Senior Communications & Public Relations Officer
- Posted By:
- ByWard Market District Authority
- Date posted:
- 7 Apr 2026
- Salary range:
- TBA
- Start date:
- Monday, March 30, 2026
- Closing date:
- Tuesday, April 14, 2026
- Location:
- 55 ByWard Market Square, Ottawa, ON, K1N 9C3
How To Apply
If you possess a combination of the above skills, knowledge, attitudes, and experience, please submit a resume and cover letter in one PDF by email to Fadoua Srihen, BMDA Office Administrator, no later than 5 p.m., Friday, April 3, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
SUBMIT RESUME: admin@bmda.ca
SUBJECT TITLE: [Your Name]_BMDA_SeniorCommunications
The benefits of joining the ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA) team include a health plan, 15 days of paid vacation, an office located in the ByWard Market district, and the opportunity to be part of a growing corporation responsible for two historic public markets in our Capital. While we highly value work-life balance, please note that this position is strictly in-office. Working in our environment fosters collaboration, communication, and a strong sense of community among colleagues, businesses, and visitors.
The BMDA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All candidates are encouraged to apply, and please do not hesitate to reach out to discuss the position with us.
Company Vision
The ByWard Market district is Ottawa’s number one tourist attraction and the premier destination for shopping, dining, arts, culture, and entertainment for visitors and residents. Established in 2023, the ByWard Market District Authority (BMDA) serves as the custodian of the vision, vibrancy, and economic prosperity of the historic ByWard Market district. Our mission is to connect community, culture, and commerce through meaningful experiences, programming, and initiatives.
As the voice of one of Canada’s most recognized public market districts, the BMDA plays an important role in shaping the narrative and public perception of the ByWard Market locally, nationally, and internationally.
The BMDA is seeking a Senior Communications & Public Relations Officer to support the organization’s public communications, media relations, and district storytelling with a strong focus on editorial writing and narrative development. Reporting directly to the Marketing & Communications Manager, this role helps shape and protect the public narrative of the district through clear, timely, and compelling communications.
Position Overview
• Draft press releases, media advisories, background materials, and public communications for district announcements, initiatives, and programming.
• Draft written communications, including newsletters, LinkedIn content, and other public-facing messaging.
• Coordinate media outreach and maintain relationships with local and regional media outlets.
• Monitor local, regional, and national media coverage related to the ByWard Market and provide summaries identifying key narratives, emerging issues, and opportunities for proactive communications.
• Track online conversations and public sentiment (online media, forums, blogs, review platforms, etc.) using monitoring tools such as Cision to identify potential reputational risks or opportunities.
• Assist in coordinating interviews and preparing briefing materials, key messages, and speaking notes for BMDA leadership.
• Assist with organizing media events, press conferences, and announcement moments tied to district initiatives and programming.
• Coordinate the production and rollout of communications materials by working with external creative partners, print vendors, and internal teams to ensure assets are produced and deployed on schedule.
• Represent the organization at select community events, public forums, or announcement moments as required.
• Stay informed on emerging issues, media trends, and best practices in communications and public relations.
• Other duties as required.
EXPERIENCE:
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in communications, public relations, journalism, media relations, or public affairs.
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Experience working with media outlets and an understanding of newsroom environments.
• Ability to monitor media coverage and identify emerging narratives related to an organization or sector.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple communications priorities simultaneously.
• Experience coordinating communications initiatives with external creative partners or vendors.
• Experience working with public sector organizations, tourism or destination organizations, cultural districts, or non-profit organizations is considered an asset.
• Experience working in journalism, news media, or editorial environments is considered a strong asset.
• Confidence supporting media events, public announcements, and stakeholder communications.