Public Relations Advisor

We are seeking a senior public relations (PR) leader to join Invest Ottawa's talented team of Advisors. This PR Advisor will provide tech startups and scaling firms (primarily those in the IO Accelerator and IO ScaleUp programs) with coaching, mentorship and recommendations on PR and communications strategies and tactics that help them to achieve business outcomes and impact. This includes guidance and support for activities that:

• Support the development of a PR strategy in line with clients' stage, goals, industry and available resources.
• Promote, enhance, and protect clients' brand identity, reputation, and experience, increasing credibility, influence and a positive perception of their business.
• Achieve increased visibility and awareness among target audiences, including desired media coverage, to catalyze new measurable opportunity.
• Optimize company talent, resources, and budget and achieve a high return on this investment.
  

Our Companies

Our clients are at various stages of growing their teams, revenue and markets. They rarely have a dedicated PR team member and often distribute these responsibilities to the founder(s) or other team members.

Relative to their growth, our clients are seeking advisory in how to build connections with media stakeholders, developing pitches for communication outlets, writing press releases, articles and other internal and external communications materials, and developing a corporate communications strategy. They may also need support to deal with crisis situations and how to respond in a time-sensitive and appropriate manner.

Our Advisors

Our Advisors are independent contractors typically with their own thriving consulting practices. They are available between 10-15 hours per month and are paid the standard advisor rate of $150/hour. Please note that these hours are not guaranteed and will depend on client demand each month.

Reporting to Invest Ottawa's Director, Venture Programs, the PR Advisor will support by:

• Conducting one-on-one advisory sessions, offering customized guidance on the development and implementation of successful PR and communications strategies and reviewing PR related material and providing feedback.
• Participating in peer groups or facilitating small group workshops on specific PR and corporate communications topics, challenges and/or opportunities
• Conducting workshops on PR and communications best practices, covering strategy development, messaging, stakeholder management, market channels, brand and corporate image management, media relations, and crisis management.
• Facilitating introductions between our client companies, sponsors, journalists, and other target stakeholders when appropriate for the company's benefit.
• Working closely with the Invest Ottawa team to relay insights from your client engagements, contributing to the refinement of our programs and services.
• Assisting Invest Ottawa with strategic branding and promotional opportunities, such as branding and promoting Ottawa as a tech hub with relevant media and ecosystem players

We would love to hear from you if you:

• Have a deep passion for the Ottawa startup ecosystem and are willing to advocate for our companies and assist with promoting the Ottawa market.
• Have a university degree in PR, Marketing, Journalism, or related field, or a minimum of seven years of PR and corporate communications leadership experience.
• Held the previous position as a senior PR leader (Director/VP level) and/or PR Consultant within the technology sector.
• Are familiar with the startup life cycle, entrepreneurship, and tech ecosystem, and ideally have an established network in tech media and publications.
• Are well versed in all areas of strategic communications and media relations.
• Have demonstrated skills in building relationships with top tier reporters/media outlets and in successfully positioning pitches to achieve high-impact placements.
• Can quickly assess companies' challenges and provide appropriate, on-the-spot guidance, troubleshooting and problem-solving.
• Have strong emotional intelligence with an ability to build trusting relationships, and strong communication skills (especially as a great listener).
• Have a strong proficiency with team collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
• Are predominantly located in the Ottawa region.
• Have demonstrated experience as a leader, advisor and/or mentor and can provide references.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, we know that diversity, equity, inclusion and creating an environment of belonging are critical success factors for globally competitive organizations and are required to drive sustainable wealth creation and prosperity across our region. We strive to create inclusive systems and cultures and infuse diversity into our programs, operations and governance. As an equal opportunity employer that doesn't simply accept difference but celebrates, support and thrives because of it, we invite all qualified candidates to apply, and especially encourage applications from those who identify as members of underrepresented groups.

We are committed to strengthening equity in our local entrepreneurial landscape and as such, we are strongly encouraging applications from qualified applicants from the following groups: women, Black, Indigenous and/or people of colour (BIPOC), people with disabilities, and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards are determined to provide a barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodation during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact [email protected] to request specialized accommodation. Do know, all information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

We're looking forward to hearing from you.