Current Opportunities

As a Communications Officer, you’ll be part of a versatile, dynamic team that handles all types of media, organizes events and outreach with the public and stakeholders, and curates all of the Ombudsman’s print and digital communications – in English and French. If you’re a bilingual, media-savvy communicator who’s passionate about public service and government accountability, this position is for you.
 

ABOUT YOU:

• Have excellent writing and editing skills, whether you’re drafting a two-page press release, editing a 50-page report, or preparing a short speech

• Are an experienced event planner, adept at co-ordinating logistics and liaising with outside organizations, and skilled at on-site event management and troubleshooting

• Can produce PowerPoint presentations for a range of presenters and audiences

• Have demonstrated success in public outreach and fostering relationships with stakeholders

• Have experience monitoring traditional and social media

• Are able to distil complicated and nuanced ideas into plain language

• Can nimbly manage competing priorities in a busy environment

• Are a self-starter, capable of working independently and in a small team

• Understand the value of independent oversight of the public sector

• Can read and write fluently in both English and French

• Have a background in communications, journalism and/or government 

WE: 

• Are always looking for new ways to reach the public 

• Built the world’s first Ombudsman following on social media 

• Handle hundreds of news media requests per year 

• Produce print products, web content, videos, photos, speeches and slide presentations – all in English and French, and almost all in-house 

• Keep our followers, stakeholders and staff informed and connected 

• Network with and train ombudsmen and other watchdogs across the globe 

• Work in a progressive, fast-paced environment     

THE DETAILS: 

This is a contract full-time position. The position reports to the Director of Communications and is managed by the Manager, Communications.   

In this position, you will work with the Communications team to produce communications materials and web content (print, digital, video), as well as maintain the Ombudsman’s social media presence, and monitor news and social media. You will also play a role in co-ordinating events and liaising with stakeholders to seek out, develop, implement, and manage engagement opportunities for stakeholders and the public. 
  

Applicants must have:

• A post-secondary degree in communications, journalism or a related field 

• At least three years’ work experience that includes event co-ordination and stakeholder engagement

• Solid presentation writing skills

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities

• Knowledge of major social media platforms, website management, and analytics tools 

• Experience with social media, traditional communications and media relations

• Fluent English and French speaking and writing skills

• Superior research skills

Duration: May to August 2019
Team: Legal
Reports To: Senior Counsel
Salary Range: $18.40/hour

This opportunity will appeal to individuals who are intrigued by working in the public service. Successful candidates are those who enjoy collaborating with others while working independently to fulfill their responsibilities.  

Learn more about working as a legal summer student with the Ombudsman’s Office here.

ABOUT YOU

Successful candidates will have the following:  

• Successful completion of the second year of law school

• Demonstrated interest and competency in public service, administrative, education and/or municipal law

• Legal experience in either a paid or volunteer capacity

• Demonstrated experience researching legal issues using a variety of sources

• Superb interpersonal and analytical skills

• Self-starter with a proven ability to work independently and within a team

• Familiarity with social media and new technology is an asset       

This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic, exciting work environment and be part of a world-renowned office with a team of top public sector professionals.   

 All applications should include:

• Cover letter detailing your interest in our office and your related experience

• Detailed resume

• Writing sample

• Law school transcripts

The Executive Administrative Assistant will report to the Deputy Ombudsman, providing administrative assistance on a wide variety of complex and sensitive issues and tasks.  He or she will also support the Director of Investigations and the Director of Early Resolutions as required, and serve as back-up support to the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Ombudsman.  Responsibilities will include supporting the Deputy Ombudsman with administrative tasks including scheduling and coordinating meetings, reviewing and managing incoming and outgoing communications, coordinating travel and accommodations, drafting and finalizing correspondence, organizing events and handling calendar management.
 

ABOUT YOU

Successful candidates will have the following:

• University degree in a discipline related to the work of the office (social sciences, public administration, business, law) or equivalent experience

• A minimum of three to five years’ experience providing administrative support at the executive level in a similar organization

• Experience working with senior public sector and/or government officials and exposure to the workings of provincial government

• Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize work and multitask

• A high level of discretion and judgement

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Collaborative, team approach to work

• Knowledge of government organizations and their administrative processes

• Proficiency in French would be an asset

 
This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic, exciting work environment and be part of a world-renowned office with a team of top public sector professionals. Your executive level support will assist in enhancing the organizational mandate which contributes to systemic change as well as improved public policy and administration for Ontarians.

As part of the Early Resolutions team, you’ll be the first contact for people coming to the Ontario Ombudsman’s office with complaints about the Ontario government. Early Resolution Officers (EROs) triage and analyze complaints to clearly identify issues and determine how to resolve them or when to escalate them. EROs must be able to capably frame issues for escalation and for regular reporting to senior management. Each ERO manages a caseload of files, as well as assists with trend analysis to identify complaint patterns and potential systemic issues. In addition to receiving complaints by email and letter, EROs use their active listening and interviewing skills to take complaints over the phone and in person, at times dealing with complainants who may require special accommodation, or who may be frustrated and distressed by their experience with different government organizations.

This opportunity will appeal to people who are keen to develop innovative solutions within a structured framework and while respecting existing processes and procedures. Successful candidates are both analytical and empathetic, and enjoy working independently as well as collaboratively. Opportunities to work on complaints in French for bilingual candidates.
 

ABOUT YOU

Successful candidates will have the following:

• A minimum of two years experience providing intake and complaint handling services in a similar organization

• Post-secondary education in social sciences or law

• Demonstrated experience in analyzing and identifying issues without injecting opinion or acting as an advocate

• Ability to bring innovative thinking to an issue, while working within a prescribed framework

• Capable of multitasking, balancing the need to resolve issues quickly with an effective and thorough analysis

• Demonstrated ability to communicate with individuals who are distressed, emotionally distraught or who may require special accommodation

• Excellent verbal and written skills, and ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with individuals at all levels

• Self-starter with a proven ability to work independently and with a team

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience related to provincial government organizations including boards, tribunals and agencies

• Familiarity with social media and new technology is an asset

Under the direction of Senior Counsel, the Articling Student will manage a caseload of files. During your employment at our office, you will be involved in all facets of our work and will provide a range of legal services, including legal advice and research, investigation of complaints, legal representation, policy development, and outreach. 
 

ABOUT YOU

Successful candidates will have the following:

• Completion of the prerequisites required to participate in the Law Society of Upper Canada Articling Program

• Demonstrated interest and competency in Administrative Law

• Balanced legal background including education and hands on experience, paid or volunteer, which includes working with clients and researching legislation and issues

• Superb interpersonal and analytical skills

• Self-starter with a proven ability to work independently and within a team

• Familiarity with social media and new technology is an asset      

This is a unique opportunity to develop your hands on legal skills by working with a team of legal professionals dedicated to administrative fairness.

Read more about the articling experience at Ombudsman Ontario here.

Candidates will be paid at the rate of $1,285.25 per week.

All applications should include:

• Cover letter detailing your interest in our office and your related experience

• Detailed resume

• Writing sample

• Law school transcripts