Director, Media Relations

Who we are at FCM:

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of local governments, representing their interests with the federal government. With over 2,000 members, including Canada’s largest cities, small urban areas, rural and remote communities, as well as 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations, FCM represents more than 90% of the country’s population. Through its advocacy, funding offers and diverse programs, FCM’s work has a direct impact on Canadians’ quality of life. At FCM, we are committed to making the communities Canadians live in more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable. We aspire to be deeply respectful, collaborative, empowering and inclusive. All leaders in the organization embrace these values, the corporate culture and the passion for FCM’s mission.

About This Role:

The Director, Media Relations is responsible for shaping and executing a coordinated, national media relations strategy that advances FCM’s mission, advocacy priorities, program delivery, and reputation as the leading voice for municipalities in Canada and a successful implanter of Federal programs. Reporting to the Senior Director, Brand and Communications or designate, this role plays a critical part in elevating FCM’s public presence, strengthening media relationships, and ensuring strategic, proactive media engagement across all regions for both the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) and for the Policy and Public Affairs (PPA) Unit. The Director, Media relations supports the Policy and Public Affairs team and GMF in ensuring that FCM members and Government of Canada elected and senior officials recognize the value of FCM and of GMF programs and the impacts they bring to communities across the country. As a key senior member of the communications leadership team, the Director, Media Relations will bring strategic leadership and political acuity to FCM’s media relations function. A central mandate of the role is to strengthen FCM’s media relations capacity as a proactive, agenda-setting function that anticipates the news and political environment, builds sustained relationships with journalists, generates earned media opportunities, and positions FCM and municipal leaders to shape national conversations. The role provides the oversight required to deliver a modern, politically astute media relations function—one that focuses on strategy development and operational excellence to elevate municipal priorities to the forefront of the national dialogue, while promoting nationally funded GMF programs and events. This role is central to issues management and crisis communications, providing strategic counsel to senior leadership, elected municipal officials, and the Board on reputational risk, media strategy, public positioning, and GMF client and government relations. It balances the reactive needs of complex and often fast moving events with the strategic and detailed needs of program promotion and events planning. This role plays a critical part in shaping national conversations, protecting and enhancing the organization’s reputation, and supporting its influence with key audiences.

What you'll be doing:

Strategic Media Leadership & Narrative Development

Develop and lead FCM’s national media relations strategy in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan, advocacy priorities, and brand positioning. Own and evolve FCM's narrative strategy, ensuring communications and advocacy efforts reinforce long‑term organizational objectives and position FCM to anticipate, shape, and lead public discourse on key issues. Shape and advance a clear, consistent national narrative that positions FCM as a credible, authoritative, and solutions‑oriented voice on municipal issues and promote GMF’s programs, events and funding opportunities. Ensure media strategies reinforce and complement broader brand, communications, promotional, and advocacy objectives. Embed bilingual, regional, and community‑specific considerations into all national media initiatives. Oversees the development,implementationand evaluation of FCM and GMF‑wide media strategies; works with directors to ensure they integrate with the overall communications strategies and priorities of FCM’s Policy and Public Affairs and GMF.

Political Acumen & Strategic Alignment

Monitor and assess municipal, provincial, and federal political dynamics to inform proactive media planning and messaging. Provide strategic media counsel related to federal budgets, legislation, elections, mandates, and emerging policy debates. Ensure close alignment with Policy and Public Affairs to support integrated strategic, political and advocacy objectives and with GMF to support strategic objectives. Ensures the definition and protection of FCM and GMF’s brand,assesses risk, and refines positioning and voice.

Media Relations & Stakeholder Engagement

Build, strengthen, and main