Manager Media Relations

Job Information

Overall Purpose

Under the direction of the Director Corporate Communications, the Manager is responsible for the design, development and implementation of media relations programs for the Ottawa Police Service. These programs are integral to the accurate portrayal of the OPS in the media and its reputation within the community. The Manager provides expert support in the creation of media relations strategies that lead to effective relationships with the media, community stakeholders and members of the OPS.

Major Responsibilities

• Develop a long-term plan to cultivate, at all levels of the OPS, strong relationships with a broad spectrum of media, including traditional and digital platforms, as well as community-based and ethnocultural media serving diverse linguistic and cultural audiences. Develop short- and medium-term programs that align with that strategy, and build a foundation for a consistent, open and professional relationship with the media.
• Develop clear and coherent practices, procedures and guidelines for responding to the media, including the designation of incident / on-scene spokespersons. Develop clear processes for communication and feedback between OPS spokespersons and the media relations office.
• Manage the development of a media relations training program that incorporates both formal and informal opportunities to build skills of front-line officers and management in responding effectively to the media. Create and maintain a strategic, multi-faceted program for creating awareness among all members of the role and importance of the media.
• All Managers are accountable for the development, monitoring, and reporting of financial resources including all overtime in their section as per the Overtime Management Policy.
• Develop a proactive media relations program. Through this outreach approach, identify opportunities for new programs, processes or technology that continue to advance the ability of the OPS to respond to traditional and digital media outlets and the community-based ones.
• Provide expert media relations advice to the Director on major, critical or controversial issues, to ensure that the integrity and reputation of the OPS is protected and preserved, and to ensure that all communications with the public are done in an accurate, effective, transparent and timely manner.
• Provide advice to the Director, senior management and OPS members on timing, content, style and distribution of media releases and advisories to ensure that all communications meet corporate standards and align with the media relations strategy using multiple communications tools including social media.
• Provide high quality communications materials as required, such as speaking notes, news releases, and backgrounders for executive command senior management or members of the OPS.
• Respond on behalf of the OPS where a direct response is appropriate or arrange for the appropriate staff/member to respond. Prepare, assist or oversee the preparation of reports, briefs, speaking notes, presentations and media releases.
• Oversee the day-to-day development and distribution of news releases to all media outlets. Ensure the media relations section responds effectively to daily media and public inquiries, using multiple communications tools including social media.
• Oversee daily media monitoring activities to ensure members of OPS receive timely media clippings / briefings / updates.
• Liaise with management and outside agencies to develop media strategies during critical / controversial events; provide project management support in crisis management situations.
• Develop a staff resource plan that optimizes the ability of the Service to ensure effective coverage and responsiveness to the media.
   

Major Responsibilities (continued)

• Develop measurement and assessment tools and programs that provide objective information on the quality and effectiveness of media relations programs and initiatives. 
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of all news and public environment material pertaining to the OPS. Stay informed of emerging issues and proactive in ensuring the OPS is represented accurately and fairly to the public.
• Conduct internal and external research on a wide range of media relations issues to support program design and evaluation. Research could include an assessment of current trends and issues across other Canadian police services or best practice research on leading company practices and media relations technology.
• Establish and maintain contacts with media relations peers in other police services across Canada to keep informed of emerging best practices, technological innovations and cross-service issues.
• The Media Relations Manager is responsible for administering the budget for the Media Relations Section and for supervising Media Relations staff that may include Media Relations Constables and Specialists.
• The Manager may be called upon to act as a bilingual spokesperson, engaging with both English and French media through interviews, press conferences, and on-camera appearances as needed.
   

Major Responsibilities (continued)

Statement of Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

Four (4) year post secondary education in public affairs, journalism, communications or a related subject.
Experience and formal training combined may substitute for stipulated education requirements.
Minimum of five (5) years, with progressively responsible positions in media relations, public affairs, communications, journalism or a related field including:

• Proven experience in creating and directing strategic media relations programs.
• Highly experienced in crisis communications, project management, community relations, communications marketing, special events, and speech writing.

Language:

• English – fluency in oral, reading, and writing.
• French – fluency in oral, reading, and writing.
   

Certifications and Licences

N/A

In service Training

The following mandatory training and education is provided to all civilian Directors of the OPS:

• Supervisor Health & Safety. 
• Respectful Workplace. 
• Harassment & Violence in the Workplace.
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Road to Mental Health Readiness (R2MR).
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
   

Job Knowledge

• Working knowledge of the Organization’s Mission, Vision and Values.
• In-depth knowledge of principles and best practices in media relations, crisis communications and issue management.
• Advanced knowledge and skills in strategic planning and organization, crisis management and problem solving.
• Excellent knowledge of the community including emerging political, social and diversity issues.
   

OPS Competencies

Hours of Work

Effort and Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a standard office environment with minimal adverse working conditions. 
• Occasional travel between OPS sites is required. 

Desired Qualifications

Oral, reading, writing fluency in other languages.