Manager, Communications

ABOUT THE ALLIANCE

The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) serves Canadian researchers, with the objective of advancing Canada’s position as a leader in the knowledge economy on the international stage. By integrating, championing, and funding the infrastructure and activities required for advanced research computing (ARC), research data management (RDM) and research software (RS), we provide the platform for the research community to access tools and services faster than ever before.

We have an ambitious mandate — to transform how research across all academic disciplines is organized, managed, stored, and used. We work with other ecosystem partners and stakeholders across the country to help provide Canadian researchers with the support they need for leading-edge research excellence, research, innovation, and advancement across all disciplines.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager, Communications, will oversee a team of communications specialists and translators, and will work closely with the Member and Community Engagement team and others across the organization to plan and deliver communications activities that support the Digital Research Alliance of Canada’s goals. The Manager, Communications will report to the Director, Communications and Engagement. Responsibilities will include a broad range of communications strategy development, planning and execution of internal and external communications, brand development, digital tools and presence, and measurement and reporting. Ultimately, the manager will ensure that all Alliance communications are aligned with the organization’s brand, voice, and standards, in French and in English.  

The ideal candidate will be a passionate, motivated professional looking to innovate new and effective means of communicating with and convening stakeholders and who can link strategies and tactics to organizational objectives. The Manager will thrive in a collaborative and cooperative environment with colleagues while driving projects independently. Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently will be essential.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the Alliance brand, including episodic reviews and adjustments to ensure it continues to meet the growing needs of the organization. Ensure the brand (and its voice) is well communicated in the organization, and work with other teams to ensure all communications are aligned with the brand identity and tone. Develop templates where applicable to facilitate self-service models across the organization.  
• In collaboration with the communications specialists, the Manager is responsible for the development and execution of communications plans supporting a broad range of Alliance activities, including the programs approved in its Multi-Year Funding Proposal, ongoing and non-standard operational support, as well as strategic initiatives such as its Mandate Renewal and strategic plan development.
• Provide communications support and advice to senior leaders and others in the organization, including presentation support, speech writing and other guidance as required.
• Work closely with the Board Secretary and others in the Office of the CEO as well as the Membership and Community Engagement team to lead communications on key governance and corporate activities including the AGM, Annual Report and other Board of Directors- or government-facing materials as required.
• In collaboration with the human resources team, develop an internal communications strategy that ensures cohesion across all Alliance staff, supports the development of a strong corporate culture, and provides clear and regular communications that address the unique challenges of a fully remote organization.  
• Support the creation and maintenance of positive relationships with the research community, government, key associations, community partners and other stakeholders.
• Develop a digital communications strategy that includes the ongoing development and implementation of the Alliance’s website, social media channels and other digital assets and properties.
• Act as point of contact for media relations inquiries and develop response plans as required.
• Develop measurement and reporting frameworks and ongoing processes for the team’s communications activities.
• Manage the communications budget and a variety of communications vendors that support the work of the communications team.
• Provide leadership to the communications team, including support with work planning processes, performance management and ongoing mentorship.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Knowledge normally associated with a college, undergraduate and/or Masters-level degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or English.
• At least seven years of practical and related experience in a fast-paced, not-for-profit, post-secondary education, agency or equivalent environment is preferred.
• Expertise in the development and execution of a broad range of communications plans that include complex issues, diverse audiences, and demonstrate innovative communications approaches across multiple traditional and digital platforms.  
• Experience in managing teams, budgets and relationships with various types of communications-related vendors.
• Experience with brand development and management.
• Ability to think strategically and to translate strategy to execution, with consideration for a variety of audiences. Demonstrated judgement, discretion, and critical thinking, with experience providing counsel to senior leaders across all functions of the organization.
• Ability to work autonomously, problem solve, and generate action from ambiguity.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within and outside the organization.
• Knowledge/experience with computer applications, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Cloud, etc.
• Strong ownership and partnering skills – a natural builder and change agent.
• Other relevant professional certifications are an asset.
• The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in both of Canada’s two official languages is an asset 

BENEFITS / WORK PERKS

In addition to a competitive salary and a rewarding career where you can truly make a difference in the Canadian research community, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that meets the various needs of our diverse team and that spans across Canada, including:

• Comprehensive Benefits Plan, including:
  • Health 
  • Dental
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness Spending Account
  • Mental Health Supports
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Paid Vacation 
• Remote Work

Please apply here: Manager, Communications

The Alliance is strongly committed to equity and inclusion within the community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of racialized groups, people of colour, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous- and 2SLGBTQIA+ identified people.