Communications + Community Manager

About Innovate BC

Innovate BC helps foster innovation in B.C. so that British Columbians in all regions of the province can benefit from a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive innovation economy. A Crown Agency of British Columbia, Innovate BC funds and delivers programs that support the growth of the B.C. economy by helping companies start and scale, train talent that meets labour market needs, and encourage technology development, commercialization, and adoption.   

About the Team

The Marketing and Communications Department works to build brand awareness, reputation, thought leadership and understanding of Innovate BC’s important role in fostering innovation in British Columbia. This dynamic team supports the corporate goals and objectives of Innovate BC by driving communications with key stakeholders including government, industry, technology companies, academia, media and British Columbians in every corner of the province. Our work includes: corporate communications, media and government relations, stakeholder engagement, event planning and management, digital marketing and internal creative services. The department also works closely with multiple regional and industry partners, as well as the Government Communications and Public Engagement (GCPE) division within the B.C. government. 

About the Job

The Communications + Community Manager role is an exciting opportunity for someone who likes to wear multiple hats within a broad portfolio of communications responsibilities. The ideal candidate is a strong relationship builder, effectively engaging with our partners and companies supported through Innovate BC’s programs, representing Innovate BC at their events, and keeping a finger on the pulse of all things happening in BC’s thriving innovation ecosystem. This role also requires a seasoned storyteller who can bring to life stories on B.C. innovators’ impact and successes.  

Reporting to the Director, Marketing + Communications, this role requires a balance of leadership skills as well as the ability to roll-up your sleeves and work on projects independently from start to finish. Key responsibilities include: strategic communications planning, internal communications, media relations, sponsorships, managing relationships with contractors and vendors, and independently seeing through various corporate projects from start to finish. Importantly, the successful candidate will have a strong understanding of public relations principles and the changing media landscape. 

Major Accountabilities

• Develops thoughtful strategic communications plans that result in strong, well-written and compelling communications products relevant to our target audiences.
• Execute strategic communications initiatives to showcase Innovate BC-supported companies, advance business development and meet strategic goals for the organization.  
• Represent Innovate BC at key events.  
• Lead Innovate BC’s sponsorship program, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.  
• Provides support in coaching a high-performing team. 
• Serves as the deputy to the department’s Director when he/she is not available.
• Builds strong collaborative relationships with stakeholders at partner organizations and industry associations.
• Works closely with other managers and staff to streamline internal communications processes and to achieve program goals and objectives.
• Builds relationships with local and trade media, and serves as the primary point of contact to members of the media. 

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of related work experience or, an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• A well-rounded communications background including experience in communications planning, public relations, project management, internal communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Understands and has an interest in technology sector in B.C. and around the world.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, ability to work well in a team setting, but also the ability and passion to work independently on projects from start to finish.
• Mentorship and coaching experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing and leading communications projects.
• Experience creating and implementing communications plans.
• Excellent presentation and writing skills and proven ability to develop clear, concise and comprehensive written reports, presentation materials, website and newsletter content.
• Excellent judgment in prioritizing, identifying issues and determining action required when working under pressure.
• Ability to establish and build strong working relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Interest and ability to attend industry events after core business hours. 

Apply

E-mail your resume and cover letter to marketing@innovatebc.ca with the subject line “Communications + Community Manager”. 

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Candidates are required to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus as a condition of employment.  As such, applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment will be required to provide proof of full vaccination with a Health Canada approved vaccine prior to the commencement of employment. Innovate BC will consider requests for accommodation by applicants who cannot be fully vaccinated due to medical or other human rights protected grounds.  

Your application may contain personal information, which Innovate BC is collecting for the purpose of recruiting a successful candidate for this position and is authorized to do so under the Freedom of Information Act 26(c). If you have any questions about the collection of your personal information, please contact: