Ottawa (Downtown), ON, CA
Director, Media Relations
Take a central role
The Bank of Canada has a vision to be a leading central bank—dynamic, engaged and trusted—committed to a better Canada. No other employer in the country offers you the unique opportunity to work at the very center of Canada’s economy, in an organization with significant impact on the economic and financial well-being of all Canadians. You will be challenged, energized and motivated to excel in our environment.
Building on the principles that have always guided us – excellence, integrity and respect – we strive to be forward-looking and innovative, to welcome people with diverse perspectives and talents, and to earn trust by living up to our commitments and by clearly explaining the intent of our policies and actions.
With our defined-benefit pension plan, benefits, and high flexibility for work life balance - find out more about why we are annually ranked as one of Canada's top employers: Working Here - Bank of Canada
Find out more about the next steps in our Recruitment process.
What you will do
As the Director of Media Relations, you will lead a team that provides sound communications advice, leads media activities and produces high-quality content to advance the Bank’s objectives. The Media Relations team liaises with the media and works closely with partners across the Bank to ensure the Canadian public are informed about the Bank’s policies, decisions and functions. A substantial part of the work is focused on supporting the monetary policy and financial stability functions of the Bank and the related public activities of the Bank’s Governing Council. The role is increasingly charged with leading communications on regulatory matters given the Bank’s growing payments system oversight mandate.
As the Director, Media Relations, you:
- provide strategic and tactical communications advice to Governing Council and senior management of the Bank
- develop media strategies and oversee their execution, including organizing interviews, press conferences and technical briefings
- lead responses to media questions on high-profile, high risk media issues, acting as a primary spokesperson for the Bank
- ensure effective communications support for Governing Council members at major public events, including speeches, parliamentary appearances and press conferences
- set standards and oversee the delivery of high-quality communications training for Bank leadership and staff
- actively manage reputational risk by monitoring the external environment and advising the department’s leadership on approaches to maintain trust in the Bank
- play a lead role in the design and execution of crisis communications plans
- champion evidence-based communications by monitoring and analyzing media coverage and social media discourse.
- build and sustain a resilient, high-performing team, fostering inclusion, psychological safety, and sound judgment in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
What you need to succeed
- leadership experience in communications including dealing with journalists on sensitive files and issues, and leading teams through ambiguity, competing priorities, and high public scrutiny
- knowledge of the Canadian economy and financial system, and ability to interpret, understand and summarize the Bank’s policies and activities in accessible language
- experience briefing and coaching senior officials on message strategy and media activities
- knowledge of the public environment, including the media and the political system
- demonstrated ability to plan and manage activities in an environment requiring co-operation, coordination, and flexibility to meet objectives
- proven ability to produce results under pressure quickly and reliably
- experience in crisis communications and ability to proactively assess and manage risks and issues
- availability for business travel with members of Governing Council and to work overtime, when required
- experience providing communications advice in a regulatory environment
Your education and experience
This position requires a master’s degree in communications, journalism, economics, political science, or a related field, along with ten years of experience in communications or public affairs, including at least five years in a leadership or managerial role with a demonstrated ability to build high performing teams. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Innovative Mindset
We value candidates who demonstrate adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn new technologies, including AI and digital tools. We seek individuals who can think critically about data, question existing processes, and find ways to simplify our work while embracing change and new ways of doing things.
Language requirement
The Bank’s work environment is conducive to the use of both of Canada’s official languages - English and French. The position language requirement is Level 5 (Fully Functional). If a qualified candidate who meets the language requirement of the position is not found, a qualified candidate who does not meet the language requirement may be considered. Training may be provided to help reach the required level. Both bilingual and unilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
What you need to know
- Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents
- Security level required: Be eligible to obtain Secret
- Relocation assistance may be provided, if required
- Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available.
Hybrid Work Model
The Bank offers work arrangements that provide employees with flexibility, enable high-performing teams, and support an excellent workplace culture. Most employees can telework from home for a portion of each month as part of the Bank’s hybrid work model, and they are expected on site at the Bank location a minimum of 12 days per month to help build connections between colleagues. You must live in Canada, and within reasonable commuting distance of the office.
What you can expect from us
This is a great opportunity to join a leading organization and be part of a high-performing team. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet your needs at every stage of your life and career. For more information on key benefits please visit A great deal to consider.
- Salaries are based on qualifications and experience and typically range from $177,681 to $209,037 (job grade 20)
- The Bank offers an incentive for successfully meeting expectations at 7 to 10% of your base salary. The Bank offers additional performance pay (5%) for those who exceed expectations. Exceptional performers who far exceed expectations may be eligible for higher performance pay.
- Flexible and comprehensive benefits so you can choose the level of health, dental disability and life and/or accident insurance coverage that meets your needs
- Extra vacation days (up to five each year) that you can purchase to add to your vacation entitlement
- Indexed, defined-benefit pension
We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.