Communications Director

Apply By: Thursday, October 8, 2026 11:59 pm EDT

Strategic Initiatives and External Relations Division (SIERD)

City:

Toronto

Position(s) language:

Job term:

1 Permanent

Job code:

Not Available - Not Available

Not available $156,789 to $197,518

As the principal communication advisor to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC), Assistant Commissioner, Strategic Initiatives and External Relations (SIERD), and senior leaders, the Communications Director provides executive leadership and direction for the IPC's strategic communications, media relations, issues and reputation management, public education, digital communications, stakeholder communications and corporate engagement activities. Reporting to the Assistant Commissioner, SIERD, the Director provides expert strategic counsel on complex, sensitive, fast-moving and high-profile privacy and access-related matters positioning the IPC as a trusted, independent regulator and authoritative source of information and guidance. The Director leads a dynamic group of communication professionals delivering integrated, organization-wide communications strategies that increase awareness and understanding of access and privacy rights and obligations in Ontario

The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) is an administrative tribunal responsible for the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA). We are seeking a strategic and collaborative Communications Director.

About the job As a Communications Director, you will:

Provide executive leadership for the IPC's communications function, establishing organization-wide communications strategies, priorities, standards and approaches aligned with the IPC's mandate, strategic plan and corporate priorities.

Serve as the senior communications advisor to the Commissioner, Assistant Commissioners and senior management team, providing expert strategic counsel on complex, sensitive, high-profile and emerging matters.

Lead the IPC's corporate approach to issues and reputation management, including environmental scanning, identification and assessment of emerging issues, and communications responses during sensitive or rapidly evolving situations.

Provide executive oversight of media relations and advise senior executives on media strategy, interview opportunities, messaging and responses to high-profile or sensitive inquiries.

Provide strategic leadership for public education strategies, campaigns, resources and engagement initiatives that make complex access and privacy issues understandable and relevant to diverse audiences across Ontario.

Provide strategic direction for digital communications channels, corporate content, editorial, brand and accessibility standards, and major publications and communications products.

Develop strategies to position the IPC as a trusted and authoritative voice on access to information and privacy issues and identify opportunities for executive thought leadership.

Provide strategic communications leadership for initiatives involving government institutions, health information custodians, municipalities, law enforcement, education organizations, child and family services organizations and other regulated sectors.

Provide strategic direction for internal and corporate communications supporting organizational priorities, employee engagement and change initiatives.

Lead the Communications department, including people leadership, professional development, succession planning, resource allocation, budgeting, procurement, contracts, service standards and quality controls.

Education and Experience

Extensive senior-level experience providing strategic communications leadership, executive counsel and direction for complex, high-profile organizational initiatives.

Extensive experience across strategic communications, public relations, issues and reputation management, media relations, public education, stakeholder engagement, digital communications and corporate communications.

Experience leading a multidisciplinary communications function, including people, financial, operational, and project management.

Knowledge Requirements

Expert knowledge of strategic communications, public relations, issues and reputation management, media relations, public education, stakeholder engagement, digital communications and corporate communications.

Extensive knowledge of communications strategy, research, audience analysis, evaluation and contemporary communications practices.

Strong understanding of the role and responsibilities