid work model (minimum in‑office attendance: six to eight days per month). Commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Opportunity to work in a high‑performing organization dedicated to protecting the access and privacy rights of Ontarians. Comprehensive health, life, and disability benefits. Pension plan (permanent positions). Maternity and parental leave top‑up (permanent positions).
Address
Additional Information:
2 Bloor St E, Toronto, Toronto Region
Compensation Group: Management
Commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism: We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and promoting a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.
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.
We also believe in the importance of providing services to Ontarians in both official languages, and encourage interested bilingual candidates to apply particularly for public facing positions.
Notes
OPS & IPC Reciprocal Staffing Agreement: The IPC has a Reciprocal Staffing Agreement with the Ontario Public Service (OPS) that enables employees to accept positions in either organization while retaining their access to benefits, pension contributions, and years of service. Qualified List Information: A list of qualified candidates will be established for the Assistant Director / Manager, Strategic Communications in the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) and will be in effect for twelve (12) months from the date the list is created. Qualified candidates on the list may be considered when filling future permanent and/or temporary vacancies in this position.
This posting is for an organization that is separate from the Ontario Public Service. The information and tips on the Ontario Public Service Careers website may not apply to this posting. Please use the contact information below to contact the IPC directly if you have any questions about this position.
Not the right fit? Search for Assistant Director, Strategic Communications jobs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
About Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
The role of the Information and Privacy Commissioner is set out in three statutes: the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Personal Health Information Protection Act. The IPC acts independently of government to uphold and promote open government and the protection of personal privacy.
Under the three Acts, the Information and Privacy Commissioner:
- Resolves access to information appeals and complaints when government or health care practitioners and organizations refuse to grant requests for access or correction;
- Investigates complaints with respect to personal information held by government or health care practitioners and organizations;
- Conducts research into access and privacy issues;
- Comments on proposed government legislation and programs; and
- Educates the public about Ontario’s access and privacy laws.
Similar Jobs
Assistant Director, Strategic Communications
Top Benefits
About the role
Organization: Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
Division: Communications – Strategic Initiative External Relations
City: Toronto
Job Term: Permanent – Full‑Time
Job Code: Manager 11 (M11)
Salary: $108,203 to $152,511
Posting Status: Open
Are you an experienced communications leader who thrives in fast-paced and dynamic environments? Are you looking for your next leadership opportunity? If so, please consider applying for this role with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.
The Communications Department within the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario is seeking an experienced leader to join their team as the Assistant Director, Strategic Communications.
The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario is an administrative tribunal responsible for the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and Part X of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA).
The Communications Team
works with the Commissioner, Assistant Commissioners, and divisions to identify communications needs and opportunities; researches, develops, and implements strategic communications plans; prepares news releases, communications and marketing materials, speeches, and presentations; develops and implements corporate communications strategies; develops and implements strategic, creative marketing campaigns to support the IPC’s multi-year strategic plan; manages the IPC’s website and digital communications initiatives; responds to inquiries from members of the public and institutions we oversee through its public contacts unit; coordinates and executes IPC events and coordinates IPC presence at external stakeholder events and conferences.
About The Role
The Assistant Director, Strategic Communications leads the IPC’s strategic and corporate communications function. This role provides expert advice to senior leadership and oversees a team responsible for issues management, media relations, digital and social media, public education, and marketing. The position plays a key role in advancing IPC priorities through proactive, integrated, and research‑driven communications strategies
What can I expect to do in this role?
Reporting To The Director Of Communications, You Will
Manage a full range of communications functions, including strategic communications, issues management and media relations, internal/corporate communications, public contacts, and translation services. Lead a team of communications professionals to provide communications expertise and advice and to develop, implement, evaluate, and support strategic communications planning for the IPC and contribute to business, operational, and financial planning. Provide strategic communications expertise and advice to senior executives, including the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, senior management, and staff on communications strategies, options, products, recommendations, risks, and issues management. Manage the development of proactive and innovative integrated communications plans and products that support the IPC’s multi-year strategic plan. Provide quality assurance, including editing and proofreading, for a broad range of communications products to ensure they are clear, accurate, consistent, and aligned with IPC positioning, messaging, and organizational standards. Work across department units and foster and maintain critical linkages and partnerships with IPC divisions.
How do I qualify?
Education And Experience
You will qualify for this position by demonstrating:
10+ years of relevant experience senior‑level experience in strategic communications, media relations, issues management, or public‑sector communications. 3+ years managing or supervising a team, managing budgets, and delivering complex, multi‑year initiatives. Bachelor’s degree with a Communications or related major.
Knowledge Requirements
Strategic communications planning, digital and social media, marketing, and public engagement. Issues management, stakeholder relations, and research‑based communications practices. Canadian Press editorial standards, plain language and accessibility principles, Public‑sector governance, legislative environments, and accountability frameworks.
Skills And Abilities
Strong leadership, judgment, and decision‑making skills. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including briefing senior executives. Proven ability to build partnerships, influence decision‑makers, and manage competing priorities.
Asset Qualifications
Ability to communicate orally and in writing in French. Masters in communications or related major.
What’s in it for you?
A modern organization with a flexible hybrid work model (minimum in‑office attendance: six to eight days per month). Commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Opportunity to work in a high‑performing organization dedicated to protecting the access and privacy rights of Ontarians. Comprehensive health, life, and disability benefits. Pension plan (permanent positions). Maternity and parental leave top‑up (permanent positions).
Address
Additional Information:
2 Bloor St E, Toronto, Toronto Region
Compensation Group: Management
Commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism: We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and promoting a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.
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.
We also believe in the importance of providing services to Ontarians in both official languages, and encourage interested bilingual candidates to apply particularly for public facing positions.
Notes
OPS & IPC Reciprocal Staffing Agreement: The IPC has a Reciprocal Staffing Agreement with the Ontario Public Service (OPS) that enables employees to accept positions in either organization while retaining their access to benefits, pension contributions, and years of service. Qualified List Information: A list of qualified candidates will be established for the Assistant Director / Manager, Strategic Communications in the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) and will be in effect for twelve (12) months from the date the list is created. Qualified candidates on the list may be considered when filling future permanent and/or temporary vacancies in this position.
This posting is for an organization that is separate from the Ontario Public Service. The information and tips on the Ontario Public Service Careers website may not apply to this posting. Please use the contact information below to contact the IPC directly if you have any questions about this position.
Not the right fit? Search for Assistant Director, Strategic Communications jobs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
About Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
The role of the Information and Privacy Commissioner is set out in three statutes: the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Personal Health Information Protection Act. The IPC acts independently of government to uphold and promote open government and the protection of personal privacy.
Under the three Acts, the Information and Privacy Commissioner:
- Resolves access to information appeals and complaints when government or health care practitioners and organizations refuse to grant requests for access or correction;
- Investigates complaints with respect to personal information held by government or health care practitioners and organizations;
- Conducts research into access and privacy issues;
- Comments on proposed government legislation and programs; and
- Educates the public about Ontario’s access and privacy laws.