Labour Relations Officer- Media Relations Type: Permanent Group/Grade: Bargaining Unit/Officer We are powered by our members — 68,000 nurses and health-care professionals, and 18,000 nursing student affiliates — who provide care in hospitals, long-term care, public health, the community, clinics and industry. Our mission is to defend the rights of and advocate for nurses and health-care professionals who care for the health of Ontarians. We confront governments, administrations and other policymakers head on to fight for high-quality public health care.

ONA is seeking to fill the role of Media Relations Officer on the Communications Team at our Toronto office.

The Media Relations

Officer will bring experience and expertise in media, public relations, as well as broader organizational communications. This role will work collaboratively with their team to anchor the union’s media relations, while supporting the broader work of the team with a flexible approach. Monitor daily media requests seeking background, commentary and/or interviews and respond in a timely manner.

Produce and distribute a daily media scan covering key topics and maintain its distribution list. Develop and maintain provincial and local media contacts and new media sources reporting on health care, labour, provincial politics and other relevant topics. Effectively pitch stories to journalists and other public relations sources to drive proactive coverage on priority issues.

Provide expertise and recommendations on effectively garnering coverage, both in legacy media and reputable new media sources. Research, write and produce a wide range of media and public relations materials such as releases, advisories, backgrounders, key messages, speeches, scripts, op-eds, articles, stories,



media kits and more. Create video and other content for social media and ONA’s digital magazine to report on the union’s activities as needed.

Work with communications staff to develop detailed communications and media relations plans, and coordinate implementation. Plan, coordinate and execute communications and media events. Develop strategic public relations messaging for a wide range of initiatives.

Work with the senior manager and leadership to monitor sentiment and provide support in managing and responding to emerging issues. Provide training and coaching in effective media relations and public speaking to the official spokesperson, Board of Directors, and other members as needed. Ensure adherence to the union’s spokesperson policy in all media relations activities.

Track, analyze and regularly report on key metrics showing ONA’s media relations performance, identifying trends and opportunities. Ensure adherence to ONA’s brand voice and communications style in all written materials and deliverables. Review and edit a wide range of organizational materials following ONA’s Communications Style Guide and brand guidelines.

Ensure deliverables reflect best practice standards, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL).



Produce or oversee design production for a wide range of print and digital materials. Work with the editor to write and contribute to ONA’s digital magazine, F-Word.

Provide/coordinate photography and videography and produce video content. Work with the social media lead to manage accounts and develop content. Work with the website lead to produce content and updates.

A bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma in journalism. Five years of qualified full-time experience leading media relations, and public relations. Strong experience planning and executing broader organizational communications.

Experience with new media content creation. Fluency in French is an asset.

Experience with Meltwater or similar platforms is an asset.

Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and/or video production is an asset. Familiarity with Action Network is considered an asset.

Note: There may be a need for flexible scheduling for evening/weekend work. The successful candidate must be able to travel, possess a valid driver’s license and have access to an automobile for business use. Ability to travel across Ontario, is also expected, as could other areas outside of Ontario.

The Ontario

Nurses’ Association is committed to employment equity within its staff. Applications are encouraged from equity-deserving groups including individuals of Indigenous descent, Racialized individuals, individuals living with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI persons. We also provide accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’).

If you require accommodation for a disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources at [email protected].

📌 Labour Relations Officer- Media Relations (Toronto)
🏢 Canadian Association of Labour Media
📍 Toronto