Manager, Communications & Creative Services
Top Benefits
About the role
Team: Communications and Public Relations
Posting Date: September 26, 2025 - October 16, 2025
Term: Indefinite-term contract
Hiring Range: $80,000 - $90,000 annual salary
Benefits: Extensive benefits package inclusive of health, dental, RRSP matching, and paid personal days. Hybrid working options available for team members.
Vacancy: New position
Background
The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is a charitable non-profit organization that partners with the University of Waterloo, Conestoga College, and Schlegel Villages to enhance care and quality of life for older adults. Through engagement with key partners and collaborators, RIA supports practice-relevant research and knowledge mobilization. Research evidence is used to inform programs, education and training, and influence practice and policy.
The Communications and Public Relations team is part of the RIA’s Community Relations department. Responsible for building strong connections and sharing the impact of the RIA, Community Relations leads communications, public relations, community and partner engagement, and fundraising. They collaborate across the RIA to deliver consistent branding and effective marketing. In partnership with local, national, and international networks, the department helps to amplify the RIA’s mission and help to change the way we age.
Primary Purpose
The Manager, Communications & Creative Services provides strategic and operational leadership to a team of communication professionals. This role will be responsible for the successful implementation of RIA’s brand strategy, with an aim to increase awareness, strengthen reputation, and build support for the organization. As an experienced leader, you will guide a team of professionals to develop and execute creative campaigns, digital marketing, social media, paid media, and communications material that showcase the RIA’s impact. Additionally, this role will be responsible for overseeing integrated campaigns, content development, and data-driven strategies to maximize brand reach and engagement.
The role will support RIA’s vision, mission, and values as well as have an interest and passion for enhancing quality of life and care for older adults and those who care for them.
Key Accountabilities
- Leadership: Provide strategic and operational leadership to a team of people in alignment with the RIA’s strategic plans and communications’ implementation plans. Manage team workloads, project timelines, and vendor and freelance relationships to ensure successful project delivery. Develop and implement comprehensive processes and workflows to improve team efficiency and effectiveness. Work collaboratively with and provide supervision and mentorship to team members to ensure success in alignment with RIA’s culture and values.
- Brand Management & Creative Direction: Give leadership to the implementation of the RIA’s brand strategy across all external channels, maintaining brand guidelines, tone of voice, and visual identity for consistency. Drive new paid and owned tactics to build awareness and reputation, and identify opportunities for innovation in digital marketing, creative campaigns, and brand storytelling. Oversee the design and production of high-quality, inclusive, and accessible content, guide the creative development of visual assets, marketing materials, and digital content.
- Digital Marketing & Strategy: Provide leadership to grow reach, engagement, and impact across digital and social platforms. Oversee email campaigns, paid advertising initiatives, SEO/SEM, and website content updates. Stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in digital marketing, social media, and design.
- Budget Management: Manage a communications budget. Provide regular reporting of expenditures to leadership. Responsible for the management of spending related to communication/marketing activities and ensuring that all spending is in alignment with RIA policies. Ability to effectively source and work with consultants and vendors to ensure successful outcomes.
- Communication and Reporting: S trong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences. Lead the evaluation of communication and marketing activities, reporting on outcomes to funders, team members, and key partners. Set and track marketing KPIs to ensure alignment with RIA’s strategic goals. Provide regular performance reports with actionable insights for leadership, using data to refine strategies, measure impact, and identify new growth opportunities. Facilitate meetings and document key outcomes to ensure clear and effective collaboration. Actively participate in team and organization-wide meetings virtually and in-person.
- Other: Take on additional tasks, activities, and special projects, as they arise.
Position Requirements
Education:
College diploma or University degree in communications, or equivalent work experience.
Skills and Experience:
- A minimum of 5 years of experience providing leadership to communication projects, including graphic design, marketing or communications.
- A minimum of 3 years of experience in leading and supervising a communications or marketing team in alignment with organizational values and project goals.
- A minimum of 3 years of experience managing communications budgets.
- Experience in creating and tailoring clear, compelling content for diverse audiences and platforms, including print, web and social media.
- Proficient in digital marketing and content development, with a strong understanding of social media strategy.
- Proficiency in a range of digital tools including Google Workspace products, Adobe Creative Suite, and digital marketing platforms (e.g., Mail Chimp).
- Proficiency with project management tools like Monday.com or Asana, social media management platforms like Hootsuite, and a solid knowledge of SEO/SEM, and Google Analytics, with an understanding of video production.
- Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design practices is an asset.
- Experience working with and building effective relationships with partners, including funding organizations.
- Highly motivated, detail-oriented, with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines and manage changing requirements.
- Familiarity with health, aging, and not-for-profit sections is an asset.
