Senior Manager, Media Relations

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Manager, Media Relations

🔹 Company: Ontario Medical Association

🔹 Location: Hybrid - Toronto, ON

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Non-profit Organization Management

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-15

🔹 Experience Level: 7-9 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in Toronto office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Strategic media advice and support for the OMA, representing 43,000 physicians
• Identifying media opportunities, preparing communications plans, and managing issues
• Enhancing relationships with members, public, media, and corporate audiences
• Working in a hybrid environment with a minimum of 2 days per week in the Toronto office

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of media relations experience and strong writing skills. It also involves some evening and weekend work due to the nature of media cycles.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Deliver high-quality writing, requiring little editing, with a journalistic style that engages media

✅ Prepare communications plans, key messages, news releases, social media, and other materials consistent with the OMA brand strategy and standards

✅ Develop issue management and crisis communications plans and strategies as required

✅ Prepare the OMA president/spokesperson for media interviews by developing key messages, monitoring media and social media activity, and developing responses as required

✅ Provide media training and coaching

✅ Report on and analyze media metrics to inform best practices

✅ Monitor the media landscape to identify new opportunities or changing needs

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive approach to media relations, strong communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Undergraduate degree in journalism, political science, public policy, communications, or marketing disciplines

Experience: 7-9 years of experience working in or with the media, either as a journalist or having a proven track record in media relations

Required Skills:

• Proficient in CP style and able to self-edit
• Understanding of the current media landscape and ability to recognize media opportunities
• Strong writing and storytelling skills
• Experience in issues and crisis management
• Understanding of the political landscape of Ontario, with experience working in health care preferred
• Experience in a consumer-facing organization, political and/or highly regulated environment, public relations agency, or member association an asset, as is the ability to work in French

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a non-profit organization
• Bilingual (English/French)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a proven track record in media relations and strong writing skills. Experience in the health care industry or a related field is an asset.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD 100,000 - 130,000 per year (based on industry standards for similar roles in Toronto)

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and bonus program
• Exceptional group benefits package, including a spending account and a robust wellness program
• Paid professional development and continuous in-house learning
• Hybrid work environment with a minimum of 2 days per week in the Toronto office

Working Hours: Full-time, with some evening and weekend work required

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in Toronto. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is a non-profit organization representing over 43,000 physicians and medical students across the province. It advocates for and supports doctors, seeking to strengthen their leadership role in caring for patients and transforming Ontario's health-care system.

Company Size: The OMA has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized organization structure with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: 1880, with a rich history of advocating for and supporting Ontario's medical profession.

Company Description:

• Represents the political, clinical, and economic interests of Ontario's medical profession
• Works closely with patients to encourage healthy living practices and illness prevention
• Plays a significant role in shaping health-care policy and implementing initiatives that strengthen and enhance Ontario's health care system

Company Specialties:

• Health policy
• Practice management
• Legal Services
• Strategy and Governance
• Economics
• Research
• Analytics
• Information Management
• Insurance
• Hospital Services
• Laboratory Proficiency Testing
• Medical Services
• Physician Health
• Public Affairs
• and Communications

Company Website: www.oma.org

ASSUMPTION: The OMA has a significant impact on health-care policy and services in Ontario, providing a unique opportunity for candidates to contribute to the province's health-care landscape.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, offering strategic decision-making and leadership opportunities.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager, Media Relations reports directly to the Director, Communications and Public Affairs.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a minimum of 2 days per week in the Toronto office.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a Director-level role within the Communications and Public Affairs department
• Opportunities to expand the role's scope and influence as the OMA's media presence evolves
• Chance to develop and mentor junior team members

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand the role's scope and influence over time.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with a minimum of 2 days per week in the Toronto office

Office Location(s): 150 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3C1

Geographic Context:

• Toronto is the capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada, offering a diverse and vibrant urban environment
• Ontario is Canada's most populous province, with a diverse range of industries and cultural experiences
• The OMA's Toronto office is centrally located, with easy access to public transportation and amenities

Work Schedule: Full-time, with some evening and weekend work required

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility while ensuring the Senior Manager, Media Relations is accessible and present in the Toronto office for a minimum of 2 days per week.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through the provided link
• Phone or video screening with the Hiring Manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a panel of stakeholders
• Final round interview with the Director, Communications and Public Affairs
• Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and communication skills
• Media relations experience and strategic mindset
• Cultural fit with the OMA's values and work environment
• Understanding of the political landscape of Ontario and the health care industry

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your media relations experience and relevant skills
• Provide examples of your writing and communication skills, such as news releases, media advisories, or other relevant materials
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your media relations experience and problem-solving skills
• Research the OMA and its role in Ontario's health care landscape to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission
• Follow up with the Hiring Manager after your interview to reiterate your interest in the role and the OMA

ATS Keywords: Media Relations, Strategic Communications, Crisis Management, Writing, Storytelling, Media Training, Issue Management, Public Relations, Health Care Industry, Ontario Politics, CP Style, Media Metrics

ASSUMPTION: The OMA's interview process is designed to assess candidates' media relations experience, communication skills, and cultural fit with the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Media monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24, Critical Mention)
• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant media monitoring, content management, and social media management tools is an asset for this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Respectful: Treat all individuals with dignity and respect
• Bold: Act with courage and conviction in pursuing the OMA's mission
• Responsive: Be proactive and responsive to the needs of members, patients, and stakeholders
• Transparent: Foster an environment of openness, honesty, and accountability

Work Style:

• Collaborative: Work closely with team members and stakeholders to achieve common goals
• Adaptable: Embrace change and adapt to new situations as they arise
• Results-driven: Focus on delivering meaningful outcomes and achieving organizational objectives

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with the OMA's values, particularly 'bold' and 'transparent' in your approach to media relations?
• How comfortable are you working in a hybrid environment, with a minimum of 2 days per week in the Toronto office?
• How do you approach media training and coaching, and how have you helped others improve their communication skills?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong cultural fit with the OMA's values and work style, as well as a willingness to adapt to a hybrid work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing media relations for a large and diverse membership base, with varying opinions and perspectives
• Working in a fast-paced and often unpredictable media landscape
• Balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders, including members, patients, media, and corporate audiences
• Adapting to changes in the political landscape and health care industry

ASSUMPTION: These challenges require a proactive, adaptable, and strategic approach to media relations, as well as strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike other media relations roles, this position focuses on representing a large membership base with diverse interests and perspectives
• Compared to roles in other industries, this position requires a deep understanding of the political landscape of Ontario and the health care industry
• Career path comparison: This role offers growth opportunities into Director-level positions within the Communications and Public Affairs department

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on representing a large membership base and requires a strong understanding of the political landscape and health care industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive media relations strategy for a high-profile health care initiative
• Managing media relations for a crisis situation, such as a natural disaster or public health emergency
• Creating and executing a targeted media campaign to raise awareness of a specific health care issue or initiative

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and tactical aspects of media relations required for this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does the OMA support its members in their media relations efforts, and how can I contribute to this support?
• What are the most significant media challenges currently facing the OMA, and how can this role help address them?
• How does the OMA collaborate with other organizations and stakeholders in the health care industry, and how can I contribute to these collaborations?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Communications and Public Affairs department?
• How does the OMA balance the needs of its diverse membership base in its media relations efforts?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions help candidates understand the OMA's media relations priorities, challenges, and growth opportunities.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your media relations experience and relevant skills
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your media relations experience and problem-solving skills
• Research the OMA and its role in Ontario's health care landscape to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its mission
• Follow up with the Hiring Manager after your interview to reiterate your interest in the role and the OMA

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