Senior Advisor, Issues Management and Media Relations

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an agency where smart ideas, innovation and real impact come together to drive excellence. Reporting to the Ministry of the Attorney General, the AGCO is responsible for regulating Ontario’s vibrant alcohol, gaming, horse racing, and private retail cannabis sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.   The AGCO’s Communications Branch is seeking an experienced, strategic and media-savvy Sr. Advisor, Issues Management and Media Relations to help shape and protect the organization’s public profile and reputation. In this high-impact role, you will lead strategic media relations and issues management initiatives, provide trusted communications advice to senior leaders, and work on complex, high-profile issues across Ontario’s regulated alcohol, gaming, cannabis, and horse racing sectors. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic communicator who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about public affairs, storytelling, and reputation management.   What You Will Do: Lead and execute media relations activities that support and enhance the AGCO’s public profile and reputation. Develop strategic communications materials including media responses, key messages, press releases, speaking notes, Q&As, and position statements. Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, and internal stakeholders across the organization. Provide proactive and reactive issues management support, including media monitoring, environmental scanning, issues forecasting, and crisis communications planning. Research and analyze public, political, and sectoral issues to identify emerging risks, trends, and opportunities impacting the AGCO. Collaborate with subject matter experts and senior leaders to provide strategic communications advice and support corporate initiatives. Lead and coordinate media inquiries, approvals, translations, and distribution processes while ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables. Support continuous improvement initiatives by evaluating communication strategies, programs, and processes and recommending enhancements. Prepare communications products that meet accessibility and French-language requirements. Work in a fast-paced environment managing multiple priorities and tight deadlines with professionalism and sound judgement. Eligibility to work in Canada and the ability to successfully complete a criminal background check.   You Have:  A university degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Issues Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum 5 years of experience in media relations, communications, issues management, public affairs, or public relations. Strong experience developing strategic communications materials and managing media relations activities. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear, plain language. Strong research, analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills. Experience working with senior leaders, stakeholders, government partners, and cross-functional teams. Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities under tight timelines. Knowledge of media relations and issues management principles, trends, and best practices. Sound judgement, political acuity, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and online research tools. Knowledge of Ontario’s alcohol, gaming, cannabis, and horse racing sectors, as well as the government/regulatory environment.   Nice to Have: Experience working as a journalist or media spokesperson. Working knowledge of French and familiarity with French-language services requirements. Experience in the public sector, regulatory environment, or government relations. Knowledge of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and accessibility standards. Established relationships with journalists, media outlets, or industry stakeholders. Familiarity with crisis communications planning and media training practices.