Bilingual Media Relations and Communications Specialist – Marketing and Communications

INVEST OTTAWA – BAYVIEW YARDS

JOB SUMMARY/WHY THIS ROLE:

Invest Ottawa is seeking a Bilingual Media Relations & Communications Specialist to help amplify our impact, strengthen our reputation, and tell compelling stories about our founders, companies, programs, and partners. This role sits at the intersection of media relations, real-time communications, and brand-building, supporting a fast-paced innovation ecosystem with national and global relevance.

You will play a hands-on role in executing bilingual communications across all channels, supporting high-stakes media engagement, and ensuring our work is visible, credible, and clearly understood by funders, partners, policymakers, and the public.

You’ll help shape how our ecosystem is seen and understood—by media, funders, partners, and the public. This is an opportunity to work on meaningful, high-impact stories that support founders, strengthen Canada’s innovation economy, and build long-term reputation and trust.

This is a 6-month contract position.

• Hiring Salary Range: $38-42/hour
• Reason for opening: New position
• This position will be required to work onsite at Bayview Yards, minimum 10 days per month.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

Media Relations & Reputation

• 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

Real-Time & Channel Communications

• 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

Storytelling, Reporting & Content

• 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

Marketing & Ecosystem Awareness

• 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

WHAT YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED/ GAINED THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER:

• 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
  

Do you have some of these skills but maybe not all? We still encourage you to apply as we would love to review your unique application and learn more about you!

At Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, we know that diversity, inclusion and a sense of belongingness are critical success factors for globally competitive organizations and are required to drive sustainable wealth creation and prosperity across our region. We prioritize the creation of an inclusive culture and infuse diversity into our programs, operations and governance. As an equal opportunity employer that doesn’t simply accept difference but celebrates, support and thrives because of it, we invite all qualified candidates to apply, and especially encourage those who identify as members of underrepresented groups.

Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards are determined to provide a barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you require accommodation during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact hr@investottawa.ca to request specialized accommodation. Do know, all information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

At Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards, we are focused on doing better and committed to leading by example because it’s what’s best for us, our culture and our community.

We may use an AI‑enabled assistant to take notes during our recruitment process to help our team stay present and engaged during interviews. The tool does not screen, assess, or select applicants, and all hiring decisions are made by people. We welcome inquiries about AI use and/or requests for accommodations at any stage of the hiring process. Personal information (including recordings, transcripts, and summaries) is safeguarded in line with our privacy policy and applicable Ontario privacy legislation.