Associate Director, AI Communications/Directrice associée ou directeur asso

at  CiFAR

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, AI COMMUNICATIONS

La version française suit.
This is a hybrid position based out of the CIFAR office located in the MaRS Discovery building in Toronto. Travel for research program meetings required.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in science, political science, journalism or related field.
• 5-8 years of related experience working in a communications environment in a science, research environment, or for a university.

CORE PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION:

• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications strategies, plans, and publications.
• Familiarity with research and scientific terminology gained through work experience or education.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder/partnership management skills.
• Extensive experience managing successful media strategies and digital and print campaigns.
• Extensive experience developing and implementing issues management strategies at all levels; including well-honed research and analytic skills.
• Bilingualism in English and French would be an asset.
• Superior fact-checking, copy writing and editing skills.
• Relationship and interpersonal competencies include assessing the credibility of sources, managing projects across teams, gaining trust and credibility with internal teams and external partners, managing expectations and responding quickly and collaboratively to unexpected obstacles.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholder demands and interests and work diplomatically to reach consensus.
• Must show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

Reporting to the Executive Director, Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, and in close collaboration with the CIFAR Communications team, this role plans and executes communications for the activities of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy at CIFAR. Responsible for overseeing the work of the AI Communications Officer, this role also advises and supports the ED on day-to-day issues management. Key to this role is the coordination of communications across Canada’s three National AI Institutes and partners, as well as media relations in support of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy and CIFAR’s leadership in AI research and innovation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The primary responsibility is to develop and lead the communications strategy for the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy at CIFAR, working closely with the Executive Director and CIFAR’s Vice-President, Communications and Director, Communications to ensure consistency and strategic alignment with CIFAR’s other activities and priorities.
• Provide leadership, coaching and supervision of the AI Communications Officer
• Oversee the procurement and management of external vendors in support of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy at CIFAR.
• Oversee the development of a broad range of editorial and promotional materials that are compelling for donor and stakeholder audiences.
• Lead planning and execution of a thought leadership strategy for the Executive Director, in support of the positioning and leadership of CIFAR.
• Drive media strategy in support of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy atCIFAR.
• Lead the national communications for the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy at CIFAR, managing relationships with communications counterparts at the AI Institutes (Amii, Mila and the Vector Institute) and at government and partner agencies and companies.
• Lead issues management strategies for the AI portfolio, proactively identifying and responding to public and policy issues at all levels in collaboration with internal & external partners.
• Maintain consistent, well-researched and well-supported key messages and impact assessments of the Pan-Canadian Strategy at CIFAR, working in close collaboration with Canada’s National AI Institutes and other partners.
• Work collaboratively with partners across the country on AI-related public engagement activities and initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with the CIFAR Communications team to coordinate the planning and implementation of key CIFAR communications strategies where appropriate.
• Provide copy editing and communications advisory assistance to other content creators across CIFAR.