Communications Officer

Communications Officer

3 days in the office - Yonge and St. Clair

Who we are

Since 1964, our client has partnered with individuals, families, foundations, and the business community to fund an Institute of Science, which consistently ranks among the world’s top 10 research institutions. The Institute conducts research across the life sciences, including immunology, brain science, and genetics; chemistry; particle and space physics; computer science and AI; and environmental sustainability, with discoveries that advance knowledge and benefit people around the world. Our client connects Canadians with this extraordinary science, building awareness and support for the Institute through fundraising, donor and stakeholder engagement, and communications.

About this role

The Communications Officer supports the execution of its integrated communications strategy by developing accurate, compelling, and audience-focused content across digital and print channels. The role is responsible for the day-to-day management of assigned web, social media, and email communications; branded content and design; and communications support for fundraising and donor relations initiatives.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Communications, this role is an individual contributor within a small, high-performing communications team. The Communications Officer executes the integrated multi-channel communications strategy across channels and initiatives to drive awareness, reach, and engagement among audiences. This includes managing social

media and the website; developing and publishing copy, designs, and branded assets; producing event-related communications; email marketing; and supporting donor relations with communications needs.

Who you are

You have a strong understanding of social platforms and related audiences and a talent for crafting platform-specific messaging; excellent writing and editing skills; demonstrated experience leading the day-to-day management of websites, including a strong grasp of SEO,

and best practices in website management and usability; and experience in email marketing and graphic design. You thoroughly understand how to analyze and interpret social, web, and email performance and why it matters. You work efficiently under tight timelines and are known for delivering high-quality work consistently, even when priorities shift. While not required, an interest in science and research is an asset to this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Creating compelling social media content and advising on best practices for social media and content marketing
• Developing and executing creative, high-impact, organic and paid social media campaigns
• Updating and maintaining website content, including stories, event pages, and other content optimized for SEO; liaising with web developers on any technical needs or issues
• Producing event-related communications, including invitations, promotional and outreach messages, graphics, and other materials
• Writing, editing, and proofreading clean, accurate copy for print and digital platforms, including web copy, platform-appropriate social media content, event communications, newsletters, and donor-facing materials
• Developing graphic designs, such as research overview layouts, social assets, and banners
• Building, testing, scheduling, and distributing email communications, in accordance with organizational procedures and applicable consent and privacy requirements
• Supporting marketing and communications campaigns across web, social, email, and print
• Translating scientific material into clear, compelling copy for diverse audiences
• Supporting the production of print and digital publications and marketing materials, including liaising with designers, printers, and vendors as needed
• Tracking, analyzing, and reporting on performance across channels using Google Analytics, social media platform insights, and newsletter analytics for continual improvement
• Ensuring all materials adhere to brand standards and style guidelines
• Contributing to other communications projects and initiatives as needed

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, digital media, or a related field
• Minimum five years of recent relevant experience, preferably within a research, academic, or nonprofit environment
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a record of producing clean, engaging, and consistent copy with minimal revision (Canadian Press style)
• Proven track record managing and creating content for social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, etc.), including building engagement, expanding reach, and using analytics
• Demonstrated experience creating, managing, and analyzing organic and paid digital social media campaigns
• Experience in creating, editing, and distributing marketing and promotional material for events, programming, and outreach initiatives
• Demonstrated graphic design and layout skills, including the ability to create polished, accessible, and brand-consistent content and templates for digital and print
• Proficiency with graphic design and layout tools, including advanced Canva skills; experience with Adobe InDesign or other Adobe Creative Suite applications is an asset
• Understanding of AODA standards and inclusive communication principles as they apply to design and creating accessible documents
• Demonstrated experience with web publishing tools (WordPress or equivalent) and web-related tools (e.g., SEO tools), and proficiency with Google Analytics
• Skilled at translating complex material into clear, digestible content for lay audiences
• Strong organization, time-management, and project-coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently, complete work in the required timeline, and adapt to changing priorities
• Demonstrated accuracy and excellent attention to detail
• Excellent judgment, professionalism, and interpersonal skills
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent creative skills and knowledge of graphic design best practices and programs
• Occasional travel to in-person events as required

Assets:

• Experience in a nonprofit or fundraising environment
• Experience with fundraising platforms (e.g., Raiser’s Edge NXT)
• Experience in post-production and editing of video and photography
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite
• Experience using Asana or similar project management tools
• Working knowledge of emerging tools and technologies, including artificial intelligence applications relevant to communications