Job Title: Senior Manager, Strategic Communications and Issues Management Branch/Department: Toronto Reference Library Communications, Programming & Customer Engagement Employment Type: Permanent Full Time You are an experienced communications leader who brings clarity to complexity and turns strategy into action. You are equally comfortable shaping a long-term communications strategy, advising senior leaders, preparing a spokesperson for a challenging interview or stepping in when an unexpected issue emerges. You aptly manage multiple files at once and know how to prioritize.

You bring strong judgment, media instincts and exceptional writing skills, with the confidence to respectfully challenge when needed. You know how to provide candid advice while building trust and bringing people along. Rather than getting stuck in process, you are energized by ambiguity and complexity, you identify what needs to change, bring the right people together and help solve the problem.

You enjoy developing people, strengthening team capabilities and building cooperative relationships across an organization. If you are a thoughtful, confident communications leader who combines strategic perspective with sound execution, and are excited by the opportunity to shape communications at one of Toronto’s most visible and valued public institutions, read on.

Toronto Public

Library (TPL) is the biggest and busiest public library in North America. It is a gathering place for people and ideas, with more than 46 million visits last year to TPL’s 100 branches citywide and rich online services. More than 80% of Torontonians use their library, finding space to read, learn, create and connect in their communities.

From literacy and skills development to technology access and cultural experiences, they’re there to help all Torontonians thrive. Reporting to the Director, Communications, Programming and Customer Engagement (CMO), the Senior Manager, Communications, Media Relations and Issues Management, leads the development and execution of communication strategies. TPL’s senior leadership team will look to, and count on, this role to advise, deliver critical thinking and problem-solving expertise, and proactively manage emerging issues.

The Senior

Manager will lead a fast-paced portfolio and will be accountable to driving the strategy as well as the execution, alongside a collaborative and cohesive cross functional team. This senior role calls for a breadth and depth of knowledge backed by a full range of communication experience,



including long-term strategic communication plans developed through collaboration with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will bring expertise in communications, proactive and reactive media relations, and issues management.

They are media trained, and experienced as a spokesperson for their organization, and skilled in managing, mentoring and leading communications teams. This role will be a key leader in the Communications, Programming and Customer Engagement division that includes Communications, Marketing & Brand, Content Strategy & Channel management and Cultural Programming.

Strategic Communications

Oversees, develops and implements communications strategies and plans in a fast-paced environment Provides advice, counsel and leadership with respect to communications planning and response Partners with senior leadership and service owners to translate priorities into clear, consistent communications Develops, oversees and executes internal and external communications plans for a wide variety of issues and initiatives Liaises with Office of the City Librarian & CEO and coordinates communications strategy as necessary Acts as lead on high-profile communications initiatives delivered in partnership with the City of Toronto or other community partners Manages media relations team, setting priorities and overseeing daily activities Directs proactive and reactive media relations activity, balancing planned media strategy and outreach with response to inbound inquiries and developing situations Manages media events as necessary Owns selection and management of media monitoring, distribution, and analytics tools/platforms Issues Management Monitors emerging risks, trends, and potential reputational issues across media and stakeholder channels Develops issue-specific messaging and response plans in coordination with service owners and senior leadership Leads crisis communications response, including rapid-response messaging and spokesperson coordinationConducts post-issue review to capture learnings and refine future preparedness Working with other CPCE and TPL managers, build and sustain a high-performance team culture grounded in collaboration,



service excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to professional and support staff (directly and/or through managers), supporting individual development and succession planning. Provide coordination and oversight for CPCE staff training and development, including tracking and monitoring progress against Library strategic objectives.

Foster inclusive, respectful, and equitable work practices aligned with public service values and human rights principles. Operate as a fully accountable leader, both independently and as a member of the Library’s broader management team. Build effective, collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, partners, and vendors.

Prepare and deliver clear executive-level communications and presentations, translating complex strategies and data into actionable insights for decision-making. Undergraduate degree in communications or a related field, or a recognized equivalent combination of education and experience Minimum of ten years progressively senior, recent work experience in communications, media relations and issues management, with at least five years of recent experience in managing teams Experience in providing communications counsel and support to senior management Minimum of five years’ experience in managing a team in communications, media relations and issues management Proven ability to communicate effectively with audiences including customers and the community, media, elected officials, board members, management and staff Demonstrated track record of managing complex issues with multiple internal and external stakeholders.

Experience working within the public sector, particularly a unionized environment, is a strong asset Understanding and appreciation of the philosophy of public service to all, in accordance with human rights legislation and the principles of equity and access in the delivery of library service THE TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY DOES NOT ASK FOR A CREDIT CARD, BANKING INFORMATION, OR SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER DURING THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS.

Toronto Public

Library encourages applications from individuals reflecting the diversity of Toronto.

Toronto Public

Library is committed to fair and accessible employment practices and when requested, will make reasonable effort to accommodate people with disabilities during the recruitment and assessment processes when filling positions.

📌 Senior Manager, Strategic Communications and Issues Management (Toronto)
🏢 Toronto Public Library
📍 Toronto