Communications Specialist (Multimedia and Storytelling)
Top Benefits
About the role
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST (MULTIMEDIA AND STORYTELLING)
ABOUT THE ALLIANCE
The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) serves Canadian researchers, with the objective of advancing Canada’s position as a leader in the knowledge economy on the international stage. By integrating, championing, and funding the infrastructure and activities required for advanced research computing (ARC), research data management (RDM), and research software (RS), we provide the platform for the research community to access tools and services faster than ever before.
We have an ambitious mandate – to transform how research across all academic disciplines is organized, managed, stored, and used. We work with other ecosystem partners and stakeholders across the country to help provide Canadian researchers with the support they need for leading-edge research excellence, research, innovation, and advancement across all disciplines.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Communications Specialist (Multimedia and Storytelling) will work with members of the Communications and Marketing team and other departments to support effective communication and engagement with internal and external audiences. The Communications Specialist (Multimedia and Storytelling) will contribute to the development and implementation of communications and marketing plans and will be responsible for the creation, production, and delivery of multimedia and storytelling content across digital channels, including the website, social media, email marketing, and corporate events.
This specialized role focuses on producing compelling, story-driven content that highlights the work and impact of the Alliance and its research community. The Communications Specialist (Multimedia and Storytelling) will actively research, develop, and produce multimedia stories (written, visual, and digital) that translate complex, technical topics into accessible and engaging narratives for diverse audiences. This includes conducting interviews, identifying story angles, crafting scripts or articles, and collaborating with subject matter experts to bring stories to life across platforms.
The Communications Specialist (Multimedia and Storytelling) is also responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality communications in both French and English that meet the needs of internal stakeholders and public audiences. In this role, the Communications Specialist (Multimedia and Storytelling) will also help ensure the Alliance communicates effectively in both official languages, supported by internal processes and translation resources as needed.
The Communications Specialist (Multimedia and Storytelling) is a member of the Communications & Marketing team and reports to the Manager, Communications and Marketing.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and implement communications strategies that promote Alliance initiatives through compelling, story-driven content across digital and traditional platforms.
- Advise on and support internal and external communications needs, including brand guidance, messaging, and the development of storytelling assets that align with organizational goals.
- Support internal communications in collaboration with HR, incorporating multimedia tools and storytelling techniques to drive engagement.
- Provide communications support for key governance-related deliverables (e.g., Annual Report, AGM), ensuring integration of storytelling and visual content to enhance clarity and engagement.
- Lead the planning and delivery of digital and multimedia content across Alliance platforms, including web, social media, email marketing, and video.
- Develop and manage a digital and multimedia content calendar for communications and marketing.
- Lead photo and video production, including planning, scripting, recording, editing, and optimizing content for distribution across platforms.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts and partners to translate complex technical topics into accessible and compelling stories for diverse audiences.
- Create research impact stories that highlight the contributions and outcomes of Canadian researchers using Alliance-supported infrastructure and services.
- Advise on the strategic use of digital and multimedia platforms across communications and marketing activities to maximize reach and engagement.
- Provide direction and oversight for all digital media content and platforms, ensuring alignment with brand and strategic objectives.
- Contribute to the development and execution of media relations strategies, including drafting digital media content and supporting the creation of media materials as required.
- May be called on to write speeches and prepare speaking notes for the executive team, in collaboration with colleagues and depending on topic and context.
- Support and implement communications plans for product launches, project milestones, and strategic initiatives.
- Monitor and evaluate communication outcomes and analytics to inform continuous improvement and optimize audience engagement.
- Contribute to team learning and innovation by supporting cross-functional communications initiatives.
- Support other communications projects and initiatives as required, including events, campaigns, and cross-team collaborations.
QUALIFICATIONS
- College/University and/or Masters-level degree in journalism, communications, media production, or a related field.
- Minimum five to seven years of communications, content creation, or stakeholder engagement. Experience in a not-for-profit, post-secondary, public sector, or agency environment is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in journalistic writing, interviewing, or multimedia storytelling (e.g., video, audio, photography, or digital interactive formats).
- Proven experience developing and executing communications plans that address complex or technical topics and engage diverse audiences across multiple platforms.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, writing and presentation skills.
- Ability to think critically and provide communications counsel that considers various perspectives.
- Proficiency in digital communications, with emphasis on social media.
- Advanced knowledge of communications and marketing tools, including Microsoft Office, Canva, MailChimp, CMS platforms, and video editing or graphic design software.
