Internship Position: Media Relations Coordinator

Contract Period: ASAP to September 5th, 2025

Location: Toronto, ON (In-Office)

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm (Flexibility / Overtime Required)

Pay Rate: $23/ HR

About Us

Looking for a summer job that’s fun, by the waterfront and gets you access to one of Toronto’s most iconic events? Come join our team at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)!

The CNE fair is a cherished tradition, attracting approximately 1.6 million visitors annually over the course of its 18-day run. The CNE, often affectionately referred to as The Ex, is Canada’s largest community event and one of the top ten agricultural fairs in North America. With something for everyone, our event offers a wide variety of attractions and interactive entertainment experiences including: concerts, midway rides and games, shopping, exhibits, tech and gaming hubs, food and wacky treats! Be a part of this summer tradition and help us inspire Canadians and create memories.

About the Role

The Media Relations Coordinator who will report to the PR Director and work alongside the CNE Marketing and Communications team.

The successful candidate should be a self-starter, effective communicator, enjoy working outdoors in a fast-paced environment, and be able to problem solve in high pressure situations. Candidates should have a good knowledge of Toronto-based media (television, print, online) in various sectors including news, arts/entertainment, lifestyle, food, business etc. and be familiar with relevant social media influencers in the GTA.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to;

• Brainstorm creative and engaging angles to garner media coverage for the CNE
• Identify targeted media to pitch various stories and secure interviews for spokesperson(s) and programming priorities
• Regularly update and maintain proprietary media lists
• Support the marketing team with developing tailored social media campaigns, paid partnership opportunities and content
• Coordinate in-studio and/or on-site live remotes for morning shows, lifestyle taping, photo shoots and live remotes
• Organize, and keep detailed records of media accreditation requests; and work with ticketing team to manage distribution of passes
• Write press releases, media advisories, press kit contents
• Draft speeches for CNE spokesperson(s)
• Participate in emergency preparedness sessions and issues management practice
• Respond to media requests in a timely manner
• Staff Media Office (rotating shifts) and respond to all media-related enquiries
• Manage and supervise all on-site television crews; coordinate interviews and logistics as required including IATSE union support as needed
• Assist with CNE Media Preview Day, coordinating logistics with vendors, participants and CNE spokesperson(s)
• Distribute press releases to proprietary lists; distribute daily advisories during the fair, and follow up with assignment desks daily to sustain coverage
• Report any media or public issues to PR Director and follow appropriate communications protocols for issues management
• Daily media monitoring to track coverage
• Compile final coverage report

Qualifications & Requirements

• Must have a valid G2 or G licence
• Must have 1-2 years’ experience working in the field of PR, media relations, and/or journalism
• This is an in-person working environment, candidates must be able to work on-site at the CNE Administrative Building at Exhibition Place
• Must be able to work flexible hours and rotating shifts beginning August 15th to September 1st for the duration of the 18-day fair including weekends and Labour Day holiday, as well as early morning and late-night shifts for live-remotes

Special Conditions

• Comfortable working in areas that may contain bright lights, loud noises and crowds of people
• Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including weekends and evenings

What We Offer

Those who are eager to learn, work hard, and contribute as a team player, will be provided invaluable opportunities to gain years of PR experience within one summer. Working as part of the PR/media relations team for the CNE, candidates will receive hands-on media relations experience, opportunities to manage PR campaigns from inception to execution, plan media events, and develop long lasting relationships with key producers and journalists in the current media landscape. As part of our team, you’ll collaborate with experienced professionals and contribute to real projects that directly impact the overall goal of executing the CNE, all within a supportive and social atmosphere designed to foster growth, creativity, and career advancement.

Invitation to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume outlining related experience and qualifications to the attention of Human Resources. Please note only candidates invited for an interview will be contacted.

At the CNE we are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment, where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. The CNE offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities as part of its recruitment process. If you are contacted for an interview, please advise us if you require any accommodation.