Director, Communications

The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is an independent, non-partisan think tank whose peer-reviewed research, foresight and trusted analysis influence policy makers to innovate. With the engagement of a global network of experts and contributors, CIGI tackles the governance challenges and opportunities of data and transformative technologies, including AI, and their impact on the economy, security, democracy and, ultimately, societies. CIGI delivers independent world-leading research and analysis to influence policy on cutting-edge issues that intersect transformative technologies and governance.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the President of CIGI, the Director, Communications & Public Affairs is a member of the Senior Management Team and oversees the strategy and implementation of CIGI’s outreach and impact activities that promote CIGI’s research and strengthen its brand and reputation internationally. As such, the Director is responsible for the development and execution of CIGI’s communications, media, and publications process, and contributes to government relations strategies. This position directly leads the teams responsible for media relations, social media, editorial content, and event execution. Through a Senior Manager, the Director also oversees the Digital Media and Software function which delivers a range of products and services including creative design, digital marketing, multimedia, publishing, and web programming. This position works closely with the Research Directors and Program Managers to manage the research outputs and event requirements. The Director also supports the activities of the President and Research Directors in representing CIGI and may also serve as an ambassador for the organization by acting as a corporate spokesperson.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

As a member of CIGI’s Senior Management Team (SMT):

• Play an integral role in the development of CIGI’s strategic plan and the annual Program of Work and Budget, as well as the achievement of CIGI’s mandate and strategic plan objectives.
• Provide strategic advice and leadership in developing programs and mobilizing research to achieve CIGI’s desired impact.
• Promote a culture of high performance and professional standards that emphasizes CIGI’s values of collaboration, accountability, and integrity.
• Establish positive, collaborative relationships with peers on the SMT and all cross-functional team members.
• Represent the best interests of CIGI in all internal and external dealings and maintain the reputation of the organization.

Communications and Government Relations

• Develop and champion CIGI’s brand, global media presence, and public profile in support of organizational objectives.
• Provide strategic leadership in the development of outreach plans to amplify the impact of research projects with policy makers and their influencers by:
  

- Acting as the link between Communications & Public Affairs and the research and project management team.

- Developing and implementing communications and media planning for publications including policy briefs, essay series, and special reports.

- Cultivating a broad network of relationships with journalists and editors to drive high quality coverage of CIGI and its research.

- Monitoring and advising SMT activity with key government stakeholders at the local, national and global level.

• Establish social media content and promotion strategies to inform, engage and influence targeted, high-level external audiences.
• Serve as primary communications advisor to the President and Senior Management Team, advising on media, communications and crisis management.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight of CIGI’s internal and external communications.
• Cultivate key, local community relationships to promote CIGI and its research.

Digital Media and Software function of Communications & Public Affairs

• In collaboration with the Senior Manager, Digital Media and Software, establish a digital strategy to build CIGI’s digital presence and brand, both on CIGIonline.Org and external sites.
• Oversee the delivery of online editorial content that furthers CIGI’s position as thought leader in digital governance.
• Define content metrics, KPIs, and use analytics to inform and optimize decision-making related to CIGI’s channels and content types.
• Maintain quality assurance and quality control in research publications by ensuring wide adoption of CIGI’s Style Guide and that high publishing standards and policies are maintained.
• Review all permissions for reproducing CIGI publications and resolve issues regarding copyright of CIGI publications.
• Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with external suppliers, including editors and designers.
• Lead the production of CIGI’s Annual Report in both official languages.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or relevant discipline.
• 15+ years of experience developing and implementing a communications, digital marketing and public affairs strategy in an innovative and creative environment.
• A minimum 10 years of leadership experience with large diverse teams.
• Fluency in English, written and oral, with a second international language an asset.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing a comprehensive communications and government relations strategy.
• Experience with creating and measuring impact on research publications and deliverables, ideally within a knowledge mobilization and/or theory of change framework.
• Excellent project management skills including managing a budget and effectively coordinating multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interface with senior management, Board of Directors, and staff across an organization.
• Ability to operate as an effective tactical, operational, and strategic thinker.
• Strong familiarity with national and international news media operations and journalists.
• Strong understanding of evolving social and digital media strategies, email list building and visual communication. Familiarity with Meltwater would be asset.
• Understanding of the publication processes, both digital and print.
• Knowledge of the structure and operation of the Government of Canada and global institutions.
• Highly motivated and results oriented with a passion for policy development.
• Familiarity with a research environment engaging with experts would be an asset.
• Exemplary written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

Note:
This position is based at our CIGI Campus in Waterloo, Ontario, where employees have a hybrid work environment which requires them to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume, cover letter and salary expectations to careers@cigionline.org by December 10th, 2024. Incomplete applications may not be considered. We appreciate all candidates’ applications but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

CIGI is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment. Our goal is to attract and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. We are committed to providing accommodation to applicants throughout the recruitment and hiring process.