Job Description

About Us

The Ontario Cannabis Store provides safe, responsible access to recreational cannabis for adults 19 and older. We operate the provincial online store for recreational cannabis in Ontario and are the exclusive provincial wholesaler to authorized private retail stores.

Working at the OCS is a unique opportunity to be part of an agile start-up in a ground-breaking new industry. We\xe2\x80\x99re a diverse team passionate about delivering a great customer experience, working together with mutual respect and building value out of our differences. We\xe2\x80\x99re an inclusive organization that understands that delivering great results comes out of ensuring every voice is heard.

About the Role

The Director, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, reporting to the VP of Corporate Affairs, Social Responsibility and Stakeholder Engagement is responsible for managing the OCS\xe2\x80\x99s internal and external communications strategy ensuring the company\'s reputation is sustained in a positive manner, promoted internally and externally, and is aligned with the OCS Corporate Strategy, including the Mission, Vision and Values of the organization. This role will also provide strategic oversight and direction for all stakeholder engagement activities across the organization, cultivate positive media relations, maximize media opportunities, and liaise with key communications departments across government, other agencies, and key external vendors as required to support OCS operations and ensure a positive image for the organization. In addition, the Director will monitor media, social media and other key public sources for trends, risks and/or threats to the reputation of the organization and prepare and respond accordingly.

About Your Day

Department Leadership

• Develop and implement OCS\xe2\x80\x99s communications and stakeholder engagement strategy consistent with the OCS Corporate Strategic Plan
• Provide direction and strategic oversight to the communications department including the Strategic Communications and Communications Services Teams
• Drive corporate strategy through internal and external messaging, media management stakeholder engagement, etc.
• Maintain an awareness of reputational risks and threats to the organization, and cultivate an environment within the department of readiness and responsiveness through media monitoring and other avenues
• Act as the communication lead for crisis management and business continuity and planning for the organization when required

External Communications

• Oversee OCS communications ensuring all messaging projects a positive company image to the public and reflects the OCS Corporate and Social Responsibility brand
• Oversee the development of public reports and press releases for the organization
• Lead and oversee external events (conferences, meetings, webinars, etc.), including setting the strategic direction and purpose for the event, and overseeing event set up and material preparation as required
• Promote the OCS Corporate and Social Responsibility brand through media and social media platforms in partnership with marketing and other key departments.
• Cultivate positive media relations and maximize media opportunities by responding to media requests in a timely manner and ensuring the quality control of all information released, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and other Agencies or key vendors/partners as required
• Provide media, public speaking and presentation skills training and guidance to the senior leadership team, directors and other key team members as required

Internal Communications

• Oversee the development, distribution and coordination of all OCS internal communications
• Lead, facilitate and work with key department leads to agenda set for internal corporate meetings that occur on a monthly basis (or more frequently)
• Prepare materials (speeches, presentations, key messages, etc.) as needed for senior leadership participation in key meetings, conferences, media appearances, etc.
• Provide oversight and set strategic direction for the OCS Greenroom (intranet)

Stakeholder Engagement

• Implement a stakeholder engagement framework for the organization that that will improve understanding and perception of the OCS\xe2\x80\x99 role in the marketplace in Ontario
• Coordinate all stakeholder engagement across the organization to ensure consistency and organization for all stakeholder interactions
• Prepare supporting materials, including key messages and presentations to key staff to support stakeholder engagement
• Strengthen the OCS\xe2\x80\x99 understanding of its stakeholders by engaging and building strategic partnerships and evaluating the benefits and impact of such engagements to inform the future of stakeholder engagement

People Leadership

• Hire, develop, evaluate, reward, and retain a highly-qualified team of professionals and managers
• Foster a culture of innovation, transparency and accountability within the department and throughout the OCS
• Promote a \xe2\x80\x9cbusiness first\xe2\x80\x9d mentality at all levels of the organization
• Ensure that the team has the competence and skills to execute business-critical projects In conjunction with HR, develop and maintain a plan that provides for succession and continuity in the most critical management positions within the department

About You

• Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree or diploma in Communications, Journalism, or a related multidisciplinary field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in a leadership position within Communications, with experience managing direct reports.
• Strong background in strategic communications, including expertise in media management, social media, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience with both internal corporate and external communications.
• Proven experience in planning, writing, editing, and producing various communication materials, such as newsletters, presentations, speeches, conference videos, and website content.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Outstanding analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational and leadership capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and budgeting.
• Preferred: 3-5 years of experience in a Communications leadership position within the public sector
• Preferred: Master\'s degree in a related field.

About the Job

• This position currently offers a Hybrid work schedule. The current in office requirement is a minimum of 3 days/week (may be more depending on business needs). The OCS office is located near York Mills and Yonge St. However, OCS reserves the right to change this policy and its office location at any time.
• When working from home, a reliable internet connection is required. Remote work is supported with cloud-based applications and collaboration tools (i.e., MS Teams)
• City: Toronto, ON
• Employment Type: Full time
• Required Travel: Rarely, within the GTA

We are committed to providing an accessible, equitable and inclusive candidate and employee experience. We provide reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and in employment. If you require an accommodation, please let us know, we will work with you to meet your needs