GO TRANSIT POSTING - MEDIA RELATIONS & ISSUES SPECIALIST

MEDIA RELATIONS & ISSUES SPECIALIST $59,506 - $74,744 per annum with an excellent benefits package, including OMERS Pension Plan
Government Relations requires an individual to develop and implement strategic and effective media and communications plans to enhance GO’s public image.  This position is responsible for developing a strong and effective relationship with the news media through coordination and execution of press conferences, media tours, and interviews; developing and creating integrated government relations strategies; providing media, communications, issues, and conflict support and expertise to all levels of staff and other government agencies; developing and executing media and communications plans; and well as developing, monitoring and maintaining media budget.
Location:  20 Bay Street, Toronto
Qualifications:   Excellent knowledge of the English language and corporate communications normally attained through the completion of a four-year College Diploma in communications/media or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Minimum of 4 years’ experience in communication and media relations providing a solid background in the execution and communication of informational and promotional material.  Complete proficiency in the English language in order to facilitate high profile public communications.  Ability to communicate in French is an asset.  Good knowledge of issues management, multimedia products and Internet communications.   Good analytical skills in order to apply communications evaluation and perform analysis techniques for wide range of media.  Good organizational and diplomacy skills. Ability to effectively direct media events cost effectively and within tight deadlines.   Good working knowledge of modern communication techniques, as well as desktop publishing, work processing and web-authoring applications.  Strong understanding of the principles of media relations and marketing, and familiarity with the processes of government and principles of stakeholders.
Applications or resumes must be received by the Human Resources Office, GO Transit, 20 Bay Street, Suite 600, Toronto, M5J 2W3, no later than April 13, 2009, quoting File Number 09-76.
Application forms may be obtained from the Human Resources Office. When e-mailing, please include your resume in the body of the e-mail: (humanresources@gotransit.com). No enclosures please.
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted
Issued by Human Resources April 03, 2009	Closing date April 13, 2009