About Marketing & Communications

The Marketing & Communications (MarCom) team manages the MaRS brand, supports internal business unit marketing efforts, and helps our startups and the ecosystem gain national and international exposure.

About the role

The Director, Corporate Communications is an important member of the MaRS Marcom leadership team. You are responsible for the MaRS’ corporate reputation as well as leading a team of PR Managers to go above and beyond for our clients, who include leading Canadian startups, investors and partners. You will be responsible for delivering on agreements and ensure that campaigns run smoothly and that your teams are challenged and motivated.

You write, present concepts, and develop strategies to best suit your client needs and market trends. As a client leader, you’re responsive and flexible and willing to step in and support your teams whenever needed.

The Director will work closely with Marcom colleagues to strategize and produce Op-Eds and branded content to be distributed internationally as well as on MaRS partner platforms.

The Director must keep on top of all the latest technology trends and proactively respond to coverage of fast-moving events. Key to this role is developing media strategies to spotlight MaRS, our ventures and lead outreach that helps startup founders go from under-the-radar to recognized industry experts, and tell the wider Canadian innovation story.

The role also includes analyzing data, and keeping track of NPS scores of clients to show results and build the client pipeline.

The role requires an exceptionally strong writer with an ability to write great creative briefs and to pick up the phone to pitch stories to leading journalists and publishers.

Key Responsibilities

MaRS Corporate Communications

• Work with the SVP, Marketing, Business Development & Growth and other leaders to develop the overarching MaRS communications strategy
• Work with our leadership team to identify PR opportunities that capture the vision of MaRS and fall within our editorial themes.
• Work with internal stakeholders to identify PR opportunities amongst our 1,200+ startups and impact initiatives in climate, health sciences, AI and more.
• Draft, review and pitch press releases for new MaRS programs and announcements.
• Work with the office of the CEO on speech writing and remarks.
• Track the performance of all MaRS corporate communications.

Media Relations Strategy

• Oversee the strategy for PR Accelerator, MaRS internal PR agency.
• Execute the media strategy for a variety of clients and responsibility of managing a team of PR specialists and US PR agency to drive stories for our entrepreneurs and ecosystem clients.
• The Director Corporate Communications shapes the direction of coverage, and iterates PR tactics.
• Work with the Marcom leadership team to develop editorial themes that form the foundation for all MaRS content and earned media opportunities.

Client Management

• Assume overall account management responsibilities for our paying partners and ensure our account team is set up for success.
• Coach the PR Managers and give them the platform to grow and take ownership of accounts.
• Work with the PR Managers to establish the best account split ensuring there is a fair and balanced assignment of accounts.
• Carry out frequent check-ins with our clients to identify further opportunities and ensure a strong relationship.
• Manage the process of re-signing existing clients.
• Responsible for the profit and loss of our PR clients.

Business Development

• Work with the Business Development team on new client opportunities and renewals.
• Business development opportunities will cover the full range of Marcom products and offerings.
• Support will include developing product pitches, sales and closing deals.
• Work with the SVP to identify revenue targets and potential new clients.

Team Management and Leadership

• You will be a leader on the Marcom team, championing MaRS values and working with the entire team to support them in achieving their best work.
• You will support the SVP with annual planning, budgets and performance reviews.
• Be a champion of the marcom work with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work with colleagues to bring the MaRS strategy to life and represent your team in senior leadership meetings.

Qualifications:

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant field – journalism, public relations or communications preferred;
• A minimum of 10 years working in daily media or public relations. Experience in tech, innovation, startups and business preferred;
• A creative and strategic approach to solving problems and overcoming challenges;
• The proven ability to secure media coverage in mainstream Canadian and/or U.S.-based press;
• Established media contacts in Canadian and/or U.S.-based press
• A strong understanding of the news cycle and the story elements required to successfully secure coverage;
• Proactive and collaborative team skills and the ability to manage shifting priorities;
• Exceptional communications skills – oral, written, and presentation;
• Have an interest in and solid understanding of the tech topics of today from AI to blockchain
• Have a passion and interest in media, messaging and storytelling
• Project manager and agency experience
• Broad enterprise client experience across technology and business
• Ability to identify and pursue new business opportunities
• A team-player with strong leadership qualities, and proven ability to delegate and manage a team

Salary Range: $111,800 - $139,000, up to 15% discretionary incentive, benefits and paid time-off.

Applications will close at 5pm EDT on August 11, 2023.

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada and reside in Ontario.