Manager, Communications

Data. Discovery. Better Health.

ICES is a world-leading health research and analytics institute. With a wealth of data and analytic expertise, we create trusted evidence that has changed health policy and practice and helps ensure better health for all.

Ready to discover more with us? Join our outstanding, collaborative team where your skills, knowledge and curiosity are valued and can change the future of health care.

At ICES, we recognize what matters most to our employees. Some of the great benefits of working at ICES include:

Flexible remote work arrangements anywhere in Ontario
Competitive Compensation
Comprehensive Benefits Program
HOOPP Pension Plan (Defined Pension)
Employee Assistance Program and Dialogue Well Being Program
Generous vacation, float and caregiver days for all employees
Education Fund and Dedicated Education Days
Holiday Closure
Perkopolis Employee Discount Program

Introduction:

Reporting to the Director, Communications, the Manager, Communications - primary responsibility is to support ICES’ internal and external communications efforts and the successful promotion of our work and its impact. Additionally, the Manager, Communications will lead the production of external reports, atlases, and newsletters, and for the planning, executing, advancing, and implementing of other external and internal communication and thought leadership activities. The Manager, Communications will also supervise, guide, and develop a team of communications professionals.

Responsibilities of the position include, but may not be limited to:

Directly supervises and develops a team of external and internal communications professionals.
Accountable for all aspects of the job performance of direct reports; mentors and provides development opportunities for staff. Completes the performance evaluation cycle for staff in the program and provides input into staff competency levels as required.
Manage content delivery, including translation, design, social, digital, and multimedia requirements as needed.
Create and/ or review visual and written content and manage approvals for a variety of external and internal materials, initiatives and engagements.
Manage proactive communications and thought leadership campaigns, end-to-end, in order to increase ICES’ brand awareness within the healthcare ecosystem by leveraging earned media channels, and social media.
Work with various stakeholders to develop targeted, integrated, creative communications/PR plans that effectively engage audiences and are aligned with industry best practices.
Develop and implement effective communication strategies that build brand awareness and trust and demonstrate our impact with key stakeholders such as government, researchers, and the public.
Write compelling copy, clear and concise media plans, engaging press releases, articles, and messaging that effectively tells ICES’ story to a diverse external audience.
Collaborate closely and on a day-to-day basis with other communications, operational, and support teams across ICES.
Work collaboratively and creatively with marketing/ communications counterparts to develop and recommend integrated external engagement strategies.
Protect the ICES brand by interacting with internal and external stakeholders on a proactive and reactive basis with respect to issues impacting ICES and its brand.
Serve as Communications representative on various working committees.
Other duties as may be assigned within the scope of this position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required:

Degree in communications, marketing or journalism preferred. Master’s degree preferred;
5 or more years of communications experience with some experience managing people;
The ideal candidate is a strong writer who is enthusiastic, creative, well-organized and detail-oriented;
In addition, they must enjoy working in a collaborative team environment and demonstrate a high level of energy to support various internal and external communications programs and initiatives;
Knowledge/understanding of the healthcare, policy space and not for profit industry are an asset;
Excellent writing and editing skills;
Creative and strategic thinker;
Experience with direct reports and team management;
Excellent project management and multi-tasking capabilities;
Journalism background or education preferred;
Solid understanding and experience in communications and branding principles and practices;
Excellent understanding of design, print and web principles;
Strong verbal and presentation skills.

Security clearance may be required.