July 4th, 2019

PRESS SECRETARY, TOUR Full-time Permanent (6 months probation)

Office

Ontario NDP Caucus — Toronto

Location

Toronto, Ontario

Objective

The Press Secretary –Tour, under the direction of the Director of Communications and Strategic Planning, is responsible for implementing a media, communications and public relations strategy for the Leader’s Tour.

Along with the Communications team, the Press Secretary – Tour will assist the Leader and Caucus in carrying out their public, parliamentary and caucus responsibilities by coordinating the development and implementation of media relations strategies based on strategic themes and priorities.

The Press Secretary – Tour will be responsible for coordination and execution of media events throughout the province.

RESPONSIBLE TO THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS TO:

  • In collaboration with the Leader’s Secretariat team, develop a media, communications and public relations strategy for the Leader’s tour that adheres to the NDP Caucus’ narrative and the NDP Leader’s brand
  • Work collaboratively with the Leader’s Secretariat team in the planning and overseeing of press events inside and outside of Queen’s Park
  • Provide the Leader’s Tour staff with sound strategic communications advice and expertise
  • Prepare Leader’s Tour materials including press releases, advisories, speaking notes, media backgrounders, preparation documents and other materials as required
  • Make detailed arrangements for media appearances, interviews or public appearances for the Leader and members of the Caucus
  • Develop strong relationships with journalists and newsrooms throughout the province.
  • Maintain and update contact lists for journalists throughout the province
  • Engage with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure the Leader’s story is told effectively in regional media markets across the province
  • Provide support to the overall caucus media relations strategy both at Queen’s Park and in the regions
  • Propose ideas proactively to earn media coverage
  • Monitor and measure the effectiveness of communications plans
  • Set, communicate and maintain timelines and priorities on every project
  • Be available to travel, as a key component of this position
  • Other duties as assigned by the Director of Communications and Strategic Planning

Qualifications

  • Recent experience working with media outlets across the province including the Queen’s Park Press Gallery
  • Recent experience, knowledge and involvement with media outlets across Ontario
  • Knowledge, appropriate to the position, of the NDP, the Ontario government and the Legislative Assembly
  • At least five years of recent experience in a political staff role, ideally a communication and media role
  • Experience and knowledge in communications planning, marketing, and
  • public relations
  • Proven ability to work in a team environment
  • Proven ability to manage a variety of issues and projects simultaneously
  • Excellent political judgment and the ability to perceive and pursue news angles and political opportunities in the daily flood of information
  • Proven ability to work energetically, without supervision, to produce accurate and effective work according to deadlines, and maintain organized records
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ability to deal with the public, ability to work under pressure, good computer and office organization skills
  • Solid experience translating and distilling research for a broad audience
  • Ability to write succinctly, powerfully and quickly with experience producing items like media releases and speaking notes under deadline pressure
  • Exceptional writing, editing and copy-editing skills are essential, including knowledge of Canadian Press style
  • Digital competency, particularly social media, is essential
  • Willingness to work irregular hours, including weekends, and to travel as required
  • Experience in the labour movement or NDP organization, as well as election campaigns, would be an asset
  • Bilingualism (French and English) would be a strong asset
  • Familiarity with equity, anti-racism and anti-oppression policy frameworks

Send application to

Applications to Human Resources Co-coordinator NDP Caucus, email: resumes@ndp.on.ca,
Fax: 416-325-2266

Footer note

The NDP Caucus is an equal opportunity employer. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.