The Opportunity
As Manager, Corporate Communications, you will be a core member on OCI’s Marketing & Communications team, reporting to the Vice President, Marketing & Communications.
You will lead OCI’s corporate communications function, overseeing executive communications, media and issues management, organizational storytelling, and internal and external narrative alignment, while also driving integrated campaigns that showcase Ontario’s innovation economy.
You will help position OCI as a trusted, authoritative voice in innovation. You will support executive leadership communications, guide corporate messaging, manage high-profile and sensitive files, and ensure OCI’s communications are strategic, coordinated, and reputation-building across all channels.
About the Ontario Centre of Innovation
The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) is a not-for-profit organization committed to accelerating economic growth in Ontario through the commercialization of advanced technologies and research. OCI acts as a bridge among academia, industry, and government, investing in collaborative R&D, fostering innovation ecosystems, and helping promising ventures bring new technologies to market.
In 2024, OCI invested $117 million across the province, including $61 million in industry contributions. These efforts helped drive the creation and retention of over 5,500 jobs and catalyzed more than $700 million in private-sector follow-on investments.
OCI’s role is central to Ontario’s vision of innovation-led prosperity: by reducing the risk of commercialization, facilitating partnerships, and strategically deploying capital into high-impact technologies, OCI contributes to the province’s competitiveness, talent retention, and long-term economic resilience.
Who You Are
You are a corporate communications professional who has led complex initiatives. You know how to translate technical, policy, and business issues into compelling narratives. You are comfortable advising executives and managing sensitive corporate communication files and shaping campaigns, pitching media, and guiding creative teams.
You care deeply about credibility, storytelling, reputation, and impact.
You follow business and innovation news. You understand how ecosystems work. You instinctively look for the human stories behind technology. And you’re energized by the idea of using communications to shape reputation, influence perception, support leadership, and accelerate growth.
Key Responsibilities
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Develop and execute corporate communications strategies aligned with OCI’s business priorities
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Lead executive communications, thought leadership, and organizational positioning to strengthen brand and influence
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Manage media relations, reputation management, and issues/crisis communications under the direction of the VP, Marketing & Communications.
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Plan and deliver integrated campaigns across digital, web, social, and content platforms
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Drive corporate storytelling for major initiatives, announcements, and events, including DiscoveryX
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Support internal communications and ensure alignment of organizational narrative.
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Oversee website, editorial, and newsletter strategy, including content planning and execution.
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Liase with external agencies, contractors, and content partners to deliver high quality outputs.
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Contribute to and help shape a small, high-performing team within a collaborative MARCOM function
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Partner closely with OCI leadership, program teams, government stakeholders, and broader ecosystem partners.
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Occasional work hours and travel may be required outside of normal working hours.
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Other duties as assigned.
Skills
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Demonstrated ability to translate complex technology, policy, and economic issues into clear corporate narratives.
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Effectively advising leaders and managing high-visibility communications files.
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Design campaigns that support both reputation and results.
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Lead media strategies, executive positioning, and effectively manage sensitive communications.
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Build structure, standards, and story platforms that can be scaled.
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Collaborate with staff, project leads, and partners with confidence and momentum.
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Anticipate and identify communications risks and opportunities.
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Balance creativity with rigour, and vision with execution
Qualifications
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5+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications, PR, or marketing.
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Formal education in communications, marketing or related discipline.
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Proven success leading initiatives, campaigns, and cross-functional files.
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Exceptional writing, editing, and executive-level storytelling ability.
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Extensive experience in media relations and issues management.
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Strong experience in overseeing websites, content platforms, newsletters, and social channels.
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Proven ability to operate effectively in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
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Confidence managing external agencies, budgets, timelines, and competing priorities.
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Experience in innovation, technology, government, higher education, economic development, or adjacent sectors is a strong asset.
This role is being recruited to fill a current vacancy.
OCI is committed to creating a diverse and equitable environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. OCI welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process
