AI Communications Officer

This is a hybrid position based out of the CIFAR office located in the MaRs Discovery building.

About CIFAR

CIFAR is a Canadian-based global research organization that convenes extraordinary minds to address the most important questions facing science and humanity. Through knowledge mobilization, we are catalysts for change in industry, government, and society.

For more information, please visit our website

Purpose of the Position:

Reporting to the Senior AI Communications Lead, working in a team of communications professionals, and working closely with the CIFAR AI team, this role works across channels, supporting communications plans with written articles, social media content, marketing materials, photography and videos, print publications and more in support of CIFAR’s leadership in AI research and innovation.

Responsibilities:

• The primary responsibility is to support communications about the CIFAR organization and its researchers, in particular with respect to CIFAR’s activities around artificial intelligence (AI), including the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy and Learning in Machines & Brains programs and related initiatives. 

• Contribute to AI Strategy communications across all domains including annual marketing, communications and social media plans, events, and other major initiatives of the department and organization. 

• Contribute to the development of all communications regarding AI at CIFAR across all channels including digital and print publications, social media, events, photo and video production.

• Work closely with the team to effectively collaborate with partners across the country on AI-related national public engagement activities and initiatives. 

• Maintain records of media coverage and issues tracking, producing weekly report of media highlights and developing regular social media content based on this report.
• Conduct analytics tracking and regular reports for all AI communications, including performance metrics for the website, email and social media channels.

• Provide copywriting and editing assistance to other content creators across CIFAR. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

• Some travel within Canada and work outside of normal working hours is required.

Education/Experience required:

• Minimum of 3 years communications experience in an academia, science or research related field
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field

Core Professional/Technical Knowledge & Skills required for the position:

• Demonstrated experience executing strategic communications plans and publications that deliver impact.
• Demonstrated knowledge of science and research domains.  
• Well-developed research, analytical, fact-checking, copy writing and editing skills.
• Familiarity with Google Suite as well as communications tools such as Wordpress and Mailchimp, or their equivalent.  
• Familiarity with analytics tools such as Google Analytics 4, media tracking platforms, and social media analytics, or demonstrated ability to learn.
• Some experience shooting event photography and videos.
• Familiarity with editing and style standards such as the Canadian Press stylebook, and a demonstrated commitment to delivering clean copy.
• Bilingualism in English and French is an asset.
• Ability to strategically identify sources and topics for stories, and to effectively communicate with subjects during interview, fact-checking and review stages of content production.
• Ability to respond quickly, collaboratively and effectively to unexpected obstacles.
• Organizational competencies including planning and scheduling work and priorities, meeting deadlines, and organizing and presenting information in a logical and thoughtful way. 
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholder demands and interests and work diplomatically to reach consensus.
• Experience using Adobe software for image, video and audio production is an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. 

Candidates invited for interviews will be required to provide work samples.

Apply: 

Qualified applicants are invited to apply by Friday, September 22, 2023. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted via email.

CIFAR is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognize that bringing together individuals from multiple backgrounds, perspectives and experiences is integral to advancing excellence and increasing the impact of our organization. Our leadership, staff and volunteers strive to create an equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace and, in turn, an environment that will give our diverse global community of researchers the support to successfully address the most important questions facing science and humanity. Ensuring that every person feels valued and welcome, regardless of age, education, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, parental status/responsibility, immigration status, Indigenous status, religion, disability, language, race, place of origin, ethnicity, culture, socio-economic status, and other attributes is vital to achieving our mission. We strongly encourage applications from members of our society who face systemic barriers and biases, including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous persons, members of visible minority/racialized communities, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, members of marginalized gender identity communities, and persons with disabilities. Applicants may confidentially self-identify at the time of application.

ACCESSIBILITY FOR APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES - CIFAR is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Ontario Human Rights Code. To request a reasonable accommodation, please email careers@cifar.ca and include the term 'Accessibility' in the Subject Line, or call 416-971-4251. Please provide your name, preferred contact method, and a detailed description of the nature of any accommodation that you may require. Please include any materials or processes that may be used to ensure your equal participation.

CIFAR frequently communicates in both official languages and our preference is to hire employees who are fluent in both English and French where possible.  Other languages are also considered an asset. For a French version of the job posting, please visit www.cifar.ca. 

CIFAR is supported by the governments of Canada, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec as well as international partner organizations, individuals, foundations, and corporations.