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 Canadas 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 Canadas 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 Canadas most valuable resource its people.

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

Senior Communications and Public Affairs Specialist

The Senior Communications and Public Affairs Specialist is an experienced communications professional who provides strategic communications and stakeholder engagement support to Mitacs. As a crucial member of the Communications & Public Affairs team, the ideal candidate is skilled at crafting compelling copy for multiple channels, clearly communicating Mitacss impact, delivering captivating content that drives action and supports change, and advising and supporting senior leadership.

The role is uniquely positioned as the main Communications & Public Affairs lead for the Mitacs Enterprise Transformation (MET), an organization-wide initiative defining Mitacss future state through new processes, technology, and ways of work. The Senior Communications and Public Affairs Specialist collaborates with other team members and departments to identify, engage, and communicate with stakeholders in a coordinated, purposeful, and timely way. It contributes to building awareness, gaining commitment, and providing transparency about MET.

Position Responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of the Manager, Communications and Public Affairs, lead integrated communications efforts for the Mitacs Enterprise Transformation
• Develop and implement communication strategies focused on improving engagement and enhancing reputation
• Develop communications materials from ideation to final product, including website copy, news releases, presentations, and other collateral
• Manage communications calendar for MET-related initiatives, and lead alignment meetings
• Work side-by-side and develop strong relationships with the Transformation Management Office, Change Management Adoption Taskforce, and Senior Internal Communications Specialist to develop and execute communications plans that are based on specific needs and challenges while ensuring alignment with Mitacss corporate strategy
• Advise and support senior leaders on communications strategies
• Use data to drive communications improvements
• As needed, support the Communications and Public Affairs in other activities and topics, including drafting and proofreading corporate communications materials such as impact stories, handouts, videos, annual reports, and other collateral
• As needed, support corporate, government, and partner events with advisories, news releases, speaking notes, and other deliverables
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of team processes, operations, and best practices

Skills, Abilities, and Experience:

• A degree or diploma in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field with at least five years of experience in corporate or external communications
• Talented storyteller and experienced strategic communicator who is capable of crafting compelling messages and successfully engaging stakeholders
• Excellent writing, editing, speaking, and presentation skills
• Ability to anticipate challenges and understand implications of decisions
• Self-motivated and proactive, with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
• Extensive experience in planning, executing, and evaluating corporate and change management communications
• Proven track record applying data and analyses to developing communications strategies and coordinating impactful messages
• High degree of emotional intelligence, including the ability to adapt to different working and communication styles, and balance multiple competing priorities
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver under tight deadlines
• Written and verbal fluency in French is a strong asset
• Knowledge of written and spoken English is required in this role as you will interact with colleagues, clients and stakeholders located across Canada
• Experience with post-secondary institutions and/or government funding agencies is an asset
• Enjoys a fast-paced and flexible environment

Hiring Range: $71, 200 - $84,500

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.