Senior Publicist

WHO WE ARE
Opened in 1914 and welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canadas most-visited museum ranking among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America. At ROM we are dedicated to building and sharing global collections sharing knowledge inspiring learning and fostering community engagement. As a globally recognized field research institute ROM houses an impressive collection of over 18 million artworks cultural objects and natural history specimens showcased in over 40 galleries and exhibition spaces. We are committed to creating a space where art culture and nature intersect connecting people and communities to the past present and shared future.

As we continue to work toward our goals to transform and evolve as one of the worlds foremost 21st-century museums we seek passionate and dynamic team members who embody our mission and values.

WHO WE NEED
We are seeking a strong storyteller to join Canadas largest and most comprehensive museum who can develop execute and track compelling media campaigns and outreach strategies that support exhibitions events programs and institutional initiatives to increase public awareness drive attendance and engagement and support ROMs strategic direction.

The successful candidate will have a knack for establishing strong relationships inside and outside of the Museum including building and maintaining key media contacts collaborating with colleagues from across the organization and working with external stakeholders on engaging narratives that support the Museums messaging goals and reputation.

This unique opportunity to help tell the many fascinating stories behind the Museums storied exhibitions galleries and collections also calls for internal communications and issues management experience.
With research and collections that span art culture and nature from around the world and across the ages were looking for someone who can operate as both a strategic communications lead and a skilled storyteller to connect with diverse audiences and share the broad spectrum of all ROM has to offer.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Develop and implement comprehensive public relations strategies that promote exhibitions curatorial research public programs acquisitions and institutional initiatives with a focus on increasing organizational profile and driving visitor attendance.
• Write and edit a variety of media materials including news releases media backgrounders Q&A documents communication plans crisis management documents briefing notes and more.
• Secure media interviews through targeted pitching and compelling story concepts to ensure maximum coverage.
• Coordinate and supervise onsite media visits and shoots as well as supporting ROM spokespeople (leadership curators etc.) with key messaging and advance interview preparation.
• Develop and sustain media contacts and relationships at the local national and international levels and assist in maintaining media database.
• Actively respond to incoming media requests as required.
• Develop advance plans and effective messaging strategies to assist with timely management of communications issues.
• Track earned media coverage and produce campaign media reports for relevant stakeholder audiences.
• Collaborate closely across Museum departments to ensure impactful aligned messaging across all communication channels.
• Assist with internal communications needs including the development and distribution of all-staff emails and other messaging.
• Opportunity to assist with hiring and supervision of seasonal Communications intern.

WHAT YOU BRING

• A minimum of a college diploma (3 years) in a communications public relations journalism or related program OR an acceptable equivalent in education and experience.
• At least eight (8) years of progressive experience in public relations media relations or strategic communications preferably within the arts and culture sector nonprofits higher education or related fields.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills the ability to synthesize often complex and detailed information into a compelling public-facing narrative.
• Experience developing original news releases and corporate/internal communications materials.
• Communications project management including engagement with internal and external stakeholder groups.
• Issues management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask while meeting tight deadlines.
• Experience with Microsoft Office programs and media monitoring services such as Meltwater and Prowly.
• French language skills would be an asset.
• Aptitude for working both independently and within a small collaborative team.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Comprehensive benefits coverage: For permanent and full-time contract positions enjoy paid benefits for individuals and families a health spending account and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Worry-free retirement savings: With our pension plan you benefit from an employer-matched Defined Benefit contribution plan which provides predictable lifetime retirement income survivor benefits and early retirement options without the stress of investment decisions.
• Support for new parents: Enjoy a parental leave top-up to 95 percent of your salary for 17 weeks helping you balance work and family life.
• Perks: Free ROM membership for permanent full-time and part-time staff plus discounts to over 200 attractions through Attractions Ontario.
• And more!

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• START DATE: September2026
• OPEN DATE: July 24 2026
• CLOSE DATE: August 10 2026
• STATUS: Full-time Permanent
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: OPSEU Local 543
• EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $74 303 - $84 917
• SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six (6) months
• LOCATION (onsite): Toronto ON (in-office Mon-Fri)

WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS

1. Initial conversation: A 30-minute virtual conversation** with a Recruiter to discuss your interest in the role and ROM and how you can make an impact.
2. First interview: A 1-hour in-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the HR team. This in-depth interview will focus on your skills and how they align with the teams and ROMs needs.
3. Second interview: A 1-hour in-person meeting with the Hiring Manager and AVP Communications. You may be asked to do a writing/editing assignment and/ordiscuss scenarios relevant to your role.

The above-listed process may change or vary based on the nature and scope of the position.
**Any virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be recorded.**

WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM

• Cultural engagement: Daily interactions with Torontos diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends. We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences.
• Continuous learning: At ROM expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and open-mindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths.
• Passion & fulfillment: Our work in preserving and curating cultural narratives brings deep satisfaction. We are passionate about the arts global history cultural diversity and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility.
• Team & culture: ROM promotes a positive workplace with collaborative supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problem-solving.
• Academic collaboration: We are committed to education partnering with universities and providing student resources underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility.

If youre excited about this role even if your experience differs from the specific requirements we encourage you to apply. Were keen to meet candidates who can contribute their talents to our goals and will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge skills education and experience.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY EQUITY INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY
At ROM we embrace diversity in our exhibits communities and teams. We encourage applications from racialized persons Indigenous Peoples persons with disabilities 2SLGBTQI individuals and those who can further diversify our ideas. We are committed to equitable employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at emailprotected for assistance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• ROM does not require Canadian experience. International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
• ROM uses technology-assisted tools (including JazzHR TalentFit) to support the review and screening of applications. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.
• Candidates should be prepared to submit and create original communications content without the use of generative AI.
• This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a verbal job offer will be subject to a background check. This includes a criminal background check and verification of professional references and other checks depending on the role.

#LI-Onsite

Required Experience:

Senior IC

Employment Type : Full-Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1
Yearly Salary Salary: 74303 - 84917