📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Communications and Public Affairs Specialist
🔹 Company: Mitacs
🔹 Location: Remote
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Research Services
🔹 Date Posted: May 6, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
🔹 Remote Status: Remote (100%)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading integrated communications efforts for Mitacs Enterprise Transformation (MET)
- Developing and implementing communication strategies to enhance engagement and reputation
- Crafting compelling content and advising senior leadership on strategic communications
- Collaborating with various teams to create communications materials and support MET initiatives
- Using data to drive communications improvements and continuous team process enhancements
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high degree of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and strong project management skills to balance multiple priorities and deliver under tight deadlines.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead integrated communications efforts for Mitacs Enterprise Transformation (MET)
✅ 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 with the Transformation Management Office, Change Management Adoption Taskforce, and Senior Internal Communications Specialist to develop and execute communications plans
✅ Advise and support senior leaders on communications strategies
✅ Use data to drive communications improvements
✅ Support the Communications and Public Affairs team in other activities and topics, including drafting and proofreading corporate communications materials, supporting events, and contributing to team process improvements
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of collaboration and coordination with various teams and stakeholders, requiring strong communication and relationship-building skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Degree or diploma in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field
Experience: At least five years of experience in corporate or external communications
Required Skills:
- 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
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver under tight deadlines
- Written and verbal fluency in English (French is a strong asset)
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with post-secondary institutions and/or government funding agencies
- Enjoys a fast-paced and flexible environment
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in research services, innovation, or related fields may have an advantage in understanding Mitacs' mission and goals.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 71,200 - CAD 84,500 per year
Benefits:
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and decolonization are core values at Mitacs
- Flexible work arrangements and remote work options
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), flexible schedule
ASSUMPTION: Mitacs offers a competitive salary range and benefits package, with a focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Mitacs operates in the research services industry, focusing on connecting businesses, researchers, and governments to create new knowledge and drive innovation.
Company Size: Mitacs is a mid-sized organization with 201-500 employees, providing a collaborative and entrepreneurial work environment.
Founded: Mitacs was founded in 1999, with a mission to make investing in new knowledge easier through access to top researchers, flexible project plans, and co-investments in talent.
Company Description:
- Mitacs brings innovation to more people in more places across Canada and around the world
- They make investing in new knowledge easier by providing access to top researchers, flexible project plans, and co-investments in talent
- Mitacs' teams work closely with businesses, researchers, and governments to create new pathways to safer cities, better healthcare, improved products, a cleaner environment, and a more diverse and inclusive economy
Company Specialties:
- Research and Innovation
- Research and Development
- Commercialization
- Grants and Funding
- Internships and Work-integrated Learning
- Startup Support
- Indigenous Pathways
- Quantum, AI, and Cleantech
- Small Business Growth and Support
- Entrepreneurship and Career Development
Company Website: http://www.mitacs.ca
ASSUMPTION: Mitacs' focus on innovation, collaboration, and connecting stakeholders makes it an attractive employer for candidates interested in driving change and making an impact.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-senior level, offering opportunities for growth and advancement within the Communications and Public Affairs team and Mitacs as a whole.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Communications and Public Affairs Specialist reports directly to the Manager, Communications and Public Affairs and collaborates with various teams, including the Transformation Management Office and Change Management Adoption Taskforce.
Work Arrangement: This role is remote (100%), offering flexibility and work-life balance.
