Job Posting: Manager of Publications

Position Type: Full time, contract

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Contract: Permanent full-time

Location: Flexible in Canada

Posting Date: August 10, 2021

Deadline:  August 31, 2021 (Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis)

Start Date: September 2021

Reports to: Director of Marketing and Communications 

 

Background:

Smart Prosperity Institute is a national research network and policy think tank based at the University of Ottawa. We deliver world-class research and work with public and private partners – all to advance practical policies and market solutions for a stronger, cleaner economy. More info at: institute.smartprosperity.ca

Smart Prosperity Institute works in close partnership with The Natural Step Canada, a national charity with over 25 years’ experience advancing science, innovation and strategic leadership aimed at fostering a strong and inclusive economy that thrives within nature’s limits. 

 

Position Overview:

The Manager of Publications will oversee the production of agenda-setting reports from concept to publication, to advance progressive environment-economy policy in Canada. They will collaborate closely with internal experts and stakeholders to become well-versed in various issue areas and keep publication projects on track, as well as liaise with external vendors to produce high-quality reports. They will play an editorial role in publications, including proofreading and editing, as well as helping to effectively communicate technical subject matter in compelling ways that impact various influential audiences. They will collaborate with communications colleagues on how to best leverage publications for creative digital content. 

This is a new role on the communications team, reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, and there are no direct reports for which the Manager of Publications will be responsible. The individual in the role will be focussed primarily on Smart Prosperity Institute publications, with some additional responsibilities related to other brands in our close partnership with The Natural Step Canada. 

 

Accountabilities:

Editorial (30%)

• Liaise with report authors to effectively develop key messages and tell a captivating story about their research 
• Proofread and edit in-depth research publications to an exceptional standard 
• Maintain, improve, and adhere to the organizational Style Guide

Project Management (30%)

• Consult with internal stakeholders - including reports authors, senior management, and communications team members - to determine the needs and objectives of each publication produced by SPI
• Develop and update detailed project management tools, and unite all project team members behind delivering on the project - including development, production, and amplification of reports
• Deliver publications on time and within budget, or flag issues and suggest solutions to meet publication objectives within logistical realities 

Relationship Management (20%)

• Develop and nurture strong relationships with internal stakeholders, to facilitate collaborative approaches to publications, understand various needs and perspectives, and deepen knowledge of subject matter of experts on staff
• Liaise with external partners to coordinate on release strategies, in collaboration with the communications team and partner relationship managers 
• Manage relationships, delivery of high-quality work, and invoices with vendors who contribute to publication production, including translators  

Amplification and Content Creation (10%)

• Collaborate with communications colleagues to develop the most effective release strategy for reports 
• Ideate and identify opportunities for digital content that would best leverage publications using varied media for various audiences
• Ghost write blogs and op-eds based on major publications

Collaboration (10%)

• Identify and amplify synergies between initiatives and organizational partnerships
• Provide resources and expertise to communications colleagues within a partnership of initiatives, to best equip them with tools necessary to create polished, high-impact publications  
• Contribute with additional responsibilities to a collaborative and creative communications team, as needed

 

Desired Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

• 3+ years’ experience overseeing the production of published content, ideally for a think-tank, NGO, media outlet, and/or mission-driven organization 
• Exceptional writer and proofreader
• Project management experience with proven aptitude to deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strategic approach to developing key messages, and ability to translate complex subject matter into compelling language for various audiences 
• Collaborative
• Able to navigate complexity, multiple projects, and tight deadlines
• Experience in building and nurturing relationships with partners and collaborators 
• Demonstrated tact, judgment, diplomacy and leadership
• Ability to use computer systems and software for project management, research, writing, and communicating 
• Problem solving and decision-making skills, with strong gut instincts
• Exceptional communication skills (English and French, ideally)
• Knowledge of, and passion for, environment-economy issues in Canada

 

To apply for this position, please email the following materials in one document to jobs@smartprosperity.ca with Manager of Publications in the subject line:

1. CV
2. Cover Letter

The deadline for applications is August 31, 2021, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to apply early as positions may be filled as applications are received.

We thank all candidates for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

OUR APPROACH TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

Smart Prosperity Institute (SPI) believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion should be reflected in our team and in our research. We are on the path to diversifying all ranks of our organization. We believe that diverse and inclusive teams are better positioned to develop innovative ideas and path-breaking solutions. SPI is also committed to finding ways to diversify the representation of voices and experiences in our research and public policy recommendations. We see a pressing need to amplify marginalized voices such as those of Indigenous, racialized and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+, and women in our research and policy ideas to build a stronger, cleaner economy, and encourage all to apply.

 

ABOUT SMART PROSPERITY INSTITUTE

Smart Prosperity Institute (SPI) is a national research network and policy think tank based at the University of Ottawa. We deliver world-class research and work with public and private partners – all to advance practical policies and market solutions for a stronger, cleaner economy. SPI works in close partnership with The Natural Step Canada, a national charity with over 25 years’ experience advancing science, innovation and strategic leadership to foster a strong and inclusive economy that thrives within nature’s limits.  

 

Learn more at institute.smartprosperity.ca