Additional Requirements:
- Fluency in English. Fluency in French is an asset but not required.
- Must have a valid driver’s licence and be available for occasional travel.
- Eligible to obtain a clear police background and record check.
- Eligible to work in Canada.
Scope of Work
- Interpersonal Skills: Communicates effectively with internal team members and external partners; professionally represents the RIA in all communications and at events.
- Level of Responsibility: Responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient implementation and budget management of multiple projects.
- Decision-Making Authority: Responsible for the day-to-day operations of a variety of projects with support from a director for strategic decisions.
- Physical and Sensory Demands: Minimal demands, typical of a position operating within an office environment; periods of extensive sitting at a desk and in meetings and concentrated use of visual senses; substantial repetitive keyboard/mouse movement; high sensory demands because of required concentration and attentiveness to detail and regular distractions and interruptions.
- Working Environment: Much of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position with frequent opportunities to move about. Office is located in a comfortable indoor area and options for hybrid work are available for this position. The work is varied and assignments may change frequently. Work will involve regular interaction with RIA team members and external partners and collaborators. There are deadline pressures, while at the same time there is a demand for thoroughness and accuracy. Occasional travel is required.
Vaccination Statement
All researchers, employees and students of the RIA who will work with long-term care homes, colleges, universities and other partners are required to comply with the vaccination policies of those external organizations to complete their work. Of note, vaccination policies are subject to change. The requirement to comply with those evolving policies does not change.
Equity Statement
The RIA is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion within its community and organization. We strongly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, racialized groups, women, 2SLGBTQI+ people, persons with disabilities and people from other equity-deserving groups.
The RIA is pleased to accommodate individual needs in accordance with the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) within our recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any time throughout the recruitment process, please let us know.
Funding Statement
Please note that all positions at the RIA and the continuation of these positions are conditional upon funding.
About Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA)
As a charitable, non-profit foundation, the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) enhances the quality of life and care of older adults through partnerships in research, education and practice.
RIA has core partnerships with Schlegel Villages, University of Waterloo and Conestoga College, but collaborates with a number of other organizations and academic institutions.
Through these collaborations, RIA supports practice-relevant research and mobilizes research evidence so it can inform programs, be integrated into education and training, and influence practice and policy. What is learned is then shared to benefit older adults everywhere.
Manager, Communications & Creative Services
Top Benefits
About the role
Team: Communications and Public Relations
Posting Date: September 26, 2025 - October 16, 2025
Term: Indefinite-term contract
Hiring Range: $80,000 - $90,000 annual salary
Benefits: Extensive benefits package inclusive of health, dental, RRSP matching, and paid personal days. Hybrid working options available for team members.
Vacancy: New position
Background
The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is a charitable non-profit organization that partners with the University of Waterloo, Conestoga College, and Schlegel Villages to enhance care and quality of life for older adults. Through engagement with key partners and collaborators, RIA supports practice-relevant research and knowledge mobilization. Research evidence is used to inform programs, education and training, and influence practice and policy.
The Communications and Public Relations team is part of the RIA’s Community Relations department. Responsible for building strong connections and sharing the impact of the RIA, Community Relations leads communications, public relations, community and partner engagement, and fundraising. They collaborate across the RIA to deliver consistent branding and effective marketing. In partnership with local, national, and international networks, the department helps to amplify the RIA’s mission and help to change the way we age.
Primary Purpose
The Manager, Communications & Creative Services provides strategic and operational leadership to a team of communication professionals. This role will be responsible for the successful implementation of RIA’s brand strategy, with an aim to increase awareness, strengthen reputation, and build support for the organization. As an experienced leader, you will guide a team of professionals to develop and execute creative campaigns, digital marketing, social media, paid media, and communications material that showcase the RIA’s impact. Additionally, this role will be responsible for overseeing integrated campaigns, content development, and data-driven strategies to maximize brand reach and engagement.
The role will support RIA’s vision, mission, and values as well as have an interest and passion for enhancing quality of life and care for older adults and those who care for them.
Key Accountabilities
- Leadership: Provide strategic and operational leadership to a team of people in alignment with the RIA’s strategic plans and communications’ implementation plans. Manage team workloads, project timelines, and vendor and freelance relationships to ensure successful project delivery. Develop and implement comprehensive processes and workflows to improve team efficiency and effectiveness. Work collaboratively with and provide supervision and mentorship to team members to ensure success in alignment with RIA’s culture and values.
