Company: Torstar

Location: Toronto, ON

Expected salary:

Job date: Sat, 14 Jun 2025 22:27:09 GMT

Job description: Company DescriptionHome to the Toronto Star, Canada’s largest daily newspaper, and other trusted brands including The Hamilton Spectator, Waterloo Region Record, The Peterborough Examiner, St. Catharines Standard, Welland Tribune, Niagara Falls Review and over a dozen local community news sites, Torstar is a progressive media organization dedicated to impactful journalism, community engagement and storytelling with purpose.Torstar is committed to innovation, audience engagement, and the long-term sustainability of high-quality journalism in an increasingly complex and fast-changing media landscape. With the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies like data analytics, AI-powered tools and modern content platforms, we deliver high-quality trusted news with speed, precision and interactivity. Our continuous evolution reflects our deep commitment to innovation in the service of journalism, ensuring that our newsrooms remain agile, audience-centric, and equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital media ecosystem, without ever sacrificing reader trust.Our Commitment to DiversityWe strive to be a leader in building and cultivating an employee community framed around fairness, support and opportunity. We believe that what makes us different, makes a difference. And as a team, the diversity of our backgrounds, interests and experiences is what enriches our work, and our workplaces. We welcome all, and we strive for an inclusive culture that allows individual growth and shared success.Job DescriptionWe are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and collaborative Director of Public Relations & Brand Engagement to lead our public relations strategy, brand positioning, stakeholder engagement and content-driven marketing initiatives. This role is responsible for elevating the vital news brands under the Torstar umbrella, expanding their reach and impact through compelling campaigns, government and stakeholder relations, strategic partnerships and innovative communications strategies. You will work closely with senior leadership to build meaningful connections with audiences, partners, government and the Canadian public. A strong understanding of marketing strategy is essential to extend reach, enhance engagement and amplify our messaging across digital channels.Key ResponsibilitiesPublic & Media Relations: Serve as the primary liaison for public relations, maintaining strong relationships with media, community partners and key stakeholders to advance Torstar’s public image and initiatives.Strategic Marketing Leadership: Develop and execute integrated marketing strategies that grow brand awareness, engagement and subscriber loyalty for the Toronto Star and other Torstar assets.Multimedia Integration: Leverage diverse tools to support public relations efforts, engage target audiences and enhance the visibility and impact of campaigns. Ensure content and messaging are optimized for performance across digital platforms.Content Leverage & Campaigns: Collaborate with editorial, product and partnership teams to amplify compelling newsroom content and leverage it for audience-building campaigns across digital, print and event platforms.Stakeholder Communication: Develop proactive communication strategies that support corporate initiatives and reinforce Torstar’s mission. Engage with government institutions, civic organizations and strategic partners. Provide support to Torstar’s policy team by amplifying messaging, providing strategic advice on campaigns and events and supporting industry collaboration and innovation.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the Executives, Publisher of Toronto Star, Marketing team and editorial leadership to align marketing efforts with audience growth goals, strategic initiatives and external collaborations.Measurement & Optimization: Use data and analytics to assess campaign effectiveness, media impact and audience sentiment; adapt strategies to maximize performance and reach.QualificationsUndergraduate degree or equivalent in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English or other related discipline.A minimum of 7 years in progressively more senior roles with at least 4 years of leadership experience in marketing, public relations, policy or communications—ideally in media, tech, publishing or a mission-driven brand.Proven track record in developing and executing strategic marketing plans and media relations campaigns.Strong storytelling skills and an ability to translate editorial content into high-impact messaging.Experience working with executive teams, stakeholders and community partners.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Strong knowledge of social media platforms, tools and analytics with an ability to develop effective digital engagement strategies.Knowledge of the Canadian media landscape, public affairs or civic engagement is a strong asset.Why Join Torstar?Be part of a progressive media brand that is proudly 100% Canadian-owned and operated that is committed to impactful journalism, democracy and innovation, whose diverse content assets reach over 11 million Canadians.Work at the intersection of journalism, policy and digital transformation.Contribute to meaningful conversations that shape Canadian societyAdditional InformationAODAWe are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for candidates, including persons with disabilities. In compliance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Ontario Human Rights Code we will endeavour to provide accommodation to persons with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you are selected for an interview and you require accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please notify the hiring manager upon scheduling the interview of your requirements.

Company Overview:

Torstar is a leading media organization in Canada, home to the Toronto Star and several regional newspapers. It is dedicated to impactful journalism, community engagement, and purposeful storytelling while adapting to the fast-changing media landscape through innovation and technology.

Diversity Commitment:

The company prioritizes diversity and inclusion, believing that varied backgrounds enrich their community and workplace. Torstar fosters an environment where individual growth and shared success are key.

Job Summary:

Torstar is looking for a Director of Public Relations & Brand Engagement. This dynamic role involves leading PR strategies, brand positioning, stakeholder engagement, and marketing initiatives. Key responsibilities include:

• Public & Media Relations: Acting as a liaison to enhance Torstar’s public image.
• Strategic Marketing Leadership: Developing marketing strategies to boost brand awareness and loyalty.
• Multimedia Integration: Leveraging tools to support PR efforts and enhance campaign visibility.
• Content Leverage & Campaigns: Collaborating with teams to amplify editorial content and audience engagement.
• Stakeholder Communication: Creating proactive communication strategies to support corporate initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working with executives and editorial leadership to align marketing with audience growth.
• Measurement & Optimization: Utilizing data to assess and improve campaign performance.

Qualifications:

Candidates should have a degree in a related field and a minimum of 7 years of experience in senior marketing or communications roles, with proven success in strategic planning and media relations. Strong writing, communication skills, and knowledge of the Canadian media landscape are essential.

Why Join Torstar?

Joining Torstar offers an opportunity to work with a 100% Canadian-owned media brand committed to journalism and innovation, reaching over 11 million Canadians. The role exists at the intersection of journalism, policy, and digital transformation.

Additional Information:

Torstar is committed to an inclusive recruitment process and will provide accommodations for candidates with disabilities as needed.