Job Title: Communications and Outreach Lead
Project: Recipes for the Future
Employer: ACT Lab, Concordia University
Overview
The ACT Lab at Concordia University is seeking a full-time Communications and Outreach Lead to support the Recipes for the Future Project—an interdisciplinary initiative focused on food security, sustainable gardening, and community engagement across generations.
Reporting to the Director of Research and Partnerships at the ACT Lab and the Executive Director of New Hope Seniors Centre, the Communications and Outreach Lead will be responsible for crafting and implementing a communications strategy that reflects the values of the project, increases visibility, and fosters meaningful participation from diverse communities. This role includes leading public outreach, developing engaging content, managing social media and communications platforms, and collaborating with community partners to amplify the project’s impact.
As a key member of the team, the Lead will help build connections with local organizations, coordinate public events, and support knowledge mobilization efforts through accessible and inclusive storytelling, promotional materials, and multimedia documentation.
This dynamic and evolving project is slated to last 5 years.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy to promote the goals, events, and outcomes of the Recipes for the Future Project.
- Lead public outreach efforts in collaboration with project coordinators, researchers, and community partners to encourage participation and strengthen community ties.
- Create engaging content including newsletters, blog posts, social media campaigns, press releases, and promotional materials in both English and French.
- Maintain and update the project’s digital presence, including website and social media platforms.
- Coordinate with media and press, supporting the development of media kits and liaising with journalists and communications offices.
- Organize and promote public events, including workshops, garden tours, community meals, and exhibitions.
- Contribute to knowledge mobilization efforts through accessible documentation (videos, infographics, stories, toolkits) that share learnings and amplify community voices.
- Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all platforms and materials.
- Support internal communications and help ensure alignment between project partners, team members, and the public.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field. A Master’s degree is considered an asset.
- At least 3 years of experience in communications, public engagement, or outreach roles—preferably in community, nonprofit, or research settings.
- Proven ability to develop and implement successful communications strategies.
- Exceptional writing, editing, communication and storytelling skills in English. Fluency in French is a significant asset.
- Experience with social media management, graphic design, basic video editing, and content creation tools.
- Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for inclusive, community-driven initiatives.
- Familiarity with themes related to food security, community gardening, and sustainability is an asset.
Working Conditions
- Full-time, 35 hours per week.
- $70,000 per year, with annual increases as outlined in the collective agreement.
- Benefits and working conditions in accordance with the CARE union.
- Friday afternoons off during the summer.
- Two-week Lab closure over the Christmas holidays, excluded from vacation time.
- Initial one-year contract with potential for renewal.
- The position entails working across multiple sites. The majority of the work will be done from a downtown Montreal office, and presence throughout the neighbourhood of NDG will be necessary. Hybrid work options may be available, but a strong in-person presence (3–5 days per week) is required, depending on project priorities.
Application Process
Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the Communications and Outreach Lead position to Samuel Thulin (samuel.thulin@concordia.ca). Include “Recipes for the Future – Communications” in the subject line of your application. Applications must be submitted by May 11, 2025.
We are currently hiring for two related positions (this one housed at Concordia, and the other, a Projector Coordinator, at New Hope Seniors Centre). Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for both positions.