Manager, Research & Innovation Communications

The Manager, Research & Innovation Communications leads the planning, development, and execution of strategies that advance Hamilton Health Sciences’ (HHS) reputation as a nationally leading academic health sciences centre. This role drives awareness and engagement across internal and external audiences regarding HHS’ research and innovation enterprise - including partnerships, discoveries, technologies, and impact.

The Manager oversees a small team responsible for producing high-quality, strategic communications that elevate HHS’ research and innovation profile, foster collaboration with academic and industry partners, and promote alignment across HHS-affiliated research institutes and networks. Working collaboratively with senior leaders and the broader Communications & Public Affairs department, the Manager ensures HHS’ research and innovation story is told consistently, creatively, and effectively across platforms.

The Manager reports to the Director, Communications & Public Affairs and is part of the department’s leadership team, which works together to prioritize workload, determine business priorities and strategies, and continuously improve the client services of the Communications & Public Affairs department.

Lead research & innovation communications strategy

• Develop and execute an annual communications strategy to raise the visibility and reputation of HHS’ research and innovation enterprise.
• Identify and promote stories that showcase the impact of HHS-led and affiliated research, partnerships, and innovation.
• Ensure alignment with HHS’ organizational strategy, brand, and academic mission.
• Collaborate with research leadership, communications colleagues, and partner institutions to advance shared goals.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of communications strategies using data-driven insights.

Build and strengthen relationships with partners

• Foster and maintain collaborative relationships among partner organizations, research institutes, and academic entities to ensure consistent and aligned communications approaches.
• Provide communications counsel and leadership for joint initiatives and announcements.
• Represent HHS within research and innovation communication networks across the region and sector.
• Act as a liaison between HHS Communications & Public Affairs and research-affiliated teams to coordinate media, digital, and public engagement opportunities.

Manage and develop a high-performing team

• Lead a small team of communications professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and performance management.
• Promote a culture of innovation, creativity, and collaboration within the team.
• Champion professional development and the exploration of emerging tools, techniques, and platforms in science and innovation communication. 
• Ensure high-quality, timely, and audience-focused deliverables that reflect the complexity and excellence of HHS research and innovation.

Advance strategic projects and organizational initiatives

• Collaborate with HHS research and innovation leadership to support strategic project and initiatives. 
• Contribute to broader departmental and organizational communications priorities, including issues management and strategic storytelling.
• Manage assigned budgets and resources efficiently, with a focus on value for money and operational effectiveness.

1. Undergraduate degree in communications/public relations or related field.
2. Professional communications experience (7-10 years), preferably in a public sector or life sciences setting.
3. A strong working knowledge of hospital operations or health care delivery.
4. Superior writing and editing skills.
5. A proven track-record planning and supervising complex communications strategies designed to engage a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders
6. Demonstrated success integrating digital and social communications mediums into communications planning.
7. Highly attuned team-building skills and the ability to initiate and model positive change.
8. Resilience and the capacity to manage numerous projects and deadlines concurrently.
9. Strong client and stakeholder management experience, including working with and providing strategic advice to executive team members.