Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) is a provincial Crown agency responsible for modernizing training and certification and promoting the skilled trades as a rewarding and essential career pathway. Communications and stakeholder engagement are central to STO's mandate, ensuring clear public understanding, solid industry partnerships, and trust across Ontario.DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS & STRATEGIC RELATIONSThe OpportunitySTO is seeking a strategic and experienced leader to serve as Director, Public Affairs & Strategic Relations. Reporting to the Registrar and CEO, the Director will provide enterprise-wide leadership across Communications, Marketing, and Stakeholder Outreach. This is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and executing a unified communications and engagement strategy that strengthens STO's brand, supports the organization's priorities, and advances awareness of the skilled trades across the province.The Director will oversee province-wide engagement through regional hubs, lead media and public relations activities, guide issues and crisis communications, and serve as a senior spokesperson when required. The role also provides oversight for major outreach initiatives, including the Skilled Trades Ontario Summit and participation in Level Up! Career Fairs.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute an integrated communications and stakeholder outreach strategy aligned with STO's mandate and multi-year prioritiesProvide strategic advice to the CEO and senior leadership on reputational risk, public positioning, and emerging issuesLead media relations, digital communications, brand management, and crisis communicationsOversee province-wide stakeholder engagement initiatives involving industry partners, unions, educators, employers, sponsors, and community organizationsDirect planning and execution of major events and outreach initiatives across OntarioEnsure consistent, clear messaging across all internal and external channelsLead and mentor a multidisciplinary team,



fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvementOversee departmental budgets, contracts, and performance metricsAbout YouYou are a seasoned communications leader with strong sector experience and the ability to operate confidently in politically sensitive environments. You bring strategic vision along with the operational discipline to translate priorities into measurable outcomes.At least 10 years of progressive experience in communications, public affairs, public policy, or stakeholder engagement, including a minimum of 3 years in a senior leadership roleDemonstrated experience advising executives and serving as a trusted strategic communications advisorProven success leading media relations and managing complex or high-profile issuesExperience overseeing province-wide or multi-stakeholder engagement initiativesStrong understanding of Ontario's public policy and skilled trades landscape, or comparable regulatory environmentExceptional written, verbal, and presentation skillsExperience leading and developing high-performing teamsYou are a collaborative, credible and composed leader who builds trust across diverse stakeholder groups and can balance long-term strategic thinking with practical execution.Why Join Skilled Trades OntarioThis role offers the opportunity to shape how skilled trades are understood and promoted across Ontario. As a senior leader within a modern Crown agency, you will influence public awareness, stakeholder engagement, and organizational reputation at a critical time of growth and transformation.Skilled Trades Ontario is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace. Accommodation is available upon request throughout the recruitment process.How to Apply:Please submit your resume by March 27th, 2026.We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. If you have questions or require accommodations, please contact Margaret Murphy at (phone hidden) x.234 or at [email protected]. #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Director, Public Affairs & Strategic Relations (Mississauga)
🏢 Skilled Trades Ontario / Métiers spécialisés Ontario
📍 Mississauga