Selection Process Number: 13208019-N Location of Position: Ottawa, ON Job Status: Indeterminate appointment Job Category: Communications Directorate: Strategic, Corporate and Public Affairs (SCPA) Division: Communications, NSERC Number of Positions Being Staffed: 1 Classification: GR-EX-01 Security Clearance Required: Secret Salary: $131,359 to $164,509 Language Requirements: Bilingual Imperative (CBC/CBC) Open To: Anyone legally entitled to work in Canada who is currently residing in Canada. Work Arrangement: Hybrid model / Modèle hybride Closing Date: September 25, 2026

Who we are

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is Canada’s largest funder of science and engineering. A career at NSERC means supporting the visionaries, explorers and innovators who are searching for the scientific and technical breakthroughs that will advance knowledge, improve the lives of Canadians and transform the world for the better.

Visit our career page at NSERC to learn more about why you should join our agency.

What you will do

As Director, Communications and Digital Engagement, you will play a pivotal role in shaping how NSERC engages with Canada's research community, partners, stakeholders and the public in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

You will lead the development and delivery of innovative communications, digital engagement and outreach strategies that strengthen awareness of NSERC's programs, demonstrate the impact of federally funded research, and enhance the organization's reputation and influence. As a strategic advisor to senior leadership, you will provide leadership on communications, stakeholder engagement, media relations, issues management, language services and creative services, while overseeing NSERC's internal and external digital presence.





This role presents a unique opportunity to drive transformation and modernization across the communications function. You will champion new approaches to digital engagement, service delivery and content development, helping to position NSERC for the future and ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of researchers, partners and Canadians.

Working closely with counterparts across the federal research funding agencies and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, you will build partnerships, foster collaboration and advance a coordinated approach to promoting Canadian research excellence and supporting government priorities.

As a member of the leadership team, you will help shape the future direction of communications and engagement at NSERC, leading change, inspiring innovation and creating meaningful connections between science, research and Canadians.

What you need to succeed

Education

- Completion of a university degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Foreign Credential Validation against Canadian Standards

Experience

- Experience leading a communications modernization exercise, including driving innovation in digital engagement, service delivery and communications practices.
- Experience developing and implementing communications, public affairs, media relations and stakeholder engagement strategies in support of organizational objectives.




- Experience providing strategic advice to senior executives on communications matters
- Experience building trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience leading teams and managing financial and human resources.

Knowledge

- Knowledge of the principles, best practices and tools associated with modern communications and public relations including digital engagement, web, media relations, issues management and social media analytics.
- Knowledge of the academic research community and its priorities.
- Knowledge of communications policies, frameworks and standards and the ability to apply them in a complex organizational setting.

Key Leadership Competencies

- Create vision and strategy.
- Mobilize people.
- Uphold integrity and respect.
- Collaborate with partners and stakeholders.
- Promote innovation and guide change.
- Achieve results.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

We are committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment to create a workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

We welcome all candidates, and encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit), veterans, persons with disabilities, Black and other racialized persons, persons of ethnic origins, diverse religions, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA community.

Accommodation

Let our team know if you require accommodation or support during the recruitment process by contacting us at [email protected].

If you require additional information on the position, please contact us at [email protected].

📌 Director, Communications and Digital Engagement (Ottawa)
🏢 NSERC
📍 Ottawa