This role may be performed either in-person at our Royal Roads University offices or fully remotely

Position Summary:

The Cascade Institute Communications Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping and implementing the Institute's communication strategies and supporting its knowledge mobilization activities. The Communications Manager is a seasoned communications professional with a strategic mindset, a track record of delivering impactful communications initiatives, and experience cultivating and leveraging relationships in media. 

The overarching objectives of this role are to elevate the stature and awareness of the Institute and its projects among key audiences to help it achieve its mission: We provide governments, communities, industry, and frontline actors with a better understanding of the world’s problem landscape. We then help these leaders develop solutions to trigger a rapid shift in humanity’s trajectory towards a healthy, just, and resilient world.

The Communications Manager develops and executes the Cascade Institute’s integrated communications strategy, with a focus on public and media relations. Core responsibilities also include digital communications (social, newsletter, websites) and the planning and execution of virtual and in-person events. The Communications Lead also supports the Knowledge Mobilization Lead in producing research and analysis outputs (e.g., editing, publication design).  

This role requires (1) strategic thinking and media savvy (i.e., sophisticated understanding of the evolving digital media landscape, where the Institute’s work should be pitched, and how to do it successfully), (2) high-quality writing (i.e., the ability to translate complex ideas for target audiences and produce clean, compelling copy for newsletters, press releases, and social posts), and (3) flexibility and agility, including a willingness to take on somewhat quotidian tasks often performed by more junior comms staff at larger organizations (e.g., website management, social media engagement, webinar facilitation).

Primary Position Outcomes: 

•    Develop and lead the execution of a comprehensive and agile communications strategy and content plan that aligns with the Cascade Institute's long-term objectives and engages target audiences effectively, while managing the brand's reputation.
•    Cultivate relationships with journalists and editors in digital and legacy media and develop strategies for positioning Cascade Institute research in high-impact publications and media products.
•    Manage the Cascade Institute’s digital presence, including social media platforms, newsletters, websites, and other online channels, ensuring content is compelling and consistently reflects the organization's mission.
•    Conceptualize, create, edit, and disseminate high-impact content across various platforms, including social media posts, newsletters, press releases, website updates, and other strategic marketing materials.
•    Lead the development, promotion, and execution of virtual, hybrid, and in-person webinars, presentations, and events.
•    Support the Knowledge Mobilization Lead in the production of research and analysis outputs (e.g., editing, publication design).
•    Collaborate closely with researchers and senior leadership to stay informed about the latest developments, research projects, and institutional priorities, facilitating a continuous flow of strategically aligned content production and distribution.
•    Implement data-driven decision making by analyzing web traffic, community metrics, and digital engagement, using insights to refine and optimize communication strategies.
•    Support senior leadership in the development of fundraising and funder-recognition materials.
•    Support senior leadership in the management of contracts with web support and graphic design contractors.
•    Collaborate closely with RRU Communications to align the Institute’s communications strategy, brand, and messages with RRU’s.

Required Qualifications:

•    Bachelor's degree, relevant diploma, or equivalent combination of experience and professional development in communications, public relations, marketing, or journalism. 
•    A minimum of 5 years experience in strategic communications, with a demonstrated history of successfully engaging with diverse online communities and delivering impactful communication strategies.
•    Experience in media relationship cultivation.
•    Experience with research "knowledge mobilization" (communicating the findings/insights/recommendations from research and analysis products) and policy advocacy.
•    Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including the ability to craft and convey strategic messages effectively to diverse audiences.
•    Proficiency in, or ability to quickly pick up, communication tools and platforms, including MS Office Suite, cloud-based collaboration tools, LinkedIn, Wordpress, and Canva.
•    Expertise in social media management tools, data analytics, and SEO best practices.
•    Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills, with the capacity to handle complex tasks and meet strategic deadlines.
•    A demonstrated commitment to quality, accuracy, and attention to detail, maintaining the highest professional standards.
•    Exceptional strategic thinking, initiative, and decision making, including the ability to provide leadership in complex communications environments.
•    A positive attitude, strong interpersonal skills, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

•    Graduate degree in relevant field.
•    Experience conducting rigorous research/analysis and working within a team-based research environment.