Open Role: Communications Manager
Position Overview
Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) is a national network that puts science to work for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. We support the implementation of cutting-edge research and useevidence-based solutions. Most importantly, we put kids and families at the heart of what we do. With funding from the federal Strategic Science Fund (SSF) program and other partners, KBHN has invested over$60 million into 150 projects and research initiatives so kids can live their best lives.
Reporting to the Director of Operations and Administration, the Communications Manager will lead all aspects of communications work at the Kids Brain Health Network. The Communications Manager will be responsible for the development and implementation of the overall communications strategy for the Network, including tactics as they relate to marketing campaigns, corporate communications, government relations strategy, sponsorship, media relations, digital strategy, social media, website development, branding, measurement and event planning.
The Communications Manager will work to showcase research results and stories about the positive impact on children and families to funders, partners, the media and general public to help increase KBHN’s profile in Canada. The Manager will also help researchers communicate about their work, increase engagement across social media channels and assist with stakeholder relations. The Communications Manager will play a key role in the planning and delivery of KBHN’s stakeholder engagement and be the key contact for the media and members of the public.
This position will ultimately play a significant role in meeting KBHN’s overall strategic objectives, which include increasing the Network’s visibility, broadening our stakeholder base, advancing government relations, and expanding the Network’s impact in Canada.
The Communications Manager supervises a part-time Communications Coordinator and also directs and oversees the work of freelance consultants, including writers, webmaster, translators and graphic designers. The Communications Manager will work cohesively as part of a small professional team and be capable of taking initiative, providing leadership, be resourceful and have the ability to work independently.
KEY JOB DUTIES
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
- Develop and execute communications strategies for the Kids Brain Health Network:
- Identify objectives, audiences, key messaging, channels and tactics.
- Develop indicators for success and evaluate results
- Lead digital media strategy – monitor and report analytics for website, e-newsletter and social media channels to increase impact
- Create and execute social media and awareness raising campaigns
- Support the development of a government relations strategy and materials
- Manage communications budget and set priorities to achieve KBHN’s strategic objectives
WRITING, EDITING AND PRODUCTION
- Write and edit content on the impact of KBHN’s work, including for the newsletter, corporate annualreport, website, brochures, fact sheets and press releases with support from freelance consultants.
- Manage production of communications materials and ensure consistency in branding and messaging
- Work with scientific and program experts to ensure content is accurate and that materials also resonatewith intended target audience
- Develop and manage audiovisual library of stock images, photos and videos.
- Manage French translation of materials.
DIGITAL PLATFORMS
- Work with webmaster to continually improve user-experience on WordPress website
- Develop new content and ensure high traffic pages are SEO-friendly, up-to-date and accurate
- Develop strategy and recommendations for future website redesign project
- Effectively promote KBHN initiatives via social media channels (FB, Twitter, LinkedIn) to increaseengagement
- Ensure social media strategy supports overall communications strategy as well as KBHN’s strategicobjectives
- Partner with other organizations to execute social media campaigns
PARTNERSHIPS AND EVENT SUPPORT
- Liaise with communications counterparts at partner organizations to identify joint opportunities,organize events and raise awareness around kids brain health
- Manage virtual and in-person exhibition booths at KBHN affiliated conferences and developcommunications materials and swag
- Provide communications support for KBHN’s annual research conference
MEDIA RELATIONS
- Respond to media inquiries, cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists
- Conduct media outreach to national and local media outlets, magazines and influencers
- Identify and gather newsworthy content and develop press materials
OTHER
- Support tasks associated with the production of publications, knowledge sharing events, and workshopsas per the Network Centre of Excellence’s (NCE) funding guidelines
- Collaborate with team to evaluate and maintain database of contacts
- Conduct recruitment, interviews and selection of Canada Summer Jobs students and Volunteers withSimon Fraser University and supervise students per their job duties and responsibilities
QUALIFICATIONS
- Five to seven years of progressive experience in communications or related field
- Undergraduate degree in communications, journalism, marketing or a related field. Master’s degree is an asset. A combination of education in a related field and communications experience would be acceptable.
- Previous employment in a not-for-profit organization and preferably in a health- related field is essential
- Experience in developing and executing communication and marketing strategies
- Experience in content development and measurement for a variety of web and social media platforms (including designing materials for digital platforms)
- Experience developing corporate communications materials and brand management
- Experience in stakeholder and media relations
- Experience in translating scientific materials to plain language
- Experience with website management and social media engagement
- Experience and/or knowledge of the workings of the federal government and working with a Board of Directors is an asset
SKILLS
- Strategic thinker with ability to develop an overarching communications strategy for KBHN that includes tactics related to engaging both federal decision-makers and scientific research community
- Superior writing and editing skills, including the ability to develop compelling content and translate complex scientific information into plain language
- Proven project management and excellent communication skills
- Strong computer literacy skills (experience in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, WordPress, Mailchimp, Adobe Acrobat, Sales Force, video editing & social media software etc.)
- Solid judgement and high integrity
- Proven ability to take initiative and provide leadership and mentorship within a team environment
- Ability to work independently, and with little oversight
- Excellent time management skills, including ability to multi-task and re-prioritize as needed
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to problem solve, be resourceful and offer solutions for consideration
- Bilingualism in both Canada’s official languages an asset
JOB DETAILS
- Competitive Salary Range
- Full-time permanent position
- Group Health Benefits plan and pension plan
- Eligible for annual performance bonus
- Hybrid or remote work. Therefore can be located anywhere in Canada
- Ability and willingness to travel
How to Apply
Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue on a rolling basis until all the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates only will be called for interviews.
Email a resume and a cover letter (2 pages max) to Kim van der Hoek, Director of Operations and Administration at kvanderhoek@kidsbrainhealth.ca.
We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted.