- Brand Management & Creative Direction: Give leadership to the implementation of the RIA’s brand strategy across all external channels, maintaining brand guidelines, tone of voice, and visual identity for consistency. Drive new paid and owned tactics to build awareness and reputation, and identify opportunities for innovation in digital marketing, creative campaigns, and brand storytelling. Oversee the design and production of high-quality, inclusive, and accessible content, guide the creative development of visual assets, marketing materials, and digital content.
- Digital Marketing & Strategy: Provide leadership to grow reach, engagement, and impact across digital and social platforms. Oversee email campaigns, paid advertising initiatives, SEO/SEM, and website content updates. Stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in digital marketing, social media, and design.
- Budget Management: Manage a communications budget. Provide regular reporting of expenditures to leadership. Responsible for the management of spending related to communication/marketing activities and ensuring that all spending is in alignment with RIA policies. Ability to effectively source and work with consultants and vendors to ensure successful outcomes.
- Communication and Reporting: S trong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences. Lead the evaluation of communication and marketing activities, reporting on outcomes to funders, team members, and key partners. Set and track marketing KPIs to ensure alignment with RIA’s strategic goals. Provide regular performance reports with actionable insights for leadership, using data to refine strategies, measure impact, and identify new growth opportunities. Facilitate meetings and document key outcomes to ensure clear and effective collaboration. Actively participate in team and organization-wide meetings virtually and in-person.
- Other: Take on additional tasks, activities, and special projects, as they arise.
Position Requirements
Education:
College diploma or University degree in communications, or equivalent work experience.
Skills and Experience:
- A minimum of 5 years of experience providing leadership to communication projects, including graphic design, marketing or communications.
- A minimum of 3 years of experience in leading and supervising a communications or marketing team in alignment with organizational values and project goals.
- A minimum of 3 years of experience managing communications budgets.
- Experience in creating and tailoring clear, compelling content for diverse audiences and platforms, including print, web and social media.
- Proficient in digital marketing and content development, with a strong understanding of social media strategy.
- Proficiency in a range of digital tools including Google Workspace products, Adobe Creative Suite, and digital marketing platforms (e.g., Mail Chimp).
- Proficiency with project management tools like Monday.com or Asana, social media management platforms like Hootsuite, and a solid knowledge of SEO/SEM, and Google Analytics, with an understanding of video production.
- Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design practices is an asset.
- Experience working with and building effective relationships with partners, including funding organizations.
- Highly motivated, detail-oriented, with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines and manage changing requirements.
- Familiarity with health, aging, and not-for-profit sections is an asset.
Additional Requirements:
- Fluency in English. Fluency in French is an asset but not required.
- Must have a valid driver’s licence and be available for occasional travel.
- Eligible to obtain a clear police background and record check.
- Eligible to work in Canada.
Scope of Work
- Interpersonal Skills: Communicates effectively with internal team members and external partners; professionally represents the RIA in all communications and at events.
- Level of Responsibility: Responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient implementation and budget management of multiple projects.
- Decision-Making Authority: Responsible for the day-to-day operations of a variety of projects with support from a director for strategic decisions.
- Physical and Sensory Demands: Minimal demands, typical of a position operating within an office environment; periods of extensive sitting at a desk and in meetings and concentrated use of visual senses; substantial repetitive keyboard/mouse movement; high sensory demands because of required concentration and attentiveness to detail and regular distractions and interruptions.
- Working Environment: Much of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position with frequent opportunities to move about. Office is located in a comfortable indoor area and options for hybrid work are available for this position. The work is varied and assignments may change frequently. Work will involve regular interaction with RIA team members and external partners and collaborators. There are deadline pressures, while at the same time there is a demand for thoroughness and accuracy. Occasional travel is required.
Vaccination Statement
All researchers, employees and students of the RIA who will work with long-term care homes, colleges, universities and other partners are required to comply with the vaccination policies of those external organizations to complete their work. Of note, vaccination policies are subject to change. The requirement to comply with those evolving policies does not change.
Equity Statement
The RIA is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion within its community and organization. We strongly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, racialized groups, women, 2SLGBTQI+ people, persons with disabilities and people from other equity-deserving groups.
The RIA is pleased to accommodate individual needs in accordance with the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) within our recruitment process. If you require accommodation at any time throughout the recruitment process, please let us know.
Funding Statement
Please note that all positions at the RIA and the continuation of these positions are conditional upon funding.
About Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA)
As a charitable, non-profit foundation, the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) enhances the quality of life and care of older adults through partnerships in research, education and practice.
RIA has core partnerships with Schlegel Villages, University of Waterloo and Conestoga College, but collaborates with a number of other organizations and academic institutions.
Through these collaborations, RIA supports practice-relevant research and mobilizes research evidence so it can inform programs, be integrated into education and training, and influence practice and policy. What is learned is then shared to benefit older adults everywhere.