Director, Communications & Stakeholder Relations

The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) is seeking a Director, Communications & Stakeholder Relations.

About RECO

As Ontario’s regulator of more than 110,000 real estate agents and brokerages (often referred to as registrants), RECO administers and enforces the law that regulates trading in real estate in Ontario and enhances consumer confidence in the real estate services sector. RECO’s commitment to pursuing trust in every transaction means consumers can navigate the real estate market with confidence.

A modern regulator with approximately 170 employees, RECO is a collegial and dynamic environment where strategic agility, curiosity and empathy are valued.

Hybrid work environment

RECO has a ‘hybrid’ environment, which typically includes a minimum attendance in the office of two days per week, with some teams/positions requiring more frequent in-office attendance.

RECO’s commitment to diversity and inclusion: They aren’t just words to us!

RECO is committed to promoting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that includes awareness, education, and engagement-building opportunities for all employees.

The role

Reporting to the Chief Strategy and Corporate Officer (CSCO), the Director, Communications & Stakeholder Relations provides strategic leadership for RECO’s stakeholder relations, issues management, strategic communications, and marketing functions.

The Director shapes and leads strategies for engagement, public awareness, reputation and media relations, ensuring stakeholders clearly RECO’s mandate, priorities, and regulatory outcomes, while reinforcing public confidence and trust in the organization. This role drives proactive, credible, and responsive communications that support RECO’s consumer protection mandate and strengthen understanding of its regulatory work among consumers, registrants and the public.

Position responsibilities

Stakeholder Relations

Set and oversee RECO’s stakeholder relations strategy to support regulatory effectiveness, transparency, and public confidence.
Lead stakeholder engagement activities (e.g., consultations, forums, events) to advance understanding of RECO’s mandate and priorities.
Monitor stakeholder issues, risks, and trends, and provide timely strategic advice to senior leadership.
Oversee stakeholder relations operations, ensuring appropriate capacity, prioritization, and service standards.
Build and maintain effective relationships with registrants, consumers, public-interest groups, industry associations, advisory committees, education providers, and regulatory partners.

Marketing and Strategic Communications

Set the strategic direction for communications and marketing in support of regulatory priorities and consumer protection objectives.
Lead integrated communications and marketing strategies that advance public awareness, education, and understanding of RECO’s role and requirements.
Oversee external communications, campaigns, and outreach across digital and traditional channels, with a focus on measurable outcomes.
Ensure communications are evidence-informed, accessible, and aligned with RECO’s mandate and brand standards.
Oversee resources, budgets, work planning, and performance measures for the communications and marketing functions.

Issues Management and Media Relations

Lead RECO’s issues management function, including the identification, assessment, and coordinated response to issues affecting regulatory credibility and public trust.
Provide strategic advice to executive leadership on reputational risk, media sensitivity, and response options.
Serve as RECO’s designated spokesperson and senior lead for media relations, including proactive and reactive engagement.
Oversee key messages, briefing materials, and response protocols to ensure accurate, timely, and aligned communications.
Coordinate cross-functional input to issues and media responses, ensuring alignment with legal, policy, and operational considerations.

Corporate Communications

Lead corporate communications to support organizational alignment and effective change implementation.
Provide executive communications support to the Chief Executive Officer.
Ensure timely, clear, and consistent internal communications on regulatory priorities and initiatives.
Oversee corporate communication channels, content standards, and coordination with external and issues-related communications.

Leadership

Provide strategic leadership for the Stakeholder Relations Department to advance regulatory priorities and respond to emerging risks and opportunities.
Establish clear governance, processes, and performance expectations for a high-performing, adaptable team.
Lead, coach, and develop staff through objective-setting, performance management, and professional development.
Set departmental priorities and oversee planning and budget development.
Serve as a member of the Management Group, providing expert advice to executive leadership and supporting governance and Board reporting processes.

Qualifications and experience

Skills

Proven leader of multidisciplinary teams, able to set strategic direction and deliver results.
Expertise in media and issues management, including spokesperson responsibilities in sensitive or high-profile situations.
Experience leading integrated strategic communications and marketing initiatives that advance regulatory and public-interest objectives.
Strong judgment and advisory capability, with the ability to interpret complex issues and guide senior leadership.
Able to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes in high-pressure environments.
Highly effective communicator, translating complex issues into clear, accessible messaging for diverse audiences.

Knowledge

Regulatory environments, delegated administrative authority models, and organizational governance.
Relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks, including TRESA 2002, associated regulations, corporate by-laws, and the Administrative Agreement.
Best practices in communications, public relations, and stakeholder engagement.

Experience

10+ years of senior-level or management experience in a regulatory, delegated administrative authority, government, or comparable environment.
7+ years in a management or planning role overseeing communications, stakeholder relations, or related functions.
Track record in media relations, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications, including staff management and cross-functional leadership.

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma required.
Degree or diploma in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field highly desirable.

Core competencies

Stakeholder relationship management and influence
Strategic thinking and problem-solving
Enterprise thinking and systems orientation

Why work for RECO?

Working at RECO means contributing to an organization that supports a fair, transparent, and consumer-focused real estate marketplace.

What you can expect

Purpose-driven work: Your contributions help protect consumers and strengthen one of Ontario’s largest and most important sectors.
A modern, evolving regulator: We are innovating how we regulate and engage with the real estate sector, and your ideas and expertise will help shape the future.
Professional growth: We invest in employee development, ongoing learning, and cross-functional exposure.
Hybrid flexibility: Our hybrid model supports balance, flexibility, and wellbeing.
Inclusive culture: You’ll work with people who care deeply about doing what’s right and delivering high-quality public service.

Join us

If you’re passionate about meaningful work, eager to grow, and want to make a tangible impact on an industry that touches every Ontarian, RECO is the place to do it.

Apply today and help shape the future of real estate in Ontario.

Posting date: February 6, 2026
Closing date: February 13, 2026
Grade 12
Hiring range: $136,000 to $170,000

Qualified applicants are invited to submit a detailed resume specifically addressing RECO’s needs along with salary expectations to Human Resources at careers@reco.on.ca

RECO is committed to treating all people in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and equal opportunity. We are committed to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest.