📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Communications Specialist (12 months)
🔹 Company: Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA)
🔹 Location: Ottawa, Ontario (Hybrid)
🔹 Job Type: Temporary (12 months)
🔹 Category: Communications & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 11, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2-3 days remote per week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing communications strategies to support CIRA's corporate goals and activities, with a focus on cybersecurity products and services.
- Creating and curating marketing and communication materials, such as media releases, announcements, web blog, and social content, to engage CIRA's community and support its various products.
- Monitoring external media, including social media, for brand and industry trends.
- Contributing to CIRA's editorial calendar to ensure a steady flow of corporate content published through CIRA's owned and earned media.
- Playing a key role in the communications team's planning and regular reporting process, using a variety of social and web analytics tools.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with various internal and external stakeholders.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Contribute to the development and implementation of communications strategies that support CIRA's corporate goals and activities, with special focus on CIRA’s cybersecurity products and services.
✅ Provide communications planning and execution to support CIRA’s products and services.
✅ Monitor external media, including social media, for brand and industry trends.
✅ Create and curate a variety of marketing and communication materials such as media releases, announcements, web blog and social content to engage our community and support our various products.
✅ Contribute to CIRA’s editorial calendar to ensure a steady flow of corporate content published through CIRA’s owned and earned media.
✅ Play a key role in the communications team’s planning and regular reporting process, using a variety of social and web analytics tools.
ASSUMPTION: This role may require occasional work outside of regular business hours to meet project deadlines or attend events.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Completion of a university degree in Business, Marketing, English, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or a related discipline.
Experience: A minimum of five years in a communications role, with experience in content marketing, media relations, communications, and social media.
Required Skills:
- Strong storytelling, writing, and editing skills.
- Ability to create, edit, and publish multimedia content (text, audio, video) with familiarity with the platforms required to do so.
- Proficiency in English; bilingualism is highly recommended.
- Strong technical skills, including knowledge of web content management systems (knowledge of WordPress is an asset) and mass-mail tools (such as MailChimp). Knowledge of HTML is an asset.
- Knowledge and experience in building engaging communities online through content.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the cybersecurity industry.
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, candidates with experience in the cybersecurity industry may have an advantage in understanding CIRA's products and services.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Senior Communications Specialist role in Ottawa, the estimated salary range is CAD 80,000 - 100,000 per year (pro-rated for the 12-month contract).
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package (details not provided).
- Flexible work arrangement (hybrid).
- Opportunity to work for a purpose-driven organization with a dynamic team.
Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) with flexible hours and the option to work remotely 2-3 days per week.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and skills. The benefits package details are not provided, but a competitive package is expected for a role of this level.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: CIRA operates in the non-profit sector, focusing on managing the .CA internet domain and strengthening the internet for Canadians.
Company Size: CIRA has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized organization structure with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: CIRA was founded in 2000, giving it nearly 25 years of history and experience in its field.
Company Description:
- CIRA is a leading organization at the heart of Canada's internet, best known for managing the .CA internet domain.
- CIRA is dedicated to strengthening the internet and building connections in Canada and around the world.
- CIRA is a purpose-driven organization with a dynamic team dedicated to helping build a trusted internet for Canadians.
Company Specialties:
- Domain Name Management
- Cybersecurity Products and Services
- Internet Advocacy
- Net Good Grants
Company Website: http://www.cira.ca
ASSUMPTION: CIRA's focus on building a trusted internet for Canadians provides a unique opportunity for candidates interested in making a positive impact on Canada's digital future.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior level, offering significant responsibility and the opportunity to drive strategic communications initiatives.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Communications Specialist reports directly to the Director of Communications and works closely with various business units within CIRA.
Work Arrangement: This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with employees working remotely 2-3 days per week and in the office for the remainder of the time.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for contract renewal or permanent placement based on performance.
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain experience in various aspects of communications.
- Chance to develop skills in the cybersecurity industry and contribute to CIRA's mission.
