Communications Specialist

OMVIC is currently searching for a Communications Specialist for our Toronto corporate office.

Who is OMVIC?

OMVIC (Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council) is Ontario’s vehicle sales regulator. OMVIC enforces the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act and other consumer protection statutes for the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement. OMVIC’s mandate and role is to maintain a fair and informed marketplace by protecting the rights of consumers, enhancing industry professionalism, and ensuring fair, honest, and open competition for registered motor vehicle dealers. This is achieved by maintaining strict dealer/salesperson registration requirements; inspecting all Ontario dealers (new and used); providing free complaint handling to consumers; developing/delivering consumer and dealer education/awareness programs; and investigating and prosecuting industry non-compliance and illegal sales (curbsiding).

What we offer:

OMVIC is made up of dedicated and hard-working individuals who take pride in the work they do each day to ensure that our mandate is being met. It is this great group of people that create a team atmosphere that is comfortable, friendly, and open which works to foster the team spirit.

Role Summary:

This role involves collaborating with the Communications Team to produce high-quality and engaging written materials tailored for a variety of publications and diverse internal and external audiences, ensuring clarity and consistency in messaging. Additionally, the Communications Specialist is responsible for tracking, supporting, and managing communications projects and initiatives aimed at promoting consumer awareness, ensuring timely and effective execution.

In terms of reputation management, the Communications Specialist will develop and execute consumer awareness, media relations, and public relations strategies to enhance and protect OMVIC’s reputation. This role also oversees all dealer communication programs and campaigns. This Communication Specialist will manage the development and execution of brand-building initiatives, including innovative approaches to dealer communications. Furthermore, the Communications Specialist will lead dealer communication initiatives, ensuring cohesive and strategic communication efforts that align with OMVIC’s goals and values.

The Communications Specialist will manage dealer communications to ensure that all dealers and salespeople are informed and engaged, supporting industry professionalism. In this capacity, the Communications Specialist will be integral in driving OMVIC’s mission to educate OMVIC registered dealers to maintain compliance with the MVDA.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement communication plans aligned with business priorities.
• Create compelling content for internal and external audiences (newsletters, press releases, intranet).
• Manage media relations and execute public relations strategies.
• Lead internal communication initiatives to keep staff informed and engaged.
• Oversee communication projects, timelines, and resource coordination.
• Monitor and report on communication effectiveness using metrics.
• Develop crisis communication plans and act as point of contact during crises.
• Collaborate with internal teams, SMEs, and external vendors for integrated communication efforts.
• Support brand-building initiatives and consumer awareness campaigns.
• Stay current on industry trends and continuously improve communication strategies.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years’ experience in communications; regulatory experience is an asset.
• Strong knowledge of communication principles and practices.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and editorial skills.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication; strong presentation/public speaking ability.
• Superior organizational and project management skills; able to meet tight deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, media monitoring tools, Google Analytics, and PR software.
• Ability to act as an influential communications consultant internally.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and work effectively in a team.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and integrity.
• Bilingual in French preferred.

We respectfully thank all applicants for their interest in working at OMVIC. However, we will only contact those meeting the qualifications for an interview.

OMVIC fosters an environment that respects people’s dignity, ideas and beliefs, thereby working to ensure diversity, equality and inclusion and has been committed to and will continue advocating for an environment where all persons are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. OMVIC is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Should you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify the Human Resources department.