Senior Manager, Media Relations – Issues Management

Region of Peel

Senior Manager leading media relations and issues management at Peel Region. Protecting public trust through strategic communication and stakeholder engagement.

Posted 5/3/2026full-timeBrampton • 🇨🇦 CanadaSenior💰 CA$151,183 - CA$188,979 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Monitor and analyze public perception, media coverage, and stakeholder sentiment to identify potential risks and opportunities.
Proactively manage and enhance the organization's public image through strategic initiatives and communication campaigns.
Lead the development and implementation of thought leadership initiatives to establish the organization as a trusted authority.
Develop and execute strategic media relations plans to secure positive coverage.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with key media contacts and influencers.
Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and manage all media interactions.
Analyze media coverage to assess the effectiveness of media relations outreach.
Organize and manage press conferences and media events as required.
Anticipate and mitigate reputational risk across traditional and social media.
Manage multiple reputational challenges simultaneously with the ability to prioritize and execute appropriately.
Draft large-scale risk assessments, playbooks, messaging briefings and guidance documents.
Serve as a lead of the crisis management team, providing strategic communication counsel and support.
Conduct crisis communication simulations and training to prepare the organization for potential crises.
Advise senior leaders and key spokespeople in sensitive, high-impact situations.
Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and other public forums.
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment and integration of media relations into programs.
Develop and manage budgets and resources effectively.
Provide strategic direction and leadership to the media relations and issues management team.
Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
Recruit, train, and develop team members to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve their goals.
Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback to team members.
Mentor and coach team members to enhance their communication and leadership skills.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field.
10+ years of experience in media relations, crisis communications, or related fields.
8+ years of experience in leading and managing teams.
Proven track record of developing and implementing successful media relations and communication strategies.
Strong understanding of media relations, crisis communication, and reputation principles.
Excellent written and verbal persuasive skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
Strong project management skills.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision plan (yes, even psychological health coverage) — starting on your very first day!
OMERS Pension Plan: Automatic enrolment to help secure your future with peace of mind.
Vacation Time That Grows: Start with 3 weeks of vacation per year— because work-life balance is important!
Personal Days Just for You: Enjoy 3 paid personal days and floating holidays to recharge whenever you need.
Wellness First: Flexible hours to fit your lifestyle and prioritize your health and well-being.
Performance Pays Off: Annual performance reviews with merit increases — your hard work is recognized and rewarded!
Supportive, Respectful Culture: Work in an environment where leadership truly cares, and inclusivity is celebrated.
Learning & Growth: Access to tuition reimbursement and tons of development resources to keep you growing — whether in your career or on a personal level.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

media relationscrisis communicationstrategic communicationrisk assessmentstakeholder engagementcommunication strategiesproject managementanalytical skillsproblem-solving

Soft Skills

leadershipteam managementrelationship buildingpersuasive communicationcollaborationmentoringcoachingperformance managementprioritizationadaptability