Manager, Communications and Stakeholder Relations

COLLEGE OF KINESIOLLOGISTS OF ONTARIO - JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Manager, Communications and Stakeholder Relations

REPORTS TO: Registrar

JOB TYPE: Full-time, Permanent, 1.0 FTE (35 hours/week)

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Registrar, the Manager, Communications and Stakeholder Relations is responsible for leading the

College of Kinesiologists of Ontario’s (COKO or the College) communications and stakeholder engagement functions. The Manager develops, implements, and evaluates communications strategies that support the College’s statutory mandate, regulatory responsibilities, and strategic priorities.

The Manager ensures consistent, accurate, and timely communications across the organization and provides strategic advice on communications matters that support transparency, public understanding, and effective engagement with registrants, stakeholders, and the public. The Manager works collaboratively with staff, Council, committees, and external partners to ensure communications are clear, accessible, and aligned with the College’s role as a health regulator.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Manager provides independent leadership for the College’s communications and stakeholder engagement portfolio, delivering strategic advice, guidance, and communications support across the organization. Working with limited direction, the Manager applies sound judgment, creativity, and expertise to develop communications approaches that support the College’s regulatory mandate and strategic objectives.

The Manager develops, implements, and evaluates strategic, crisis, and tactical communications plans and leads initiatives that deliver accurate, effective, and impactful communications. The Manager collaborates with staff, committees, and Council to support informed decision-making and effective communication of the College’s work.

The Manager remains current on emerging communications trends, technologies, and best practices to identify opportunities to enhance the College’s communications and engagement approaches. The Manager monitors the external environment, identifies emerging issues and risks, and provides strategic advice on communications matters that may impact the College. The Manager maintains a strong understanding of relevant legislation, regulations, College policies, and programs to ensure communications are accurate, appropriate, and aligned with the College’s mandate.

The Manager leads stakeholder engagement initiatives that support transparency, strengthen relationships, and enhance understanding of the College’s regulatory role.

Note: This position does not currently have direct supervisory responsibilities but is accountable for leading the College’s communications and stakeholder engagement functions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities outlined below are intended to describe the general nature of the role and are not an exhaustive list of all duties.

Communications Strategy, Planning and Evaluation

• Develops and leads the College’s communications strategy in alignment with its strategic objectives and statutory functions.
• Develops and implements communications and engagement strategies for registrants, students, stakeholders, and the public to support understanding of the College’s regulatory mandate, responsibilities, and programs.
• Works collaboratively with departments across the College to understand initiatives, programs, policies, and operational priorities to support effective communications.
• Provides communications expertise and guidance in the development of plans, approaches, and key messages.
• Develops project plans that establish priorities, timelines, resources, and costs.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of communications initiatives and recommends improvements to enhance clarity, accessibility, and impact.
• Participates in budget planning and manages assigned communications budgets.

Communications Content, Editorial Oversight and Digital Channels

• Develops and oversees the creation of clear, accurate, and accessible communications materials across digital, print, and multimedia channels.
• Develops communications guidelines, templates, and standards to support consistency across the College.
• Provides editorial oversight of Council materials and College communications to ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency, and alignment with the College’s regulatory mandate and communications standards.
• Reviews external communications materials to ensure they are accurate, appropriate, and consistent with College standards and requirements.
• Develops presentations, reports, and other communications materials that effectively convey information to intended audiences.
• Leads the planning, development, coordination, and publication of the College’s annual report and other corporate communications.
• Coordinates content contributions from internal teams and external partners and manages relationships with designers, translators, printers, and other service providers.
• Ensures corporate publications accurately reflect the College’s mandate, activities, performance, and strategic priorities.
• Manages the College website to ensure content is current, accurate, accessible, and aligned with the needs of registrants, stakeholders, and the public, including compliance with AODA requirements.
• Maintains appropriate digital and social media channels in support of the College’s communications objectives.
• Coordinates translation services as required.
• Maintains communications resources and records.

Media Relations, Issues Management and Stakeholder Engagement

• Monitors communications and emerging issues related to the College, the profession, and the regulatory environment, and provides advice regarding potential risks and opportunities.
• Develops media materials, key messages, briefing notes, speaking points, and other communications content as required.
• Coordinates media inquiries and serves as a primary point of contact for media relations.
• Acts as a spokesperson for the College as required.
• Builds and maintains relationships with communication professionals across the regulatory sector.
• Supports engagement with registrants, stakeholders, government partners, and the public to promote understanding of the College’s regulatory role.
• Leads the planning and coordination of stakeholder engagement activities, consultations, and events.
• Evaluates engagement activities and provides recommendations for continuous improvement.

Crisis Communications and Other Responsibilities

• Supports crisis preparedness and participates as a member of the crisis management team.
• Develops and implements crisis communications approaches and provides advice during emerging issues.
• Works with external vendors and service providers to support effective communications operations.
• Monitors media, social media, online platforms, and other relevant channels for issues affecting the College or regulatory environment.
• Undertakes special projects and other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, or a related discipline.
• 4–5 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and presentation skills.
• Ability to develop clear and effective communications tailored to diverse audiences.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and experience using communications technology and digital platforms.
• Knowledge of current digital communications and social media practices.
• Ability to learn and use communications applications and tools independently.
• Knowledge of privacy legislation and communications considerations applicable to public institutions.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to provide direction and guidance without direct authority.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills.
• High political and organizational acuity, with the ability to identify issues requiring escalation.
• Knowledge of Ontario’s health regulatory framework, including the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Health Professions Procedural Code, the Kinesiology Act, 2007, and related regulations.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

COKO is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that reflects the public we serve. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, including those who have been historically underrepresented.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is commensurate with experience. This position includes vacation entitlement and extended health and dental benefits.

How to Apply

Please submit a combined cover letter and resume outlining your qualifications and experience.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Applications should be submitted to: operationscoordinator@coko.ca

Application deadline: When the position is filled.