Manager, Communications and Public Affairs

Do you want to be part of our innovative and entrepreneurial team?

Do you thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and enjoy working in a team atmosphere? Are you an “outside the box” thinker who strives to implement continuous improvements? Do you take a strategic approach to your work? Do you enjoy a fast-paced culture where your opinions are valued and respected? Do you enjoy building partnerships to solve mutually beneficial challenges?

Mitacs is a national not-for-profit that helps industry and non-profit partners solve strategic challenges by leveraging Canada’s world-class post-secondary talent and a global network of industry, academic, and government partnerships. Through these collaborations, Mitacs helps business and community partners succeed, improves students’ on-the-job skills development, and strengthens Canada’s world-class innovation ecosystem. At Mitacs, we strive to develop the next generation of innovators with vital research and business skills. In partnership with domestic and international companies, governments, and academia, we support a new economy using Canada’s most valuable resource – its people.

To get a better understanding of Mitacs and read more about our values, please visit our website.

This is an 18-months contract – Mat Leave replacement.

Summary

Reporting to the Acting Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs, the Manager, Communications and Public Affairs is responsible for managing all external communications for Mitacs including overseeing implementation of communications strategy for media, news releases, events, stakeholder engagement, and social media. The manager is also responsible for overseeing 3-4 direct reports including Senior communications and public affairs specialist, communications and events specialist, and social media specialist. The Manager also provides functional management support for internal communications and management of freelance support including design. Additionally, this role plays an important part in shaping the Impact strategy, executing the annual Mitacs Innovation Awards, and developing and owning the social media strategy for Mitacs.

The successful candidate will be a self-motivated, proactive, excellent communicator, with a track record of professionalism, leadership, and initiative. Their strength as a team player is balanced by an ability to work independently in a fast-paced and flexible environment. Known for their exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, they are effective in their interactions with key stakeholders in business, government, and academic spheres as well as their ability to balance multiple competing priorities and support growing awareness of Mitacs and enhancing our reputation.

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the Vice-President, Communication and Public Affairs, manage the Mitacs corporate communications strategy including overseeing all external communications, social media, and events related to stakeholder engagement.
• Managing 3-4 direct reports, including Senior Communications and Public Affairs Specialist, Communications and Events Specialist, and Social Media Specialist. As well as providing functional support for Senior Internal Communications Specialist and freelance and contract employees including design support.
• Manage team members’ performance, delegate appropriately, and support them in their professional development and growth
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of team processes, operations, and best practices
• Collaborate with MET team, marketing, partnerships, and business development teams to maximize communications to internal and external audiences
• Oversee or write/produce communications materials, including news releases, change management communications, speaking notes, articles, case studies, videos, reports, government relations documents, and other collateral as needed.
• Monitor, measure, and report on communications activities
• Ensure communications activities are directly aligned with core objectives of organization.

Skills & Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience managing communications programs and leading teams.
• 10+ years of experience in communications with an external focus.
• A degree or diploma in communications, journalism, or related field with at least six years of progressively senior roles, including experience managing people and contractors.
• Extensive experience in the planning, execution, and evaluation of communications activities.
• Experience with national and international communications and media relations.
• Experience creating and executing on corporate communications strategy including social media, events, and support for crisis communications, awareness, and reputation-building.
• Excellent writing, editing, and oral communications abilities coupled with superior interpersonal skills.
• Highly collaborative, with both internal and external stakeholders, with an ability to work cross-functionally within the organization.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deliverables under tight deadlines.
• Self-starter who works well in a team environment.
• Ability to anticipate challenges and understand implications of decisions.
  Enjoys a fast-paced and flexible environment.
  

Hiring Range: $86,480 - $102,695

Hiring and Salary Range Transparency

Typically, employees are hired, transferred, or promoted within the salary range, specifically between the minimum and midpoint in the hiring range.

The salary range refers to the range of base salaries for a given position, encompassing the minimum and maximum amounts. The midpoint of the range is positioned approximately halfway between the minimum and maximum, indicating a fully qualified employee with comprehensive job knowledge and experience for the role.

Only in rare and exceptional circumstances, where a candidate has the experience, skills, and expertise that far exceed those required for the position, would we consider paying above the hiring range for this role.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and decolonization are core values at Mitacs: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Mitacs. We believe a diverse workforce comprised of individuals with different ideas, strengths, interests, and backgrounds (e.g., gender identities and expressions, Indigeneity, race, abilities, sexual orientation, and other identities) are crucial to our success. We welcome everyone to apply and encourage you to connect with us if you require accommodations during the recruitment process.