Communications Manager, AIVA Network (21-month term position - remote within Canada)

EMILI; Winnipeg; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

EMILI seeks a Manager of Communications for the AIVA Network to lead strategic communications across Canada and strengthen brand presence. You will craft compelling stories, manage online content, newsletters, and press releases, and coordinate with partners to showcase program impact.

The role requires a Bachelor degree, 5+ years in communications, and strong writing skills. A remote-first environment with 3-4 annual travel cases to headquarter sites in Canada is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in a relevant field required (advanced credential is an asset).
• 5+ years of progressive experience in communications.
• Evidence of advanced writing proficiency is essential.
• Experience managing relationships with third-party marketing/communications vendors (photographers, videographers, website developers, designers).
• 2+ years of people-management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communications for AIVA Network across Canada.
• Develop and disseminate public-facing communications and brand assets.
• Manage online presence, newsletters, social media, and press releases.
• Oversee communications budget, vendor relations, and procurement of marketing services.
• Collaborate with leadership and project teams to ensure consistent messaging.

Skills

Advanced writing

Vendor management

Budget management

Independent worker

Bilingual (EN/FR) asset

Education

Bachelor degree

Tools

Graphic design tools

Content management systems

Job description

About AIVA Network

AIVA – the Agriculture Innovation, Validation, and Adoption Network – connects farmers, innovators and validation hubs to bring proven agtech solutions to market. Our national network derisks technology adoption and delivers tools to produce real results on Canadian farms.

About EMILI

The incumbent will work for EMILI, the Project Lead organization for the AIVA Network. EMILI is an industry-led non-profit that works collaboratively with producers, industry, investors, and innovators to grow a sustainable and economically resilient digital agriculture industry, guided by three strategic objectives: innovation, partnership, and engagement.

We are a team of about 20 people and operate in a remote-first environment, with access to offices in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as required. We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.

About the Position

As AIVA Network’s Manager of Communications, you will lead strategic communications that showcase our role in advancing digital agriculture and innovation across Canada. You’ll craft and deliver compelling stories that highlight the impact of our programs, partnerships, and product testing, building awareness and engagement among producers, industry partners, government, and the public. Working closely with EMILI’s leadership and project teams, you will ensure clear, consistent messaging across all channels, strengthen our brand presence, and help position AIVA Network as a trusted voice in agriculture and agtech.

Our ideal candidate has a strategic mindset, but is also able to successfully deliver on the strategies.

You’ll thrive here if you enjoy fast-paced iteration, are comfortable with some short-term uncertainty, and are energized by working toward a bold, long-term vision.

This role has no direct reports, but is supported as needed for technical communications by in-house subject matter experts.

This position is remote within Canada. Our offices are located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and travel to the headquarters will be required approximately 3-4 times per year. Travel to other sites in Canada will be required approximately 3-4 times per year.

Portfolio of Responsibility

The position will be responsible for:

• Championing the stewardship of the AIVA Network brand, including continual development and maintenance of brand and communications standards and assets for internal use
• Managing AIVA Network’s online presence, including website, content on third-party websites and systems, newsletters, social media, and press releases
• Developing and disseminating public-facing communications on AIVA Network’s activities and achievements, as well as those of our project partners
• Strategically catering to AIVA Network communications, considering AIVA Network’s value proposition for various key audiences
• Management functions for the communications portfolio, budgetary oversight, vendor relations, supervision of contractors, and responsibility for procurement of third-party services relating to marketing and communications

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in a relevant field required (more advanced credential is an asset)
• 5+ years of relevant progressive experience in communications
• Evidence of advanced writing proficiency is essential
• Experience managing relationships with third-party marketing/communications vendors (e.g. photographers, videographers, website developers, graphic designers)
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning in the field of expertise
• Demonstrated political acumen and emotional intelligence
• 2+ years of people-management experience preferred
• Financial/budgetary management experience is an asset
• Intermediate graphic design experience is an asset
• Experience working with any of the following sectors is an asset:
  • Non-profit/industry organizations
  • Agriculture/agri-foods industry
  • Advanced manufacturing industry
  • Natural sciences/biosciences industry
  • Technology industry
• Self-starter attitude with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Experience working in a remote role / distributed team environment is an asset
• Bilingual (English/French) is an asset
• Access to a suitable home workspace

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.