Position Title: Senior Advisor, Issues Management and Media Relations
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Existing Vacancy: Yes
Division/Branch: Communications and Service Experience Division
Application Deadline: June 19, 2026
Pay Level: 10
Pay Range: $103,518 to $129,393
Work Location: Head Office, Toronto, ON ; (In-Office)
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.
About the AGCO
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an Ontario provincial regulatory agency that reports to the Ministry of the Attorney General. We are responsible for regulating the alcohol, gaming, horse racing and cannabis retail sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.
The AGCO is proud to be recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for the second year in a row. This annual distinction reflects our commitment to cultivating a workplace environment that prioritizes employee well-being, emphasizing work-life balance, mental health resources, and opportunities for professional growth. We remain committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees.
What we offer
The AGCO provides a comprehensive range of benefits and programs (subject to eligibility), including:
- Generous time-off policy, including 2 volunteer days to contribute to causes that matter to you.
- Defined benefit pension plans to secure your financial future.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, with 100% employer-paid premiums.
- Well-being credits to support gym memberships, therapy, financial planning, and more.
- Employer-paid parental leave top-up.
- Professional development opportunities with access to training programs, leadership resources, and reimbursement for professional memberships.
- 24/7 confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program.
- Convenient, central location near the subway line for easy access when working in the office. Paid onsite parking is also available.
Please note that only applications submitted through the Applicant Tracking System will be accepted.
The AGCO is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer.
The AGCO has the responsibility to lead by example in advancing racial equity and to build a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful workplace where every employee has a voice and the opportunity to fully contribute. 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, individuals identifying with one or more of the under-represented groups identified within Ontario’s Human Rights Code.
Disability related accommodation during the recruitment process is available upon request. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation during the application process, or who need job postings in an alternative format, may email their request to
[email protected]. The subject line should read “Accommodation in Application – [Position Title].
We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by our Human Resources team and hiring managers.
