Media Relations & Communications Manager

Ontario Bar Association, Toronto ON 

Media Relations & Communications Manager
(One Year Contract – beginning late January 2017)

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Policy & Public Affairs and working closely with staff in all other deaprtments, the Media Relations/Communications Manager is responsible for developing and coordinating the distribution of internal and external strategic messaging.  While a primary focus will be on building and maintaining the necessary relationships with legal and mainstream media representatives to ensure the OBA’s strategic messages reach the desired audiences as required, a significant portion of the incumbent’s work will be in the development of appropriate messaging and drafting both external and internal communications materials, including speeches for key OBA officers and other representatives.

Specific Job Responsibilities:

• developing and managing relationships with legal and mainstream media representatives that are required to get OBA messaging to targeted audiences, and ensuring that the OBA remains the go-to source of media representatives to obtain information and/or comment on legal issues;
• re-building and managing an on-going media presence for the Ontario Bar Association;
• managing media enquiries and coordinating interview requests;
• drafting and editing messaging and materials to be distributed to the media;
• drafting speeches and messaging for OBA’s senior Officers, spokespersons and speakers;
• preparing internal communications documentation;
• preparing the public affairs portion of the content for periodic updates on OBA’s activities and events for distribution to the membership and others;
• developing and implementing a methodology to ascertain the effectiveness of OBA’s media relations activities;
• providing media training to officers and members.

Skills and Experience:

• minimum of four years of experience working in media and/or public relations;
• a strategic and creative thinker;
• a problem solver comfortable working in a fast-paced environment;
• must possess exceptional oral, written and interpersonal communication skills with strong writing and editorial abilities;
• must have the ability to be an influential communications consultant within the organization;
• able to work effectively with minimal/no supervision;
• comfortable working under pressure and to tight deadlines;
• familiarity with the legal sector and government processes;
• able to multi-task;
• excellent organization and time-management skills;
• able and willing to work flexible hours;
•  demonstrated volunteer management skills; the ability to speak French and existing media contacts would be an asset.

Interested candidates should forward a cover letter and resume with salary expectations to; Tracy L. Dallas, Director of Operations at; tdallas@oba.org. 

Deadline: January 13th, 2017.