Media Relations and Social Media Specialist

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**Media Relations and Social Media Specialist**

**EXTENSION**

Reporting to the Manager of Stakeholder Relations and Outreach, the Media Relations and Social

Media Specialist is responsible for the planning, development and implementation of a range of English

and French media relations and social media services that present CFI-funded research and its impact

on the life of Canadians in a positive and informative light. The incumbent is also responsible for

working with media relations staff at all client institutions to enhance the coverage of CFI-enabled

research, as well as for responding to general enquiries from media and the public.

**KEY ACTIVITIES**:
**Media relations**
- Draft and edit news releases, media advisories, backgrounders, Q&As, media lines and other

written media materials.
- Work with the Manager to develop the CFI’s corporate media relations strategy to ensure it aligns

with communications activities and supports the CFI’s overall public positioning.
- Lead the media relations and social media aspects of funding announcements, conference panels

and other CFI event activities.
- Respond to media enquiries in a timely way, recommending appropriate course of action,

suggesting responses and briefing spokespeople, when necessary.
- Coordinate media interviews with CFI spokespeople in a timely fashion.
- Pitch and promote research story ideas to journalists to boost coverage of CFI-funded facilities, and

the researchers and research taking place in them.
- Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with Canadian and international journalists in print,

broadcast, online, business, research and university media outlets.
- Develop and maintain productive working relationships with an extensive network of media

relations personnel in CFI-funded institutions, government and other related organizations.
- Monitor and report on media relations metrics to assess the effectiveness of media relations

activities.
- Develop plans for editorials and pitch to relevant publications.

**Social media
**- Lead the planning and execution of social media plans that support the CFI’s public positioning.
- Develop creative and relevant content for the CFI’s social media channels in both official

languages that aligns with the CFI’s priorities and deepens engagement with key audiences.
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**Media Relations and Social Media Specialist**
- Plan and implement social media promotional campaigns, including paid promotional opportunities.
- Stay updated on social media industry standards and make recommendations for the

implementation of new tools, platforms and tactics, when necessary.
- Monitor and report on social media metrics to assess the effectiveness of media relations and

social media activities.
**Other
- Provide written, editorial and logístical support for External Relations and Communicat ions activities

and projects, as required.
***
- Prepare reports and perform other duties, as required.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
The incumbent shall have:
**Skills**
- Excellent written and oral communications skills in English and French and an ability to work

effectively in a bilingual environment.
- A strong news sense and proven track record of pitching news stories and opinion pieces to

Canadian media outlets.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills.
- Excellent research skills.
- Excellent time, project management and organizational skills.

**Knowledge
**- In-depth knowledge and understanding of current affairs and ability to frame CFI media

activities in political, social and economic contexts.
- Extensive knowledge of social media platforms, trends and technologies, including success

metrics.
- Extensive knowledge of contacts in both French and English media.
- Familiarity with trends in Canadian research, innovation and business.

**Experience
**- At least f ive years of experience in a similar role.
- Experience supporting the work of a dynamic and highly motivated team, and ability to work

independently with mínimal supervision.
- Proven track record of working effectively under deadline pressure and in crisis situations.
- Sound judgement and effective use of necessary discretion when dealing with the media and

the public.
**Education**
- Degree in journalism, communications or equivalent from a recognized postsecondary

institution, or an acceptable combination of education and work experience.
Canada Foundation for Innovation | Fondation canadienne pour l’innovation