Director, Communications & Public Affairs Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)

Who Is CIGI & How Are They Changing the World?

The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is an independent, non-partisan think tank whose peer-reviewed research, foresight and trusted analysis influence policy makers to innovate. With the engagement of a global network of experts and contributors, CIGI tackles the governance challenges and opportunities of data and transformative technologies, including AI, and their impact on the economy, security, democracy and, ultimately, societies. CIGI delivers independent world-leading research and analysis to influence policy on cutting-edge issues that intersect transformative technologies and governance.

How Will I Make An Impact?

Reporting to the President of CIGI, the Director of communications & Public Affairs is a member of the Senior Management Team. You will:

  • Oversee the strategy and implementation of CIGI’s outreach and impact activities that promote CIGI’s research and strengthen its brand and reputation internationally.
  • Develop and execute CIGI’s communications, media, and publications process, and contribute to government relations strategies.
  • Lead the teams responsible for media relations, social media, editorial content, and event execution.
  • Oversee (through a Senior Manager) the Digital Media and Software function which delivers a range of products and services including creative design, digital marketing, multimedia, publishing, and web programming.
  • Work closely with the Research Directors and Program Managers to manage the research outputs and event requirements.
  • Support the activities of the President and Research Directors in representing CIGI and may also serve as an ambassador for the organization by acting as a corporate spokesperson.

How Do I Know If This Is For Me?

As a member of CIGI’s Senior Management Team (SMT), you will:

  • Play an integral role in the development of CIGI’s strategic plan and the annual Program of Work and Budget, as well as the achievement of CIGI’s mandate and strategic plan objectives.
  • Provide strategic advice and leadership in developing programs and mobilizing research to achieve CIGI’s desired impact.
  • Promote a culture of high performance and professional standards that emphasizes CIGI’s values of collaboration, accountability, and integrity.
  • Establish positive, collaborative relationships with peers on the SMT and all cross-functional team members.
  • Represent the best interests of CIGI in all internal and external dealings and maintain the reputation of the organization.

Communications and Government Relations

  • Develop and champion CIGI’s brand, global media presence, and public profile in support of organizational objectives.
  • Provide strategic leadership in the development of outreach plans to amplify the impact of research projects with policy makers and their influencers by:
    • Acting as the link between Communications & Public Affairs and the research and project management team.
    • Developing and implementing communications and media planning for publications including policy briefs, essay series, and special reports.
    • Cultivating a broad network of relationships with journalists and editors to drive high quality coverage of CIGI and its research.
    • Monitoring and advising SMT activity with key government stakeholders at the local, national and global level.
  • Establish social media content and promotion strategies to inform, engage and influence targeted, high-level external audiences.
  • Serve as primary communications advisor to the President and Senior Management Team, advising on media, communications and crisis management.
  • Provide strategic direction and oversight of CIGI’s internal and external communications.
  • Cultivate key, local community relationships to promote CIGI and its research.

Digital Media and Software function of Communications & Public Affairs

  • In collaboration with the Senior Manager, Digital Media and Software, establish a digital strategy to build CIGI’s digital presence and brand, both on CIGIonline.org and external sites.
  • Oversee the delivery of online editorial content that furthers CIGI’s position as thought leader in digital governance.
  • Define content metrics, KPIs, and use analytics to inform and optimize decision-making related to CIGI’s channels and content types.
  • Maintain quality assurance and quality control in research publications by ensuring wide adoption of CIGI’s Style Guide and that high publishing standards and policies are maintained.
  • Review all permissions for reproducing CIGI publications and resolve issues regarding copyright of CIGI publications.
  • Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with external suppliers, including editors and designers.
  • Lead the production of CIGI’s Annual Report in both official languages.

Our Ideal Candidate Looks Like:

  • Educational background in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or relevant discipline.
  • Extensive experience developing and implementing a communications, digital marketing, government relations and public affairs strategy in an innovative and creative environment.
  • Experience leading large, diverse teams.
  • Experience creating and measuring impact on research publications and deliverables, ideally within a knowledge mobilization and/or theory of change framework.
  • Excellent project management skills including managing a budget and effectively coordinating multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively interface with senior management, Board of Directors, and staff across an organization.
  • Strong familiarity with national and international news media operations and journalists.
  • Strong understanding of evolving social and digital media strategies, email list building and visual communication.
  • Understanding of the publication processes, both digital and print.
  • Knowledge of the structure and operation of the Government of Canada and global institutions.

As your Artemis Canada Recruitment Consultant, I’ll work closely with you through every step of the process.

We understand, accept, and value the differences between people of different backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, ages, beliefs, and abilities.  We aim to create an inclusive environment and encourage diverse individuals to apply.

I’d love to hear from you - even if you don’t meet 100% of the requirements. Send me a note at Carly@artemiscanada.com if you or someone you know is interested!

Carly Livingstone of Artemis Canada

Does this sound exciting to you? Let's chat!

Introduce yourself by sending Carly your Linkedin profile via the link below.