About the Role
The Senior Advisor, Communications will work closely with leaders on high-profile communications and stakeholder initiatives that directly support the reputation and success of the OCS. This role leverages exceptional communication skills to influence outcomes, provide advice on and evaluate communications strategies, develop compelling and impactful messaging, and help advance the OCS's mission across diverse platforms and audiences.
Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and evaluate communications strategies and integrated programs, including communications planning, media relations, issues management, stakeholder engagement, and content development.
- Build trusted relationships across the organization and with external stakeholders through service excellence.
- Collaborate across the business to align strategic and departmental initiatives with corporate objectives.
- Provide communications advice and recommendations on best practices, audience engagement, and risk mitigation.
- Advise on stakeholder messaging and desired outcomes through cross-functional collaboration.
- Ensure accurate and reliable communications by partnering with business units and subject matter experts.
- Create and quality review a wide range of communications materials, including presentations, key messages, emails, promotional content, social media posts, press releases, briefing notes, and fact sheets.
- Ensure communications are engaging, consistent, audience-focused, and aligned with corporate identity and editorial standards.
- Conduct environmental scanning and media monitoring to identify emerging issues, risks, and strategic responses.
- Analyze trends, stakeholder needs, and market dynamics to inform communications and strategic planning.
- Measure communication plan KPIs and leverage insights to continuously improve messaging effectiveness.
Requirements
- Post-secondary education in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 3-5 years of communications experience; 5+ years is preferred.
- Experience in a highly regulated industry is an asset; public sector experience is preferred.
- Strong verbal, written, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships.
- Ability to translate complex initiatives into clear, relevant, and actionable messaging for diverse audiences.
- Strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills.
- Solid knowledge of the Canadian media landscape, communications best practices, emerging trends, and communication platforms.
Skills
- Communications
- Media Relations
- Issues Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Content Development
- Strategic Planning
- French Fluency (asset)
Location
- Toronto, ON
Work Type
- Permanent
- Full-Time
- Rare travel within the GTA
Experience Level
- Senior
Education Level
- Post-secondary education in Communications or related field
Salary/Compensations
- $90,000 - $100,000
- Salary range: $71,777.30 - $107,379.81
About the Company
- The Ontario Cannabis Store provides safe, responsible access to recreational cannabis for adults 19 and older.
- Operates the sole legal online store for recreational cannabis in Ontario and is the provincial wholesaler of cannabis for private retail stores.
- A unique opportunity to be part of an agile start-up in a ground-breaking new industry.
- A diverse team passionate about delivering a great customer experience, working together with mutual respect and building value out of our differences.
- An inclusive organization that understands that delivering great results comes out of ensuring every voice is heard.
Equal Opportunity
- We are committed to providing an accessible, equitable and inclusive candidate and employee experience.
- We provide reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and in employment.
- If you require an accommodation, please let us know, we will work with you to meet your needs.
