For 60 years, the Ontario Arts Council has played a vital role in fostering the development of the arts for the benefit of all Ontarians. OAC is an agency that operates at arm's length from the Province of Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The OAC's grants and services to professional, Ontario-based artists and arts organizations support impactful arts communities and practices, including arts education, Indigenous arts, community arts, crafts, dance, Francophone arts, literature, media arts, multidisciplinary arts, music, theatre, touring, and visual arts.
In alignment with the CEO's directives, Director of Public Affairs, Communications & Research will lead the development and implementation of OAC’s strategic plan, logic model, performance metrics, and priorities. This role entails overseeing ongoing and any urgent communications with three critical external stakeholders - the arts community, government, and the general public, while simultaneously managing internal communication with the board and staff. Furthermore, the position involves coordinating the exchange of information and research among all stakeholder groups, emphasizing data analysis and effective storytelling.
The Director of Public Affairs, Communications & Research will have extensive experience in public relations, communications, and/or government relations with progressively responsible experience in a related field, ideally in a leadership role. Specific experience in political communications and government relations, including engagement with many political parties and philosophies, is essential.
They will demonstrate expertise in managing comprehensive communications programs, evaluating data analytics services, and proficiently using project management practices. Strong human resource management skills, preferably in a unionized environment. They should be skilled in strategizing for equity, diversity, and inclusion priorities, and possess a wide-ranging knowledge of government relations, media relations, social media strategy, and more. The Director of Public Affairs, Communications & Research will bring strong communication abilities, adaptability to changing political landscapes, and cultural sensitivity are crucial, along with bilingualism in French as a major asset. Finally, they will exhibit conflict resolution skills and analytical abilities.
To fill this position, Ontario Arts Council has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers Berndtson. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online at https://careers.odgersberndtson.com/en-ca/28720
For more information, please contact Amelia Keller Consultant of Odgers Berndtson.
We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Ontario Arts Council is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers Berndtson and Ontario Arts Council throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.
OAC is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce. Applications from all interested individuals are welcome and individuals from equity-deserving groups are encouraged to apply and indicate this in your application. OAC values a diversity of perspectives, ideas and lived experiences as an asset in serving Ontario’s arts community.
