Communications and Media Relations Specialist

The Communications and Media Relations Specialist is the Institute’s “first call” for media inquiries, and is responsible for implementing our media response, pitching stories, and media monitoring in ways that further the Institute’s strategic goals. An excellent level of English and French fluency is required, as this role involves responsibility for cultivating relationships with journalists and media outlets in Quebec and other French-speaking regions.

The Communications and Media Relations Specialist works closely with the Communications and Public Affairs team to identify opportunities to deploy our research and policy insights, create compelling press materials, and write, edit, and create content tailored to different audiences across our various platforms. The Specialist coordinates our media outreach, and is skilled at training our spokespeople to deliver clear and compelling messages.

Responsibilities
Media Relations

Develop and execute comprehensive media relations plans to promote the Institute’s research and further our strategic goals.
Identify strategic French-language media outlets and individual journalists, and cultivate relationships to raise our profile and improve the reach of our messaging, particularly in Quebec.
Write, edit, and distribute press releases, media pitches, fact sheets, and other bilingual press materials to targeted media outlets, with an emphasis on generating interest from French-speaking regions.
Develop media lists and keep them up-to-date.
Coordinate media briefings and events and respond to requests for information.
Answer the Institute’s media line and coordinate media interviews with Institute spokespeople.
Assist with the development of key messages, and support Institute spokespeople with training, coaching and feedback.
Meet with journalists regularly to share Institute research and perspectives to support informed reporting on climate and energy.

Media monitoring and analysis

Conduct and share daily and on-demand news scans, summaries and analysis to keep Institute staff informed on the climate-related news of the day and developing media stories.
Monitor the Institute’s media presence and impact across traditional and social media, and produce regular reports and analysis.
Stay up-to-date on industry best practices and emerging trends in media relations and communications, including looking beyond traditional newsrooms (e.g. to influencers).

Communications support

Proactively identify and pursue media opportunities for Institute staff and experts, often responding to the news of the day, and develop creative angles to ensure our message gets out there.
Design, write, edit, proofread and/or commission content for the Institute’s website and social media sites, including posts, videos, graphics, etc.

This position reports to the Director of Communications. If you join our team, you’ll be collaborating with some of the most dedicated and influential thinkers working on climate policy in Canada. Learn about our latest work at climateinstitute.ca

Qualifications

Fluent in French and English, both written and spoken. This position requires perfect proficiency in French.
Post-secondary degree in Communications, Media Studies, Journalism, Public Affairs, Public Policy, Political Science, Environmental, Sustainability or Climate Change Studies, or other relevant field of study if combined with relevant communications experience.
Impeccable judgment and experience navigating sensitive or complex issues in a media-relations context.
Proven experience in media relations, with a strong network of media contacts in Quebec and/or other francophone media markets in Canada.
Strong understanding of Canada’s climate policy and political context, including familiarity with climate-related news and policy developments in Quebec.
Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages tailored to different target audiences.
Ability to create strategic, plain-language messaging from research and technical materials.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with media professionals and peers, and experience coaching or supporting spokespeople and colleagues to apply best practices in media interviews and outreach.

What we Offer

A full-time (40 hrs/wk) salaried position with occasional travel
The opportunity to do meaningful work with a dynamic, highly committed team located across the country
A flexible, virtual workplace with funds to cover home-office setup or coworking space
Four weeks’ paid vacation plus federal stat holidays and additional paid days off at year-end
Employer-paid health care benefits, Employee Assistance Program, half-day Fridays in the summer, paid sick days and paid parental leave among other employee supports
The option to substitute statutory religious holidays for religious or cultural holidays you observe
An RRSP contribution plan available to staff after one year
Funding for professional development, skill training and participation in conferences