ventureLAB INNOVATION CENTRE

o/a ventureLAB

Senior Communications Strategist — Job ID 202523

Position Profile

About ventureLAB

ventureLAB is a not-for-profit leading global founder community for hardware technology and enterprise software companies in Canada. Our organization is led by seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders with decades of industry experience in building IP-rich start-ups, scale-ups, and global multinationals to help businesses scale. Located at the heart of Ontario’s innovation corridor in York Region, ventureLAB is part of one of the biggest and most diverse tech communities in Canada. Since 2011, ventureLAB has enabled over 4,000 tech ventures to create over 6,800 jobs and raise more than $420 million in investment capital through our initiatives focused on raising capital, talent retention, technology and IP commercialization, and customer acquisition. Together with our community of entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and partners, we enable technology startups to accelerate the commercialization of transformational products on a global scale. ventureLAB is home to the Hardware Catalyst Initiative — Canada’s only lab and incubator for hardware and semiconductor-focused companies. 

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Our Mission

Powering hardtech founders to build and scale globally competitive ventures that advance Canada's knowledge-based economy.

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Our Vision‍

Born Global. Built to Scale. Inclusive by Design. Inspire a new generation of global founders who choose Canada to scale IP-rich tech titans creating innovative hardware and scale-ready enterprise software solutions that transform communities and establish a blueprint for a more sustainable, inclusive tech ecosystem.

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Our Values — Team RIVIR

• Relentless: We are tenacious and resilient. We follow through and remove roadblocks so together we succeed and go further.
• Inclusive: We are empathetic, open-minded and collaborate respectfully so that we build trust with each other and value diverse opinions, ideas and perspectives to learn and make better decisions.
• Visionary: We inspire bold futures with our founders, team, partners and community by challenging each other respectfully and thinking differently.
• Innovative: We celebrate ingenuity and empower the team to create new ideas, processes and strategies. We are curious and resourceful by asking questions for clarity.
• Results: We are proactive and plan. We are accountable and focused. We are direct and transparent through fact-based discussions.

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ventureLAB is made up of passionate, driven individuals, and is growing quickly. It is a fast-paced, flexible environment where individual contributors make a big difference and work collaboratively to achieve shared goals. We are proud to be one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures and a Great Place to Work®.

Position Profile

The Senior Communications Strategist is responsible for developing, leading, and executing ventureLAB’strategic communications initiatives to increase brand visibility, strengthen reputation, and drive engagement across multiple channels. Reporting to the Director, Marketing, this role is responsible for media relations, public relations campaigns, content development, and internal communications, ensuring consistent messaging aligned with ventureLAB’s Mission and Strategic Priorities.

Responsibilities Strategic

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Communications Leadership

• Develop and implement integrated PR and communications strategies that align with organizational objectives and enhance brand positioning.
• Lead the development of key messaging, press materials, speeches, and thought leadership content for executives and organizational stakeholders.
• Oversee the planning and execution of media campaigns, ensuring proactive media outreach and effective relationship-building with journalists and media outlets.
• Monitor industry trends, media coverage, and public sentiment to identify opportunities and mitigate reputational risks.
• Translate organizational priorities into integrated communications strategies that drive measurable awareness, reputation, and engagement outcomes.
• Shape external perception by identifying narrative opportunities, securing high-value media placements, and positioning executives as thought leaders.
• Anticipate issues and manage risk through proactive media monitoring, scenario planning, and crisis communications readiness.

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Media and Public Relations

• Cultivate and manage relationships with media, industry influencers, and partners to secure high-quality media placements and coverage.
• Manage incoming media inquiries, providing timely and accurate responses.
• Draft press releases, op-eds, media statements, and briefing materials, ensuring alignment with brand voice and strategy.
• Prepare spokespeople for media engagements, including talking points, briefing sessions, and media training.

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Content and Campaign Development

• Lead content creation across digital platforms, newsletters, blogs, and social media channels, ensuring consistency in voice and messaging.
• Collaborate with creative, marketing, and digital teams to develop compelling campaigns that support brand awareness, engagement, and growth.
• Drive storytelling initiatives that highlight organizational impact, key milestones, and success stories.

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Internal Communications

• Develop and execute internal communications strategies to foster employee engagement and alignment on organizational goals and values.
• Support leadership in delivering key internal announcements, town halls, and updates.
  
  

Reporting and Insights

• Track, analyze, and report on PR and communication metrics, providing actionable insights to optimize strategies and improve outcomes.
• Regularly monitor media performance and audience engagement to refine messaging and tactics.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• 5-7+ years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or corporate communications, preferably within dynamic organizations.
• Proven track record of managing successful PR campaigns, media relations, and thought leadership programs.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and editing skills, with the ability to craft clear and compelling narratives.
• Strong understanding of the media landscape, social media platforms, and digital communication trends.
• Experience managing crisis communications and reputation management is an asset.
• Proficiency in communication tools and platforms, including media monitoring and analytics software.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Salary & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 to $95,000 CAD per annum. In addition to salary, ventureLAB offers:

• Comprehensive Health and Dental Benefits Package
• 3 weeks of Annual Paid Vacation
• Annual Funding for Professional Development Activities
• Access to Innovation Ecosystem Events and Networks

Why join ventureLAB? 

• Opportunity to be part of a dynamic innovation ecosystem.
• Collaborative and inclusive work culture.
• Impactful role in supporting startups and technology leaders.

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Our Hybrid Work Structure

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At ventureLAB, we have a hybrid work model that balances flexibility for employees with opportunities for in-office collaboration. This position is eligible for remote work. All ventureLAB team members, regardless of hybrid status, are required on-site each Thursday and for events, meetings and other in-person activities.

How to Apply

Apply by October 10, 2025  to hr@venturelab.ca quoting “Senior Communications Strategist – Job ID 202523” in the subject line. Include your resume, salary expectations, and a brief note telling us why you’d be a great addition to the ventureLAB team. Early submissions are encouraged as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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At ventureLAB, we value diversity, inclusion, and respect. Diverse experience, perspectives, and backgrounds bring great ideas and create stronger teams — we embrace it, because we know that by including everyone, we all thrive. Accommodations are available on request for candidates with disabilities taking part in the recruitment process.

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We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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