
Communications and Community Engagement Lead
- Ontario
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Lead a dedicated communications and engagement team, providing direction, structure, and supervision to ensure all deliverables are met with quality and timeliness.
- Act as the project’s key media spokesperson and public representative for all communications and engagement matters.
- Develop and manage comprehensive communications, media relations, and public engagement strategies that reflect the sensitivities of urban infrastructure delivery.
- Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders including elected officials, local businesses, Indigenous communities, residents, government agencies, and advocacy groups.
- Lead or support the planning and delivery of public engagement events, community meetings, and stakeholder briefings across various formats (in-person, virtual, hybrid).
- Prepare and deliver timely and accurate information to the public related to construction impacts, milestones, and project progress.
- Coordinate the identification, assessment, and mitigation of issues related to public interest, including noise, access, safety, and construction disruptions.
- Respond promptly to inquiries, complaints, and sensitive community matters; develop and execute resolution protocols as needed.
- Promote and apply “good neighbor” principles throughout all community interactions and external communications.
- Work in close alignment with construction, design, and executive teams to maintain the flow of timely information needed for public outreach and internal briefings.
- Oversee the development and quality control of all public-facing materials, including signage, notices, social media, newsletters, and branded assets.
- Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communication channels, digital assets, and events.
- Manage media engagement, prepare spokespeople, and provide timely draft responses to inquiries, press requests, and emerging issues.
- Support social media content development and digital campaigns including website updates, video content, and digital engagement tools.
- Coordinate closely with government affairs to ensure aligned messaging and public representation in government or municipal briefings.
- Strong Communication: Exceptional writing, editing, and public speaking skills, with experience crafting messaging for diverse audiences and high-profile settings.
- Leadership & Collaboration: Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and collaborate across departments to deliver coordinated messaging.
- Crisis & Issues Management: Skilled in anticipating risks, handling sensitive issues, and delivering calm, strategic responses during high-pressure situations.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Experienced in building trust with communities, government officials, Indigenous groups, and local organizations.
- Digital & Media Proficiency: Adept with social media, digital platforms, and multimedia tools for engagement, outreach, and reputation management.
- Cultural Awareness & Accessibility: Knowledge of inclusive communication practices and accessibility standards with the ability to engage multicultural communities.
- Organizational Agility: Capable of managing multiple priorities, tight deadlines, and evolving requirements in a fast-paced infrastructure environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, Urban Planning, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in communications and community engagement roles, preferably in the infrastructure, transportation, construction, energy, or public policy sectors.
- Demonstrated success in leading high-impact public engagement initiatives in complex urban environments.
- Proven experience as a trained media spokesperson with strong background in crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, and issues management.