Lead, Media Relations (2-year contract)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Lead, Media Relations (2-year contract)

🔹 Company: Ontario Northland

🔹 Location: North Bay, Ontario

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Contract (2 years)

🔹 Category: Transportation, Communications

🔹 Date Posted: July 9, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (North Bay, Ontario)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Acting as the first point of contact for all media requests related to the Northlander service
• Strategically engaging traditional and digital media to enhance Ontario Northland's reputation
• Preparing for and navigating contentious issues as the service launches
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to develop messaging on emerging issues or service updates

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, experience in media relations, and the ability to manage sensitive issues professionally.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Manage all media requests related to the Northlander service promptly and in line with the Communications Protocol

✅ Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify, research, and develop messaging on emerging issues or service updates

✅ Maintain an up-to-date media distribution list for corridor communities

✅ Monitor and report on media coverage using tracking tools; flag trends and issues to the communications team

✅ Lead media escorting processes for train access, ensuring safety and minimal disruption to passengers

ASSUMPTION: This role may require working irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, to manage media requests and events.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communication, Journalism, Business Administration/Management, Marketing, Public Administration, or Bachelor of Arts

Experience: 3+ years of experience working in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to craft speeches, media releases, digital content, and copy for various platforms
• Demonstrated experience responding to media inquiries and drafting speaking notes and media responses
• Skilled in developing and executing media strategies collaboratively
• Experience providing expert communication advice to senior leadership
• Ability to manage and navigate contentious or sensitive issues with professionalism and discretion
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt tone and messaging for diverse audiences
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, and Teams
• Experience using cloud-based platforms, such as SharePoint and OneDrive
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to think and adapt to fast-paced environments
• Valid driver's license (required for regular travel, potentially several times a month, including multi-day trips)
• Ability to travel up to 25-50%
• Must be committed to company health and safety

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in government or government relations
• Experience with communications platforms such as Meltwater, Cision, Hootsuite, or similar tools

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the transportation industry or government relations may have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD 97,578 - 114,790 per year

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Excellent benefit package
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Paid vacation
• Paid personal leave days
• Discounted transportation on bus and passenger rail services

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with the possibility of irregular hours for media requests and events

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job listing and is subject to change based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Rail Transportation

Company Size: 501-1,000 employees

Founded: 1902

Company Description:

• Ontario Northland connects Northern Ontario with efficient, safe, and reliable transportation
• Provides Motor Coach and Train passenger services, operates Rail Freight services, and has an experienced Remanufacturing and Repair Centre
• An agency of the Government of Ontario, committed to employment equity

Company Specialties:

• Transportation
• Rail
• Bus
• and Refurbishment

Company Website: https://www.ontarionorthland.ca/careers

ASSUMPTION: Ontario Northland's focus on connecting Northern Ontario communities and driving economic growth may present unique challenges and opportunities in this role.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and development

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Manager, Communications

Work Arrangement: On-site, with regular travel (up to 25-50%)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to take on additional responsibilities and advance within the Communications department
• Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and events
• Chance to gain experience in government relations and crisis communications

ASSUMPTION: This role may provide opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site (North Bay, Ontario)

Office Location(s): 555 Oak Street East, North Bay, Ontario P1B8L3, CA

Geographic Context:

• North Bay is located in Northeastern Ontario, approximately 350 km north of Toronto
• The city has a population of around 51,500 people and offers a mix of urban and outdoor recreational opportunities
• North Bay is served by the Jack Garland Airport and is connected by Highway 11 and Via Rail

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with the possibility of irregular hours for media requests and events

ASSUMPTION: The work schedule may vary depending on media requests, events, and other factors.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and experience in media relations
• Ability to manage sensitive issues professionally
• Writing and editing skills
• Interpersonal and relationship-building skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Provide specific examples of your experience in media relations, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement
• Demonstrate your ability to adapt to fast-paced environments and manage contentious issues

ATS Keywords: Media Relations, Crisis Communications, Public Relations, Stakeholder Engagement, Content Creation, Media Strategy, Writing, Editing, Interpersonal Skills, Government Relations, Communication, Event Planning, Research, Digital Media, Social Media, Presentation Skills

ASSUMPTION: Ontario Northland may use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to filter and rank applications based on the inclusion of relevant keywords.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Teams)
• Cloud-based platforms (SharePoint, OneDrive)
• Communications platforms (Meltwater, Cision, Hootsuite)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and platforms may be beneficial but is not always required for this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Safety
• Reliability
• Customer Focus
• Integrity
• Respect
• Excellence

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities
• Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality work

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy managing multiple priorities?
• Are you comfortable working with diverse stakeholders and managing sensitive issues?
• Do you have strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt your tone and messaging for different audiences?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Ontario Northland's values and work style may be more likely to succeed in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing media requests and contentious issues in a fast-paced environment
• Balancing the needs of various stakeholders, including the public, government, and internal teams
• Adapting to changes in priorities and working irregular hours as needed
• Travel requirements (up to 25-50%)

ASSUMPTION: These challenges may present opportunities for growth and development in the role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on media relations for a specific transportation service (the Northlander)
• Similar roles in other organizations may have a broader focus on corporate communications or public affairs
• Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in government relations, crisis communications, or senior communications roles

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to specialize in media relations for a specific transportation service.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a media strategy for the launch of the Northlander service
• Managing media requests and coordinating responses during a crisis or service disruption
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to create messaging for emerging issues or service updates

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the key responsibilities and challenges of this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
• How does this role fit into the broader communications strategy for Ontario Northland?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
• How does Ontario Northland support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions can help you better understand the role, the company, and the expectations for this position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: https://www.ontarionorthland.ca/en/careers
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for interview questions by researching Ontario Northland and the Northlander service
• Be ready to discuss your experience in media relations, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.