Bilingual Media Relations and Communications Specialist
About The Position
Invest Ottawa is seeking a Bilingual Media Relations & Communications Specialist to help amplify its impact, strengthen its reputation, and tell compelling stories about its founders, companies, programs, and partners. This role is at the intersection of media relations, real-time communications, and brand-building, supporting a fast-paced innovation ecosystem with national and global relevance. The specialist will play a hands-on role in executing bilingual communications across all channels, supporting high-stakes media engagement, and ensuring the organization's work is visible, credible, and clearly understood by funders, partners, policymakers, and the public. This position offers an opportunity to work on meaningful, high-impact stories that support founders, strengthen Canada’s innovation economy, and build long-term reputation and trust. Internally, this position will be known as the Media and Relations Communications Officer.
Requirements
- Post-secondary education in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
- 5 years of experience in media relations, communications, or journalism (agency, public sector, or innovation ecosystem experience is an asset).
- Fluently bilingual (English and French) with demonstrated professional writing and editing experience in both languages.
- Strong understanding of Canadian media landscape; experience with national and regional outlets preferred.
- Experience preparing materials for senior leaders, government, funders, or high-profile stakeholders.
- Strong news judgment, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
Responsibilities
- Support proactive and reactive media relations efforts, including pitching stories and responding to media inquiries in both English and French.
- Write, edit, and produce media advisories, expert advisories, backgrounders, and media releases in both languages.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with national, local, and select international journalists and media outlets.
- Coordinate and host media familiarization tours, briefings, and site visits.
- Support and deliver media training for spokespeople, founders, and subject-matter experts.
- Prepare briefing notes, key messages, and background materials for senior leaders and high-stakes audiences.
- Support bilingual communications across all owned channels, including website, newsletters, and real-time platforms such as social media.
- Monitor media and social channels daily, flag opportunities, risks, and emerging narratives.
- Support rapid-response communications aligned with organizational priorities and issues management protocols.
- Develop and support bilingual storytelling and reporting required by funding agencies, government partners, and strategic stakeholders.
- Translate complex programs, results, and data into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
- Support impact reporting, case studies, and success stories highlighting founders, companies, and ecosystem partners.
- Collaborate with marketing and program teams to build brand awareness for programs, services, and initiatives.
- Elevate the visibility and reputation of founders, companies, and partners through earned media and storytelling.
- Ensure consistent voice, tone, and messaging aligned with brand and communications strategy.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
