Join us at Ottawa Community Housing, where we are more than a home to about 33,000 tenants across approximately 15,500 homes. As Ottawa's largest social and affordable housing provider, ranking second-largest in Ontario and fourth-largest in Canada, we're committed to enhancing tenant well-being through partnerships with local service providers and support agencies.

At OCH, diversity and equal opportunities are at the core of our workplace culture. We strive to mirror the vibrant communities of our city and have been honoured as the National Capital Region's Top Employer every year since 2018.

WE ARE PROUD BECAUSE EVERY DAY WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Together, we're transforming tenants' lives by “providing more than a home, because we care”.

What we offer

Joining OCH means making a meaningful difference every day. We provide opportunities to positively impact your community in multiple ways. Recognizing that our employees are the cornerstone of our organization, we offer a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package, flexible work options, professional development opportunities, health and wellness programs, and more.

What we seek:

OCH is currently seeking a bilingual Media Relations Specialist to manage media relations campaigns, driving various outreach opportunities, and monitor current and emerging issues. Under the guidance of the Manager, Media Relations and Public Information, the Media Relations Specialist will maintain good relationships between the organization and different media outlets. They will work closely with stakeholders on media relations, develop and implement various communication plans, materials, programs, and maintain the Media and Public Relations Framework, its sub-strategies, and tools. The Specialist coordinates media events and outreach efforts. All this is done while safeguarding the brand and demonstrating the value of OCH and its community work.

Media Relations Specialist with OCH:

The Media Relations Specialist at Ottawa Community Housing plays a vital role in strengthening trust, transparency, and connection between OCH and the communities it serves. Thoughtful media engagement, consistent messaging, and strong storytelling help amplify tenant voices and highlight community needs, fostering greater understanding and support from stakeholders across Ottawa.

As the Media Relations Specialist, some of the things you will do include:

• Develop and implement various outreach campaigns including media and public relations campaigns and provide support on how to engage with the media
• Support and coordinate the development, implementation, and evaluation of a broad range of communications, outreach and media relations plans
• Write, edit, and produce a wide range of communication materials such as key messages, blogs, press releases, speeches, and more.
• Support the management and delivery of content on social media
• Monitor the consistency of brand, tone, and content across all mediums
• Monitors, reviews, and reports on media for current and emerging external and internal issues
• Liaises with various departments, including the CEO’s office on media and public relations, key corporate communications and events
• Engages in media outreach, handles proactive and reactive opportunities, and manages effective relationships with a broad range of contacts. including
• Reviews, manages and updates updating the Media and Public Relations Framework, and media playbook and sub-strategies. and manages effective relationships with a broad range of media contacts
• Support and advise manager on media relations activities such as crisis management and sensitive key issues that could result in reputational risks
• Develop and organize meetings and ceremonies for publicity and information purposes
• May act as a spokesperson for OCH with the media elected officials, as required

As the Media Relations Specialist, you can look forward to:

• A comprehensive Total Rewards benefits package, including pension eligibility
• An inclusive, award-winning workplace culture with opportunities to get involved in DEI initiatives, Peer Support, volunteering, mentorship programs, and other development initiatives
• A hybrid work environment
• Unique and ever-changing work tasks every new day
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Using creative and problem-solving skills to help our organization to bring positive change in our communities

What you bring:

Education & Experience:

A typical candidate will have the following qualifications and experience. Exceptional candidates with different qualifications will be considered at the discretion of the employer if demonstrated experience, knowledge, and ability warrant.

• Completion of a college diploma or university degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science or other related field
• Minimum of four (4) years of related experience with a demonstrated track record of innovative and measurable external communications achievements
• Knowledge of corporate branding and layouts in print, digital, and social media
• Knowledge of media relations in public or quasi-public sector organization
• Knowledge of communications and marketing principles, guidelines, and best practices
• Understanding of accessibility issues and related legislations
• Understanding of social housing sector opportunities and challenges that impact a diverse tenant profile
• Knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, website content management systems WordPress, Media and social media monitoring platforms, graphic design software database application and other standard corporate software

Skills and abilities:

• Very strong written and verbal communication skills
• Able to translate ideas into compelling products
• Strong attention to detail
• Proficient use of social media tools and collaborative web-based business tools
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a confidential manner and demonstrate tact and diplomacy when dealing with sensitive issues
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision while implementing a team-based approach to service delivery
• Basic project management skills
• Ability to make appropriate judgement and demonstrate sound decision-making
• Ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines
• Proficient in the use of information technology, such as mobile devices and computer systems
• Oral fluency and reading and writing abilities in English are required
• Oral fluency and reading and writing abilities in French are preferred

Other requirements:

• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check
• Valid “G” driver’s license or equivalent and/or must have access to a vehicle.
• Ability to work irregular hours, including outside of normal business hours, to support operational requirements

Work conditions:

This is a full-time (36.25 hours / week) hybrid position with on-site attendance as required.

Other details about the role:

Affiliation: Management and Professional Exempt

Salary: $76,449.47 - $96,107.90 per year

OCH is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, please notify Human Resources and we will work with you to jointly address your needs.

Apply now!

Location:

Ottawa

Salary Range:

$76,449.47 - $96,107.90

Pay Type:

Annually

Department:

Corporate Communications

Employment Type:

Full-time

Closing Date (DD/MM/YY):

06/04/2026

Position Type:

Permanent

ID:

789