Growth Opportunities:
- Expanding responsibilities within the Communications and Public Affairs team
- Contributing to Mitacs' overall growth and success
- Developing expertise in research services, innovation, and related fields
ASSUMPTION: This role provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development within Mitacs' dynamic and evolving organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote work environment, with no physical office required
Office Location(s): Mitacs has offices in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, but this role can be performed remotely from anywhere in Canada
Geographic Context:
- Mitacs operates across Canada and internationally, providing opportunities to work with diverse stakeholders and teams
- Remote work offers flexibility and the ability to live and work from various locations across the country
- Mitacs' focus on innovation and collaboration creates a fast-paced and engaging work environment
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexible hours and the ability to work remotely
ASSUMPTION: Mitacs' remote work environment and flexible scheduling options cater to a wide range of candidates' preferences and needs.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through Mitacs' careers portal
- Phone or video screening with the Hiring Manager
- In-depth interview with the Hiring Manager and relevant team members
- Final interview with the Director, Communications and Public Affairs
- Background check and reference checks
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication and writing skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Adaptability and emotional intelligence
- Project management and organizational skills
- Alignment with Mitacs' mission, values, and company culture
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of Mitacs' mission and the specific requirements of the Senior Communications and Public Affairs Specialist position
- Showcase your ability to develop and implement effective communication strategies and manage multiple projects
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on your communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
ATS Keywords: Strategic Communication, Stakeholder Engagement, Content Development, Writing, Editing, Presentation Skills, Relationship Building, Change Management, Data Analysis, Emotional Intelligence, Project Management, Bilingual Communication, Corporate Communications, Public Relations, Collaboration, Continuous Improvement
ASSUMPTION: Mitacs' interview process focuses on assessing candidates' communication skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit within the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Content Management Systems (CMS) and website platforms
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Design and graphics software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using a variety of communication, project management, and design tools to create engaging and effective content.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation: Mitacs fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement
- Collaboration: Mitacs values teamwork and partnerships to drive success
- Excellence: Mitacs strives for high-quality outcomes and exceptional customer service
- Integrity: Mitacs upholds ethical standards and acts with honesty and transparency
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Mitacs is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that values and promotes diversity
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on driving change and innovation
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on communication and coordination
- Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under tight deadlines
- Data-driven and strategic, with a focus on continuous improvement and optimization
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment focused on driving change and innovation?
- Are you an effective communicator with strong writing, editing, and presentation skills?
- Can you adapt to different working and communication styles, and balance multiple competing priorities?
- Do you have experience developing and implementing effective communication strategies, and managing multiple projects?
- Are you comfortable using a variety of communication, project management, and design tools to create engaging and effective content?
ASSUMPTION: Mitacs' culture values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, making it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a dynamic and engaging work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, often with tight deadlines
- Adapting to different working and communication styles, both within Mitacs and with external stakeholders
- Balancing the need for strategic, long-term communications planning with immediate, tactical communications demands
- Working remotely, which may require additional self-motivation and time management skills
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to manage multiple priorities, adapt to different working styles, and thrive in a fast-paced, remote work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to related roles in corporate communications, this position places a greater emphasis on change management and stakeholder engagement, particularly in the context of Mitacs' Enterprise Transformation initiative
- Mitacs' focus on research services and innovation sets it apart from other organizations, offering unique opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and initiatives
- Career paths within Mitacs may differ from those in more traditional corporate environments, with opportunities for growth and development tailored to the organization's specific needs and priorities
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider Mitacs' unique focus on research services, innovation, and change management when evaluating this role compared to similar positions in other industries or organizations.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy for Mitacs' Enterprise Transformation initiative, including stakeholder engagement, messaging, and content creation
- Creating and managing a communications calendar for MET-related activities, ensuring alignment with Mitacs' corporate strategy and other ongoing initiatives
- Collaborating with the Transformation Management Office, Change Management Adoption Taskforce, and Senior Internal Communications Specialist to develop and execute targeted communications plans for specific MET projects or workstreams
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and data-driven nature of the Senior Communications and Public Affairs Specialist role within the context of Mitacs' Enterprise Transformation initiative.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the most significant challenges facing Mitacs' Enterprise Transformation initiative, and how this role will contribute to addressing them?
- How does Mitacs support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the Communications and Public Affairs team?
- What is Mitacs' approach to change management, and how does this role fit into that strategy?
- How does Mitacs measure the success of its communication efforts, and how will this role contribute to improving those metrics?
- What is the expected timeline for the Senior Communications and Public Affairs Specialist to make a significant impact on Mitacs' Enterprise Transformation initiative?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions help candidates assess the specific challenges, opportunities, and expectations associated with the Senior Communications and Public Affairs Specialist role within Mitacs' Enterprise Transformation initiative.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Mitacs careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role, emphasizing your communication, project management, and strategic thinking abilities
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on your communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
- Follow up with Mitacs within two weeks of submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
