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 storytelling, strategic content creation, and impactful communications, 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 worldโs most critical challenges. Guided by the values of Respect, Accountability and Intention, IDRC fosters collaboration to create meaningful and inclusive change. Please visit our website to learn more about our work: What We Do.
Come join our team and help us build a more sustainable and inclusive world!
Our employment opportunity of the moment: Manager, Content Strategy and Lead Storyteller
Location: Ottawa, Canada (Hybrid Mode)
Step into the opportunity:
As the Manager, Content Strategy and Lead Storyteller, you will be joining an organization that values and models diversity, inclusion and equity while being responsible for:
Leading the strategy and planning for major outward-facing campaigns and initiatives to elevate IDRCโs public profile in Canada and internationally.Shaping and articulating compelling stories that reflect IDRCโs vision, values and programs, and resonate with diverse audiences. Managing and mentoring a team of communications professionals, providing expert guidance in the areas of storytelling and strategic content production.Acting as editor-in-chief, bringing coherence to the Centreโs messaging on major initiatives while supporting cross-divisional collaboration and enhancing the communications products and plans developed across the Centre.Collaborating with internal teams and external partners to position IDRC as a thought leader in global development through consistent and impactful storytelling.For more details on the primary duties and responsibilities, view Job Details.
Take a minute to see if your profile fits IDRC:
You Have:
A university degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or media arts, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.Proficiency in both French and English (reading, writing, and speaking).Notable experience focused on storytelling and/or strategic content development, including planning and delivering communications campaigns, creating multimedia content, and crafting key messages and narratives.A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience in a communications-related profession.A proven managerial track record, ideally with experience managing a team in a complex environment, including matrix or international contexts, is an asset.A sound understanding of storytelling, narrative and communications professional practices and principles including the ethics around story and content collection. Excellent knowledge of social media and the media landscape in Canada and internationally, digital storytelling tools, and communications trends especially in international development contexts.You Are:
Aligned with the IDRCโs culture and value statements: At IDRC we are respectful, intentional and accountable.A strategic thinker with strong creativity and the ability to craft compelling, audience-focused narratives.Ready to act as an internal and external ambassador of IDRCโs brand, leading by example to instill creativity and brand consistency.Competent in managing multiple projects and priorities under pressure, while delivering high-quality, brand-aligned content. A team player within a multidisciplinary group of people from diverse cultures.Proficient in editorial oversight, capable of leveraging analytical tools and interpreting analytical data as well as implementing and tracking performance metrics and KPIs.If this sounds like the right fit, weโd love to hear from you!
Additional Information:
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 requiring the same competencies.Your next chapter begins here. Letโs shape a brighter, more inclusive future together.
Our recruitment team carefully reviews all applications to identify candidates who best align with the roleโs criteria. If selected, you will hear from us regarding the next steps in the process. We thank all applicants for their interest and encourage you to stay connected with IDRC for future opportunities.
The International Development Research Centre is committed to creating and fostering a respectful, diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace culture that reflects the peopleโs lives we impact and the Canadian community we work within, where everyone can truly be themselves. We welcome Indigenous peoples and persons from all races, ethnicities, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, as well as persons with physical or mental disabilities to be part of our team. At IDRC, we place human rights and dignity at the center of our work. We have a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in the delivery of our mandate and during our research-for-development activities.
We strive to ensure barrier-free selection processes. If you are contacted regarding a career opportunity, testing or interview, please advise the People and Corporate Culture Division representative of the accommodation measures that must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.
All IDRC employment offers will be contingent on satisfactory references and self-declaration results. IDRC will request information from references provided by job applicants about any findings related to sexual exploitation, abuse and/or harassment in the context of employment.
By submitting an application, job applicants confirm their understanding of the recruitment process above.
Who can apply? Canadian citizens and permanent residents.