Director, Public Relations & Communications

Date Posted: 06/19/2026

Req ID: 48847

Faculty/Division: Faculty of Kinesiology & Physl Ed.

Department: Faculty of Kinesiology & Physl Ed

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description

The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education is globally recognized for developing and advancing knowledge about the interactions of physical activity and health through outstanding undergraduate and graduate education programs, cutting-edge research and the delivery of sport, recreation and high performance athletic opportunities for students, staff, faculty and community members across the three campuses. In achieving this vision, the Faculty is guided by values of integrity, respect, equity and diversity https://kpe.utoronto.ca/.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategic Communications, Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement, the Director provides senior leadership and direct operational expertise for public relations and communications. The Director is responsible for developing, implementing and executing comprehensive communications strategies by which to enhance the Faculty’s image and visibility locally, nationally, and internationally as among the top Kinesiology faculties worldwide.

The Director leads and personally delivers a range of public relations and communications activities, including media and social media, digital and event-related content development, publications and academic recruitment materials. Specifically, the Director provides senior counsel, budget oversight and as well, is required to write, edit, manage creative production, including vendors, and project evaluations. The Director is also responsible for providing senior media relations and communications expertise and will prepare press releases and pitch reporters on important Faculty research and achievements.

The Director participates in senior-level decision-making and is responsible for working closely with senior management on media relations, events, publications, newsletters, institutional statements and issue management, ensuring appropriate consultation and process.

The Director manages a staff of 3 high-caliber professionals and assumes responsibility for human resources, labour relations and financial management, including dispute resolution and compliance of collective agreements.

The incumbent will have a strong ability to do the technical work necessary for impactful strategies and their successful execution.

Education

University degree in public relations, communications, related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of 10 years of relevant, progressive experience in public relations and communications. Experience in academic environment required and experience in health recreation or sport environments an asset.

5+ years experience managing and leading staff, preferably in a unionized environment.

5+ years experience managing media relations strategies and high quality publications.

5+ years experience developing and managing budgets and negotiating contracts.

5+ years experience using web content management systems.

5+ years experience working in a highly complex organization.

Skills

Outstanding written communication skills a must; excellent oral and presentation skills

Strong in negotiation, persuasion and ability to deal professionally with tension and conflict.

Tact, mature judgement, political acumen, diplomatic

Excellent critical thinking and problem solving

Creative and strategic leadership skills

Supervisory skills and ability to set priorities and foster a strong team environment including the ability to inspire staff and colleagues toward the achievement of a goal

Strong time management, administrative and organization skills

Highly developed organization, communication and relationship management skills.

Ability to maintain professional decorum and make sound judgements under pressure.

Ability to interact with senior members of the University and the business community.

Highly customer service oriented with sensitivity to various levels of expectation from a diverse community of stakeholders, including students, community members, staff, faculty and alumni. OTHER:

Familiarity with developments in AI related to public relations and communications.

Proven record executing large, complex projects, including writing, copy editing, artistic direction and production timelines

Self-motivated and accountable

Expert in-depth knowledge of print and digital trends in communications and best practices.

Demonstrated success using web and social media to inform and engage audiences.

Closing Date: 07/12/2026,11:59PM ET

Employee Group: Salaried

Personnel Subarea:PM

Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing

Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 4 -- Hiring Zone: $106,705 - $124,491 -- Broadband Salary Range: $106,705 - $177,843

Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations

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Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact uoft.careers@utoronto.ca.

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