If you are looking for a career opportunity, want to give meaning to your professional achievements and contribute to making the world a better place by playing a part in international development, and are passionate about strategic communications and building meaningful relationships with the media, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is the place for you!

IDRC is home to people who share a passion for international development research. We look for employees who believe that knowledge and innovation can help solve the world’s most critical challenges.

Come join our Corporate Communications team and help us build a more sustainable and inclusive world!

Our employment opportunity of the moment: Senior Media Relations Advisor

Location: Ottawa, Canada (Hybrid Mode*)

Take a minute to see if your profile fits IDRC:

You have:

• A university degree in communication, journalism, public relations, political science, development studies or an acceptable combination of education, training, and experience in communications.
• Proficiency in French and English (reading, writing and speaking).
• A minimum of five (5) years of recent communications, public affairs, or media and media relations experience with a strong focus on building, managing, and strengthening relationships with media outlets, and on social and on-line media platforms.
• Experience in providing expert analysis and strategic guidance to senior management on media relations matters.
• A sound understanding of international development, foreign affairs and IDRC’s mandate, its activities, and the environment in which it operates.
• An excellent knowledge of the Canadian media landscape, including digital and social media, as well as an understanding of the global media outlets relevant to IDRC.
• Experience collaborating and coordinating with an organization’s satellite/regional/international offices is an asset.

You are:

• Aligned with the IDRC’s culture and value statements: At IDRC we are respectful, intentional and accountable.
• A skilled communicator with great interpersonal, oral, and professional writing skills.
• A strategic thinker and great planner using diplomacy, tact and courtesy when dealing with media and Centre representatives.
• Able to analyze and provide clear and articulate strategic advice to persuade, influence and inform using initiative, good judgment, and adaptability.
• Excellent at providing tailored information to target audiences, including generating interest of media outlets.
• An effective team player within a multidisciplinary group of people from diverse cultures able to collaborate and coordinate with stakeholders in multiple international locations.
• Able to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities, work independently and collaboratively as part of a team and meet tight deadlines.

You are interested in:

• Developing and implementing media strategies to make research for international development visible to Canadian and global audiences.
• Pitching IDRC’s campaigns and research results to media outlets, as well as coordinating and providing responses to incoming inquiries, including acting as primary spokesperson for the organization when required.
• Leading the planning, preparation and implementation of messaging for communications campaigns and initiatives, as well as preparing integrated campaign materials, including social media, and evaluating results.
• Building, managing and strengthening relationships with media.
• Monitoring and analyzing issues and providing timely strategic media advice to management and senior officials.
• Writing and editing media advisories and releases; media questions and answers; and key messages, speeches and briefing notes for management and senior staff.
• Joining an organization that values and models diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Then we are interested in your profile!

At IDRC, we support your professional development

Additional Information:

• For more details on the primary duties and responsibilities, view Job Details.
• * Hybrid Mode: The Centre provides a hybrid work environment, and your presence at the office is governed by the teleworking policy.
• As a result of this process, the Centre may establish a pool of pre-qualified candidates for future permanent and term opportunities.