Transit Media Relations Officer

JOB SUMMARY

You are responsible for serving as the media spokesperson for Transit Services, organizing media relations activities for OC Transpo and providing timely, accurate information on OC Transpo services, programs, and operations.

You develop and maintain effective working relationships with media, corporate communications, and other City of Ottawa services, while cultivating a strong understanding of transit operations to support informed and credible communications.

You provide media relations advice and communications guidance to management, manage media inquiries and public-facing engagements, identify emerging issues and reputational risks, develop communications materials and promotional opportunities, and recommend proactive communications strategies that support Transit Services' objectives and public reputation.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 3 year university degree or community college diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Media Studies, Public Affairs, Marketing or a related field.

Minimum of 5 years of directly related experience including responding to media inquiries on behalf of an organization, writing and editing media materials, building and maintaining relationships with media representatives.

KNOWLEDGE

• Communications planning, message development, audience analysis, public consultation and communications evaluation techniques
• Media relations strategies, media protocols, interview techniques, and the local media landscape
• Issues management, reputation management, crisis and emergency communications principles and methodologies
• Writing, editing, and content development principles for media releases, briefing materials, web content, social media, speeches, and public communications
• Research methods, environmental scanning, media monitoring, data collection, analysis, and performance measurement techniques
• Social media platforms, digital communications approaches, and analytics methodologies
• Municipal government operations, public service accountability, and the principles governing communications in a public-sector environment
• Transit operations, services, programs, and issues affecting public transportation and customers
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to provide communications and media relations advice to management and partners, including coaching and preparation for media interactions
• Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to research, analyze, synthesize, and communicate complex information through a variety of communications products, including news releases, media statements, briefing materials, speeches, web content, social media content, and reports
• Ability to develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate communications and media relations strategies and plans
• Ability to conduct media monitoring, environmental scanning, research, and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks
• Ability to identify, assess, and respond to emerging issues, reputational risks, and sensitive communications matters using sound judgment and discretion
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with media representatives, elected officials, management, staff, and partner organizations
• Ability to work collaboratively in a politically sensitive, fast-paced, and customer-focused environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, urgent requests, and tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail

Core Behaviours

Core behaviours define the City’s expectations of the behaviours employees should demonstrate in performing their work.  They are reflective of the City’s culture and values and guide all our present and future activities.  Every employee is encouraged to learn, embody and demonstrate these core behaviours.

Review the Core Behaviours