Job Posting: Manager, Communications & Public Engagement

Position: Manager, Communications & Public Engagement
Term: Full-Time
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Reporting to: Director, Communications & Public Engagement
Vacancy Type: Existing Vacancy

 

The Organization: Waterfront Toronto

Waterfront Toronto was established by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and the City of Toronto in 2001 to oversee and lead the renewal of the city’s waterfront. Our mandate is to deliver a revitalized waterfront that brings together the most innovative approaches to sustainable urban development, excellence in design, real estate development, and leading technology infrastructure. Working with stakeholders, and with public and private-sector partners, Waterfront Toronto creates neighbourhoods anchored by parks and public spaces, and diverse, sustainable, mixed-use communities that offer a high quality of life for residents, employees, and visitors alike. We are transforming the waterfront for the use and enjoyment of the people of Toronto, Ontario, and Canada, to foster economic growth and to redefine how the city, province and country are perceived by the world.

 

The Opportunity: Manager, Communications & Public Engagement

Waterfront Toronto is seeking a Manager, Communications & Public Engagement.  The incumbent will work collaboratively with departments across the organization to amplify and celebrate achievements that demonstrate Waterfront Toronto’s vision.  Working in a challenging and dynamic environment, the incumbent will be an energetic, flexible, self-starter interested in playing an integral role in a broad range of strategic communications and public engagement activities.
 

Key Responsibilities: 


The Communications and Public Engagement department operates within a matrixed structure and collaborates with internal departments, external project partners, and key stakeholders to seamlessly support Waterfront Toronto’s communications needs. Within this context, this position fulfils the following responsibilities:
 

Strategic Communications:

  • Develop and execute corporate-wide campaigns in collaboration with internal and external project teams.
  • Develop and execute innovative communications and marketing strategies that create awareness and understanding of Waterfront Toronto’s mandate, projects, and initiatives, and reinforce the corporation’s value proposition among a number of stakeholders. 
  • Lead and oversee logistics related to executing communications plans.
  • Lead media relations strategies, develop opportunities and story ideas, plan and manage media events and announcements, create messaging, news releases, backgrounders, briefing notes, and respond to inquiries.
  • Act as the communications expert by bringing your knowledge of leading communications practices to committees, special projects, and in advising our spokespeople and leaders. 
  • Uncover and share captivating, timely, impactful stories that could live across our communication channels, such as our websites, social media channels and newsletters. 
  • Plan, develop and oversee the deployment of print and digital content, ensuring information is relatable and compelling.
  • Collaborate with project teams and stakeholders to capture the corporation’s strongest narratives
  • Create content and manage the production of video and other multi-media content.
  • Track metrics assessing effectiveness of communications campaigns and programs and make adjustments where needed.
  • Develop and execute programming and animation activities in support of corporate objectives.
     

Stakeholder Relations: 

  • Cultivate and grow constructive relationships with constellations of interested parties including political office holders, project partners and other stakeholders. 
  • Represent Waterfront Toronto at meetings and events. 
  • Establish goals and objectives, identify appropriate tools and tactics, assign responsibilities, and manage timelines, deliverables, and budgets. 
  • Identify issues and provide strategic advice on communications matters, both internal and external, including community stakeholder management, reputational risk and liability, and public engagement.
     

General:

  • Manage external consultants and vendors, as needed.
  • Provide direction, oversight and relevant information to Communications and Public Engagement Coordinator(s) and other team members in relation to the above duties.
  • Other duties as assigned.
     

Skills and Qualifications: 

  • 5 – 8 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or public engagement.
  • Post-secondary degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.  
  • Experience in the public sector and agencies is an asset.
  • Strong media relations skills and relationships.
  • Experience with web management/content management systems an asset.
  • Detail-oriented with strong analytical, planning and project-management ability.
  • Understanding of all facets of communication principles and best practices.
  • Ability to manage multiple and often competing priorities and work under tight deadlines with a positive attitude.
  • Ability to work in a complex environment that has a wide range of objectives, issues, stakeholder and operational factors.
  • A responsible self-starter who is diplomatic, outgoing, and has a strong work ethic and ability to provide outstanding customer service.
  • Proven track record in leading integrated campaigns and managing complex projects. 
  • Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills. 
  • Strong knowledge of Canadian political landscape and public sector communications. 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, Teams, and social media platforms. 
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign) is an asset.
     

Salary:  

$93,770 – $117,213 annual base salary 
*This represents the expected hiring range and does not represent the full pay range for this position. The salary offered may be higher than the posted range depending on several factors such as relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.
 

What We Offer:

•    Comprehensive Health & Dental Coverage – 100% employer-paid
•    Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Confidential support for employees and their families – 100% employer-paid
•    Paid Time Off – Vacation, personal, and sick days
•    Retirement Savings – Employer-matching RSP program - up to 6% of base pay
•    Professional Growth – Learning & development reimbursement for memberships, conferences, and courses
•    Employee Discount – Access to discounts for various retailers through Perkopolis


Other Considerations: 

During this time, Waterfront Toronto is operating in a hybrid work environment. Employees are currently required to work in our office three days per week and have the option to work remotely for the remainder of the week. This is subject to change by the Corporation.
 

Application Process: 

Candidates should email their resume and cover letter in one (1) PDF document to: careers@waterfrontoronto.ca, quoting File #26-01 by February 25, 2026.

Please indicate in your cover letter how you learned about the job posting and include the specific site or network.  

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
 

Note on Future Opportunities: 

 

While we review applications for this role, we encourage all qualifying candidates to apply. Your application may be considered for future similar opportunities that become available. By submitting your application to us you agree that we may consider you for an upcoming similar opportunity and can reach out to you should the opportunity arise.
 

Waterfront Toronto is an equal opportunity employer, committed to representing the diversity of the city of Toronto on our team and fostering an inclusive workplace. To this effect, you are encouraged to reflect upon the diversity you would bring to the role within your application, including, but not limited to, identifying with one or more of the under-represented groups identified within the Ontario Human Rights Code. We will provide equitable treatment and accommodation to ensure barrier-free employment. If you require accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code or Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) at any stage of the recruitment process, please advise and we will work with you to meet your needs, up to the point of undue hardship.
 

AI Disclaimer:

AI-assisted tools may be used to support and streamline parts of the recruitment process. However, all applications are individually reviewed, and all hiring decisions are made by our human team to ensure fairness and accuracy.