- Fluency in both of Canada’s official languages (French and English), including the ability to write and edit effectively in both languages, is required.
- Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work autonomously, problem solve, and generate action from ambiguity.
- Adaptability in a dynamic, complex and fast-paced delivery environment.
- Strong ownership and partnering skills – a natural builder and change agent.
- Other relevant professional certifications are an asset.
- Experience working with researchers, scientists, or technical subject matter experts is considered an asset.
- Portfolio of writing and/or multimedia storytelling samples is considered an asset.
BENEFITS / WORK PERKS
In addition to a competitive salary and a rewarding career where you can truly make a difference in the Canadian research community, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that meets the various needs of our diverse team and that spans across Canada, including:
- Comprehensive Benefits Plan, including:
- Health
- Dental
- Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness Spending Account
- Mental Health Supports
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Paid Vacation
- Remote Work
The Alliance is strongly committed to equity and inclusion within the community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of racialized groups, people of colour, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous- and 2SLGBTQIA+ identified people.
The expected salary range for this position for candidates residing in Canada is between $72,140 – $97,601. Placement within this range will be determined based on several factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, demonstrated performance, and overall alignment with the requirements of the role. The range reflects the Alliance’s commitment to equitable pay practices and to ensuring fair compensation for all employees.
Please apply here: Careers at the Alliance!
About Digital Research Alliance of Canada | Alliance de recherche numérique du Canada
Accelerating Canada’s Research Future
As a trusted and inclusive partner, the Digital Research Alliance of Canada fosters pan-Canadian and global collaboration to provide researcher-centric, sustainable and integrated digital research infrastructure. We have a passion to collaboratively support our brilliant research community as they ask questions, gain understanding, accelerate discovery and transform how we live in our world.
Accélérer l’avenir de la recherche au Canada
En tant que partenaire inclusif et digne de confiance, l'Alliance de recherche numérique du Canada favorise une collaboration pancanadienne et mondiale, afin de fournir une infrastructure de recherche numérique durable et intégrée.
Notre passion est de soutenir
notre brillante communauté de chercheuses et chercheurs alors qu’ils posent les bonnes questions, approfondissent la compréhension, propulsent les découvertes et transforment la façon dont nous vivons.
Communications Specialist (Multimedia and Storytelling)
Top Benefits
About the role
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST (MULTIMEDIA AND STORYTELLING)
ABOUT THE ALLIANCE
The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) serves Canadian researchers, with the objective of advancing Canada’s position as a leader in the knowledge economy on the international stage. By integrating, championing, and funding the infrastructure and activities required for advanced research computing (ARC), research data management (RDM), and research software (RS), we provide the platform for the research community to access tools and services faster than ever before.
We have an ambitious mandate – to transform how research across all academic disciplines is organized, managed, stored, and used. We work with other ecosystem partners and stakeholders across the country to help provide Canadian researchers with the support they need for leading-edge research excellence, research, innovation, and advancement across all disciplines.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Communications Specialist (Multimedia and Storytelling) will work with members of the Communications and Marketing team and other departments to support effective communication and engagement with internal and external audiences. The Communications Specialist (Multimedia and Storytelling) will contribute to the development and implementation of communications and marketing plans and will be responsible for the creation, production, and delivery of multimedia and storytelling content across digital channels, including the website, social media, email marketing, and corporate events.
This specialized role focuses on producing compelling, story-driven content that highlights the work and impact of the Alliance and its research community. The Communications Specialist (Multimedia and Storytelling) will actively research, develop, and produce multimedia stories (written, visual, and digital) that translate complex, technical topics into accessible and engaging narratives for diverse audiences. This includes conducting interviews, identifying story angles, crafting scripts or articles, and collaborating with subject matter experts to bring stories to life across platforms.
The Communications Specialist (Multimedia and Storytelling) is also responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality communications in both French and English that meet the needs of internal stakeholders and public audiences. In this role, the Communications Specialist (Multimedia and Storytelling) will also help ensure the Alliance communicates effectively in both official languages, supported by internal processes and translation resources as needed.
The Communications Specialist (Multimedia and Storytelling) is a member of the Communications & Marketing team and reports to the Manager, Communications and Marketing.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and implement communications strategies that promote Alliance initiatives through compelling, story-driven content across digital and traditional platforms.
- Advise on and support internal and external communications needs, including brand guidance, messaging, and the development of storytelling assets that align with organizational goals.
