Manager, Corporate Communications

JOB INFORMATION

Requisition ID: 2958

Number of Vacancies: 1.00

Department: Corporate Communications (20000063) – Corporate Communications (30000081)

Salary Information: $107,616.60 – $134,479.80

Pay Scale Group: 11SA

Employment Type: Regular

Weekly Hours: 35, Off Days: Saturday and Sunday Shift: Day

Posted On: May 13, 2021

Last Day to Apply: May 21, 2021

Reports to: Head, Corporate Communications

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is North America’s third largest transit system and has been recognized as one of the top places to work in the GTA. Guided by a forward-thinking strategic plan, the TTC’s vision is to be a transit system that makes Toronto proud. The TTC’s recruitment efforts are directly aligned to its mission of providing “a reliable, efficient, and integrated bus, streetcar and subway system that draws its high standards of customer care from our rich traditions of safety, service and courtesy.”

General Accountability

Develops and implements corporate communication strategies in support of major corporate initiatives, priorities, activities and objectives in addition to managing various internal and external communication programs including media relations, issue management, and outreach strategies. The role is also responsible for providing strategic communications advice to support the Head with the management of various communications programs, projects and activities primarily focusing on internal communications, media relations support, issues management and employee engagement strategies as well as overall support, direction and guidance to communications staff in employee communication, stakeholder engagement, writing, digital and website content, and related areas.

Key Job Functions

Oversee the planning, writing, production, and management of communication plans to ensure corporate communication strategies are effectively implemented

Plan, direct and supervise the work of the Corporate Communications staff in order to meet section goals and objectives in a timely manner

Collaborate with senior management/executives, internal clients, and external stakeholders to maintain an understanding of current communication challenges and requirements, and to effectively handle communication initiatives and issues

Provide a wide range of internal/external communications by developing content, responding to all inquiries, ensuring a strong customer focus, and researching and developing improvements

Ensure plans are within the framework of an integrated strategy for internal communications

Ensure internal audiences requirements are supported across the organization

Build relationships across the organization to ensure the needs of internal clients are met with a particular focus on understanding the communications needs of the TTC’s unionized staff

Build new or improve current departmental processes and lead/assist in various projects as required

Ensure the strategies designed enhance TTC’s presence with key stakeholders

Oversee and lead the delivery and management of programs/project plans by assigning and tracking workgroup projects, ensuring established processes are followed, and delivering all projects on strategy, in a timely manner, and on budget

Evaluate the effectiveness of communications strategies and/or channels by ensuring communications are cascaded down to all levels within the organization in order to incorporate lessons learned into current and future projects/programs and develop recommendations for improvements

Oversee the planning, writing and production of communications products in print, on-line and across various digital tools

Develop and manage good working relationships and maintain open dialogue with key internal/ external contacts and stakeholders to ensure adequate execution of project deliverables

Proactively identify opportunities and recommend enhancements and modifications; develop strategies to achieve the recommendations and work closely with the team to execute and implement.

Research and write a range of print, multimedia and online communications such as bulletins, newsletters, audiovisual material, website and digital content

Ensure a strong customer focus

Key Job Functions Continued

Respond to media inquiries if needed, and acts as a spokesperson for the Department as assigned

Responsible for managing all issues that arise from an internal lens, in particular developing communications strategies to reach all employees in a timely fashion

Provide communications counselling to senior management/executive and TTC Board members on sensitive, complex issues, as assigned

Attend public and TTC meetings to present and/or discuss the issues and strategies as required

Work closely with senior management/executive, internal clients, as well as collaborate with external stakeholders as needed to maintain an understanding of current communications challenges and requirements

Build relationships across the organization and with key members of senior management to ensure that all employees across the TTC are receiving information in a timely manner

Manage the overall team providing both leadership and guidance

Lead the process of setting performance objectives for the team; track, monitor and effectively address and/or reward performance in a timely manner

Oversee and lead a diverse communications function of significant scope, while growing talent, developing skills and capabilities to achieve corporate objective and career goals

Manages and oversees the overall strategy for the respective areas while aligning to the department’s objectives

Ensures all staff adhere to all corporate and departmental policies and practices

Evaluates staff performance and makes recommendations for promotions, salary increases, staff development, disciplinary and related matters

Promotes a respectful work and service environment that supports diversity, inclusion, and is free from harassment and discrimination. Provides leadership in the development and implementation of inclusive and accessible policies, programs and/or services for employees and customers in accordance with TTC’s commitments and obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and Related Orders, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and TTC’s policies.

Skills

Apply analytical skills

Use office technology, software and applications

Communicate in a variety of mediums

Plan and organize activities / projects to meet section and organizational goals

Create and deliver presentations in various formats

Manage human resources

Education and Experience

Completion of a post-secondary college diploma or university degree in a related discipline or a combination of education, training and experience deemed to be equivalent

Comprehensive understanding of the role of communication principles and practice within an organization including experience within a complex organization so able to manage competing communications needs and priorities to build a seamless narrative for audiences

Excellent knowledge of the corporate communications field including various forms of internal communications such as printed materials, digital, video, film, TV and radio as well as experience understanding how to best utilize these various forms of communications to reach the diverse internal audiences at the TTC

Experience in leading and mentoring a team, and achieving excellent results, in addition to being a team player

Additional Requirements

Exceptional research, writing, editing and presentation skills

Well developed technical skills in Microsoft Office products, combined with applied knowledge of desktop design, publication/production/presentation software and new technologies, digital and social media communications

Must possess sound judgement, sensitivity and discretion; strong communication, interpersonal and facilitation skills, and the ability to establish effective work relationships with internal and external stakeholders and colleagues

Excellent planning and organizational skills to manage multiple projects and priorities in a timely manner and adapt to changing situations

Strategic and creative thinking, political sensitivity and the ability to motivate and co-ordinate the efforts of others to accomplish objectives

Must have or rapidly acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code and Related Orders including disability accommodation and accessibility requirements pertaining to passengers and employees

Prior experience working in a technical, project management environment is an asset

Prior experience working in a heavily unionized environment is an asset

The TTC is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, anti-racism and inclusion in the delivery of its services and in its workplaces. The TTC is committed to fostering a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities it serves at all levels of the organization, and supports an inclusive environment where diverse employee and community perspectives and experiences bring value to the organization. The TTC encourages applications from all applicants, including members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including but not limited to, Indigenous, Black and racialized groups, people with disabilities, women and people from the LGBTQ(IA+) community . The TTC values and supports an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process. Accommodations for applicants are available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process, including for those who identify as having a disability. Please contact Human Resources – Talent Management at (416) 393-4570. Any information received related to an accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

The TTC’s policy prohibits relatives of current TTC employees from being hired, assigned, transferred or promoted into positions, where there is a conflict of interest due to a relationship. Should you be selected for an interview, you will be required to disclose the name, relationship and position of any relative who is a current TTC employee.

We thank all applicants for their interest but advise only those selected for an interview will be contacted.