Job Title:

Senior Manager, Strategic Communications and Issues Management

Closing Date:

October 16, 2026

Branch/Department:

Toronto Reference Library

Division:

Communications, Programming & Customer Engagement

Employment Type:

Permanent Full Time

Is This You?

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 are cool under pressure and comfortable working in an environment where emerging issues arise with little warning. 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. You thrive working in an environment that is not territorial. You are comfortable using your experience and influence to affect change while being a member of a team that works cohesively and collaboratively.

You thrive in environments where things aren’t always neatly defined. 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.

As a leader, you are strategic but not removed from the work. You enjoy developing people, strengthening team capabilities and building collaborative relationships across an organization. You are comfortable working independently,



while recognizing that your success depends on how effectively you bring others with you.

If you are a thoughtful, confident communications leader who combines strategic perspective with sound execution, and are excited by the chance to shape communications at one of Toronto’s most visible and valued public institutions, read on.

The Organization 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.

The Position 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. Their approach is measured, thoughtful and calm.

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.

Key Accountabilities 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

Media Relations

Manages media relations team, setting priorities and overseeing daily activities

Directs proactive and reactive media

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