- Support internal communications in collaboration with HR, incorporating multimedia tools and storytelling techniques to drive engagement.
- Provide communications support for key governance-related deliverables (e.g., Annual Report, AGM), ensuring integration of storytelling and visual content to enhance clarity and engagement.
- Lead the planning and delivery of digital and multimedia content across Alliance platforms, including web, social media, email marketing, and video.
- Develop and manage a digital and multimedia content calendar for communications and marketing.
- Lead photo and video production, including planning, scripting, recording, editing, and optimizing content for distribution across platforms.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts and partners to translate complex technical topics into accessible and compelling stories for diverse audiences.
- Create research impact stories that highlight the contributions and outcomes of Canadian researchers using Alliance-supported infrastructure and services.
- Advise on the strategic use of digital and multimedia platforms across communications and marketing activities to maximize reach and engagement.
- Provide direction and oversight for all digital media content and platforms, ensuring alignment with brand and strategic objectives.
- Contribute to the development and execution of media relations strategies, including drafting digital media content and supporting the creation of media materials as required.
- May be called on to write speeches and prepare speaking notes for the executive team, in collaboration with colleagues and depending on topic and context.
- Support and implement communications plans for product launches, project milestones, and strategic initiatives.
- Monitor and evaluate communication outcomes and analytics to inform continuous improvement and optimize audience engagement.
- Contribute to team learning and innovation by supporting cross-functional communications initiatives.
- Support other communications projects and initiatives as required, including events, campaigns, and cross-team collaborations.
QUALIFICATIONS
- College/University and/or Masters-level degree in journalism, communications, media production, or a related field.
- Minimum five to seven years of communications, content creation, or stakeholder engagement. Experience in a not-for-profit, post-secondary, public sector, or agency environment is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in journalistic writing, interviewing, or multimedia storytelling (e.g., video, audio, photography, or digital interactive formats).
- Proven experience developing and executing communications plans that address complex or technical topics and engage diverse audiences across multiple platforms.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, writing and presentation skills.
- Ability to think critically and provide communications counsel that considers various perspectives.
- Proficiency in digital communications, with emphasis on social media.
- Advanced knowledge of communications and marketing tools, including Microsoft Office, Canva, MailChimp, CMS platforms, and video editing or graphic design software.
- Fluency in both of Canada’s official languages (French and English), including the ability to write and edit effectively in both languages, is required.
- Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work autonomously, problem solve, and generate action from ambiguity.
- Adaptability in a dynamic, complex and fast-paced delivery environment.
- Strong ownership and partnering skills – a natural builder and change agent.
- Other relevant professional certifications are an asset.
- Experience working with researchers, scientists, or technical subject matter experts is considered an asset.
- Portfolio of writing and/or multimedia storytelling samples is considered an asset.
BENEFITS / WORK PERKS
In addition to a competitive salary and a rewarding career where you can truly make a difference in the Canadian research community, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that meets the various needs of our diverse team and that spans across Canada, including:
- Comprehensive Benefits Plan, including:
- Health
- Dental
- Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness Spending Account
- Mental Health Supports
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Paid Vacation
- Remote Work
The Alliance is strongly committed to equity and inclusion within the community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of racialized groups, people of colour, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous- and 2SLGBTQIA+ identified people.
The expected salary range for this position for candidates residing in Canada is between $72,140 – $97,601. Placement within this range will be determined based on several factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, demonstrated performance, and overall alignment with the requirements of the role. The range reflects the Alliance’s commitment to equitable pay practices and to ensuring fair compensation for all employees.
Please apply here: Careers at the Alliance!
About Digital Research Alliance of Canada | Alliance de recherche numérique du Canada
Accelerating Canada’s Research Future
As a trusted and inclusive partner, the Digital Research Alliance of Canada fosters pan-Canadian and global collaboration to provide researcher-centric, sustainable and integrated digital research infrastructure. We have a passion to collaboratively support our brilliant research community as they ask questions, gain understanding, accelerate discovery and transform how we live in our world.
Accélérer l’avenir de la recherche au Canada
En tant que partenaire inclusif et digne de confiance, l'Alliance de recherche numérique du Canada favorise une collaboration pancanadienne et mondiale, afin de fournir une infrastructure de recherche numérique durable et intégrée.
Notre passion est de soutenir
notre brillante communauté de chercheuses et chercheurs alors qu’ils posent les bonnes questions, approfondissent la compréhension, propulsent les découvertes et transforment la façon dont nous vivons.