Issues and Communications Advisor

If you have a keen ability to identify the issues that matter, you have research and analysis skills and are looking to work in an exciting fast paced environment, consider applying with the Ministry of Infrastructure, where you will take a lead role in support of infrastructure issues management and media relations across the province.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

As the Issues and Communications Advisor you will be responsible for:
- Providing overall coordination of the contentious issues management, information gathering and issues briefing processes for the ministry;
- Evaluating Issues and forwarding appropriate response/messaging for the Minister during Question Period, generally within a very short timeframe;
- Evaluating media coverage and providing analysis for management decision-making;
- Developing and recommending issues management strategies and plans, in consultation with the issues management team;
- Providing input into the identification/development of branch/unit client service improvements and client relationship enhancements.

How do I qualify?

Technical knowledge:

- You have knowledge of communications, and Issues and media relations management theories, principles and practices within a government context
- You have knowledge of issues management methodologies and practices to develop and recommend issues management strategies and plans

Research, analysis and problem solving:

- You have the political acuity to address unique, spontaneous requests and to liaise with management and staff of the Minister's and Deputy Minister's Offices
- You have experience developing proactive approaches to address and resolve highly contentious issues
- You can research, analyze and advise management on contentious stakeholder Issues and public opinion trends
- You can conduct in-depth analysis of media and social media coverage
- You proactively identify areas where further assessment, clarity or additional detail is required to accommodate briefing requests
- You have the ability to utilize the ministry's strategic directions, programs, and issues to develop issues management strategies and plans

Oral and written communications:

- You can lead and coordinate meetings; make presentations; and prepare and edit a broad range of communication materials
- You can support the issues management process through briefings, discussions and a variety of written materials to ensure accurate and timely advice to a range of clients

Relationship management:

- You develop and maintain collaborative working relationships and partnerships
- You have interpersonal and influencing skills to elicit cooperation
- You use your consulting and diplomacy when providing advice on key messaging, House Book Notes content, various communication material, and on appropriate responses to emerging issues
- You can use your persuasiveness to convince the Minister's staff to accept an alternative response to an issue that is different than the desired response
- You have consensus-building, mediation and collaboration skills to achieve an understanding of client/stakeholder needs and varying viewpoints
- You can facilitate cooperation and collaboration as well as discussions and meetings with diverse groups including stakeholders, some of whom may have opposing agendas, positions and/or views

Coordination:

- You have experience obtaining required information on a timely basis and produce responses within tight timeframes;
- You can coordinate the daily briefings process, develop associated documentation, and provide accurate, timely responses, advice and support