About the Canadian Urban Institute

The Canadian Urban Institute is the heart of Canadian city building. We are a collaborative and inclusive platform where policymakers, urban professionals, leaders, activists, and academics from diverse backgrounds come together to shape vibrant and equitable communities across Canada.

Role Description

Seeking an experienced Communications Manager passionate about building connection within Canadian communities and sharing innovative solutions for urban challenges. This role offers the chance to utilize strategic insight, creativity, and executional skills to amplify CUI’s presence and reach diverse audiences. Key responsibilities include leading CityTalk Canada, a premier webinar series on urban community trends, and spearheading communication and social media strategies for CUI’s annual flagship event among other projects. Additionally, you may support initiatives that will influence downtown revitalization, housing, climate resilience, transit, equity, and more. Join us to champion Canadian urbanism, amplify diverse voices, and promote CUI as Canada’s urban institute.

Responsibilities will include 

Strategy & Implementation

• Craft and execute impactful communication and social media strategies that align with our overarching business objectives, embrace inclusivity, and resonate with CUI’s diverse audiences.
• Coordinate the design, production, and distribution of content across various platforms including web, social media, and newsletter.
• Ensure branding consistency across all communication platforms.
• Collaborate with team members to gather information and generate ideas.
• Liase with outside contractors when required.

CityTalk Planning & Production

• Plan and deliver CUI’s virtual and audio events series.
• Develop and manage a content calendar ensuring topics are relevant, timely, and aligned with CUI’s over-arching strategy.
• With the support of the CUI team identify, schedule, and support speakers.
• Coordinate the design and production of marketing materials including presentations and promotional materials.
• Support technical partners to ensure seamless delivery and exceptional participant experience.

Website

• In collaboration with the team, develop content and make updates as needed to CUIs websites.
• Identify opportunities to improve the websites’ UX, navigation, and functionality.
• Identify and report on key performance metrics.
• Research and share best practices for digital accessibility.

Experience & Skills Set

• A team player who values equity, diversity, and inclusion and brings these values into your work and interactions.
• A keen interest in urban issues.
• Self-motivated with a positive and professional approach.
• Experience in a communications-related role, 5+ years of experience is preferred.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and layout & design skills.
• Superior project and time management skills.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media/social media.
• Knowledgeable in web development, proficient in tools like WordPress, Google Workspace, Canva Pro, and Adobe Suite seen as assets.
• Fluency in French is also an asset.

Working Conditions

• This is a hybrid position (Toronto) and requires the ability to work during regular business hours (ie. 9:00am – 5:00pm EST Monday to Friday), with the ability to work flexible hours from time to time.

Other Details

You will be joining a dynamic team that has:

• A keen interest in urban issues.
• A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplace and in our programs.
• Interest in working across multiple projects.
• Interest in building relationships and working collaboratively with team members and external partners.
• A well-developed ability to effectively communicate with diverse and cross-sector audiences.
• Excellent judgement, strong initiative and the ability to work independently.
• An ability to work flexible hours from time to time.

Diversity

The Canadian Urban Institute is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We place high value on diversity and encourage applications from all equity-deserving groups. We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us and we will arrange for accommodation.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience.

Apply today!

UPDATED DEADLINE: 5:00 PM EDT ON MARCH 14, 2024

Please submit your cover letter and resume through the following form by 5:00 p.m. EDT on March 14, 2024, midnight EDT. Your cover letter should outline your essential skills and tell us why you are the ideal candidate for this position.

Application Form

If you have any challenges submitting your application through the form, please send an email to communicaitons@canurb.org with your full name and “Communications Manager” in the subject line.

No telephone inquiries please. CUI thanks all applicants for their interest. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information about CUI visit www.canurb.org.