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 and Marketing (Bilingual) leads a team of communications specialists and translation professionals, working across the organization to implement communications activities that support the Digital Research Alliance of Canada’s goals. Reporting to the Director, Communications and Marketing, the Manager is responsible for executing communications plans developed in collaboration with the Director for internal and external audiences, overseeing the Alliance’s digital presence and leading measurement and reporting activities. This role ensures that all Alliance communications are aligned with the organization’s brand, voice, and standards in both official languages.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Execute and maintain the Alliance brand assets and templates, including episodic reviews and adjustments to ensure it continues to meet the growing needs of the organization.
- Ensure the brand is well communicated internally and externally and collaborates with other teams to ensure all communications are aligned with the brand identity and tone of voice.
- Develop and promote branded templates, toolkits, and guidance for self-service communication needs across the organization.
- Collaborate with communications specialists to develop and execute comprehensive communications plans that support a broad range of Alliance activities, including nationally funded programs, ongoing operational support, and strategic initiatives such as the Strategic Plan.
- Ensure communications plans are inclusive, accessible, and reflective of Canada’s diverse research communities and other communities of interest.
- Provide tactical communications support to senior leaders, including presentation materials, speech writing, messaging, and coaching. Support change management initiatives through clear and timely communication strategies.
- Support communications related to governance under the guidance of the Director and corporate activities, including the Annual Report and materials intended for the Board of Directors and government stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the Human Resources team to develop and implement an internal communications strategy that builds a strong corporate culture and ensures alignment across departments and addresses the specific needs of a fully remote workforce.
- Develop and lead a multi-channel digital communications strategy, encompassing the Alliance’s website, social media platforms, newsletters, and other digital assets. Ensure ongoing content development, performance tracking, and optimization.
- Support media coordination and content preparation, including preparing briefing materials, managing media lists, and supporting media monitoring and reporting.
- Proactively pitch stories and media opportunities that raise awareness of the Alliance’s impact on the research community and its role in Canada’s digital research infrastructure.
- Monitor and analyze media coverage. Provide timely strategic advice to leadership based on media trends and emerging risks.
- Lead the creation of compelling content such as articles, blog posts, op-eds, and thought leadership pieces. Ensure consistent quality and storytelling aligned with organizational values.
- Oversee the development of case studies, success stories, and visual assets that showcase the contributions of Canadian researchers and the Alliance’s support of their work.
- Ensure a strong editorial standard and consistency in tone, clarity, and messaging across all communications.
- Develop and execute strategic marketing campaigns in support of organizational objectives, including event promotion, recruitment efforts, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. Utilize audience insights to optimize campaign performance.
- Track and report on performance metrics defined by the Director for communications activities. Regularly evaluate outcomes and use insights to inform future strategies. Present performance against communications KPIs to leadership on a regular basis.
- Provide strong leadership to the communications team – including day-to-day management, performance evaluation, and professional development – and foster a collaborative and innovative team culture.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Post-secondary education (college diploma, bachelor’s and/or master’s degree) in communications, marketing, journalism, or English. A combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
- A minimum of seven years of practical leadership and related experience in a fast-paced, not-for-profit, post-secondary education, agency, or equivalent environment is preferred. Experience in digital research, technology, journalism, or the public sector is considered an asset.
- Professional certifications in communications, public relations, or project management are considered an asset.
- Demonstrated expertise in media relations, storytelling, and/or content creation, with a portfolio that shows the ability to engage diverse audiences across paid, earned, shared, and owned platforms. Experience translating complex technical or academic content for general audiences is considered an asset.
- Strong knowledge of marketing and communications strategies, campaign planning, and digital engagement techniques.
- Proven experience developing and managing relationships with journalists, media outlets, and external communications partners or vendors.
- Strong understanding of branding and brand management, including visual identity, narrative consistency, and messaging frameworks.
- Experience leading communications teams and budgets, with the ability to coach, mentor, and inspire high-performing staff.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate complex ideas into actionable communications plans and compelling messages.
- Demonstrated sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to provide strategic counsel to senior leadership.
- Self-starter who is comfortable working independently, navigating ambiguity, and managing multiple priorities.
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
REQUIREMENTS
- Fluency in both of Canada’s official languages (French and English), including the ability to write and edit effectively in both languages, is required.
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
The expected salary range for this position for candidates residing in Canada is from $107,640 CAD to $161,460 CAD. Placement within this range will be determined based on several factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, demonstrated performance, and overall alignment with the requirements of the role. The range reflects the Alliance’s commitment to equitable pay practices and to ensuring fair compensation for all employees.
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.