ASSUMPTION: While this role is temporary, it offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in a dynamic field and make a significant impact on CIRA's communications efforts.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: CIRA's headquarters is a hub for regular events and social activities, fostering a strong sense of community within the organization.
Office Location(s): 979 Bank Street, Ottawa, K1S 5K5, CA
Geographic Context:
- Ottawa is the capital of Canada and offers a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, festivals, and outdoor activities.
- The city is bilingual, with both English and French widely spoken, providing an opportunity for bilingual candidates to utilize their language skills.
- Ottawa has a relatively low cost of living compared to other major Canadian cities, with affordable housing options available.
Work Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) with flexible hours and the option to work remotely 2-3 days per week.
ASSUMPTION: Ottawa's bilingual environment and vibrant cultural scene provide an enriching work environment for candidates interested in living and working in Canada's capital.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission.
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager.
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring team.
- Final interview with the Director of Communications.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to create engaging content.
- Understanding of CIRA's mission and products/services.
- Cultural fit and alignment with CIRA's values.
- Technical skills and proficiency with relevant tools and platforms.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of CIRA's mission and how your skills and experience align with the organization's goals.
- Showcase your portfolio or examples of your work, if applicable, to illustrate your communication skills and creativity.
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, demonstrating your interest in the role and CIRA's mission.
ATS Keywords: Communications, Content Marketing, Media Relations, Social Media, Storytelling, Writing, Editing, Community Engagement, Web Analytics, HTML, WordPress, Mass-Mail Tools, Multimedia Content Creation, Bilingualism, Cybersecurity Knowledge
ASSUMPTION: CIRA uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, and including relevant keywords in your resume can help your application stand out.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- WordPress
- MailChimp
- Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)
- Web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)
- Multimedia creation and editing tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and platforms is essential for success in this role, and candidates should highlight their proficiency in these areas during the application and interview process.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Collaboration and candour
- Diversity and inclusion
- Innovation and continuous learning
- Purpose-driven and impact-focused
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Opportunities for collaboration and teamwork
- Focus on making a positive impact on Canada's digital future
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment where your ideas and creativity are valued?
- Are you passionate about making a positive impact on Canada's digital future?
- Do you have strong communication skills and the ability to create engaging content?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with CIRA's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the organization's mission.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The temporary nature of the role may limit long-term career prospects.
- The fast-paced and dynamic work environment may require adaptability and flexibility.
- The role may require occasional work outside of regular business hours to meet project deadlines or attend events.
- The bilingual environment may present language barriers for candidates who are not proficient in both English and French.
ASSUMPTION: While these challenges exist, CIRA's unique mission and dynamic work environment provide significant opportunities for growth and impact for the right candidate.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other Senior Communications Specialist roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work in the non-profit sector and focus on building a trusted internet for Canadians.
- CIRA's focus on cybersecurity products and services provides an opportunity to gain experience in a growing and dynamic field.
- This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, providing flexibility and work-life balance compared to fully on-site roles.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates interested in working in the non-profit sector, gaining experience in cybersecurity, or seeking a hybrid work arrangement may find this role particularly appealing.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a social media campaign to raise awareness about CIRA's cybersecurity products and services.
- Creating a series of blog posts or articles to educate Canadians about internet safety and security best practices.
- Planning and executing a media relations strategy to secure coverage in relevant industry publications and mainstream media outlets.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and initiatives that a Senior Communications Specialist at CIRA might undertake.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the communications department?
- How does CIRA support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does CIRA measure the success of its communications initiatives, and how will my performance be evaluated?
- What are the opportunities for growth and advancement within CIRA, particularly for someone in a temporary role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and provides an opportunity to assess the fit between your career goals and CIRA's offerings.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your communication skills, creativity, and alignment with CIRA's mission.
- Prepare a portfolio or examples of your work, if applicable, to showcase your communication skills and creativity.
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview process, demonstrating your interest in the role and CIRA's mission.
- Follow up with the hiring team one week after 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.
