Research Communications and Outreach Manager

Department: G360

This position is classified under the Grant & Trust Professional Group

Temporary full-time from 05/04/2026 to 05/03/2028

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

The Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute at the University of Guelph is an internationally recognized research centre focused on advancing groundwater science through field based research, innovation, and global collaboration. The Institute’s work brings together research excellence, knowledge exchange, and stakeholder engagement to address complex groundwater challenges and expand the reach and impact of its research. https://g360group.org/

Reporting to the Director, the Manager, Research Communications and Outreach is a key member of the Institute’s leadership team and is responsible for amplifying the visibility and impact of the Institute’s research, knowledge transfer, and outreach activities. The role brings together strategic communications, knowledge mobilization, proposal writing, outreach program development, and event execution, while supporting the Institute’s continued growth and expanded use of the Morwick Centre.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, the Manager, Research Communications and Outreach leads the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy to enhance institutional visibility and stakeholder engagement. The incumbent develops and disseminates strategic content for print and digital channels, including research stories, blog posts, media articles, newsletters, brochures, annual reports, and fundraising materials. The role also manages website content, analytics, and updates for key Institute platforms, maintains a strong social media presence, and serves as the Institute’s media liaison for internal and external inquiries related to research and public engagement.

The Manager works closely with faculty, staff, students, and researchers to interpret, synthesize, and translate complex groundwater research into accessible and impactful knowledge products. The role contributes substantively to the development and writing of grant proposals by drafting and editing technical and non technical content, synthesizing scientific research content, and shaping proposal narratives that clearly communicate research objectives, significance, and impact. The Manager also leads and contributes to research progress reports, annual reports, board and business meeting materials, and award nomination packages, while tracking and analyzing research outputs and supporting strategic research and dissemination initiatives.

The position is also responsible for the design and implementation of a comprehensive outreach and education strategy, leveraging the Morwick Centre as a hub for knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement. The Manager plans and leads a range of educational and stakeholder engagement events each year, including the University Consortium annual symposium and Fall Focus Meeting, public lectures and groundwater awareness events, STEM outreach initiatives, and professional workshops and short courses. The role oversees event logistics, budgets, venue usage, hospitality, registration, accessibility, and coordination with internal and external partners to ensure high quality delivery and continuous improvement.

The Manager provides functional oversight of the Institute’s communications, research support, knowledge mobilization, and outreach activities. The position includes supervision of an administrative support role and day to day direction, guidance, and training to students, volunteers, and contract staff. The Manager is accountable for ensuring that communications and outreach activities are delivered accurately, effectively, and on schedule, in alignment with University policies, sponsor requirements, and the Institute’s strategic priorities.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (MSc or MASc) in a relevant discipline such as Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Knowledge Mobilization, Science, Engineering, or a related field
• Five years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific or technical information to diverse audiences
• Strong writing, editing, and content development skills
• Experience contributing to grant proposals, research reporting, or related academic or research communications
• Experience developing and executing communications strategies across digital and print platforms
• Experience planning and delivering events, outreach initiatives, or professional programming
• Strong organizational, project management, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work effectively with researchers, students, staff, and external stakeholders

Employee Type: Temporary
Classification: Grant/ Trust fund position, P&M FT- Band 05
GTP Professional/Managerial Salary Bands

The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 04/10/2026
Close Date: 05/04/2026