Director, Marketing & Communications

Make a difference in brain research and innovation in Ontario  

Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) is a provincially funded, not-for-profit research organization driving discovery and innovation to improve brain health. Through collaborative research, data sharing, commercialization, and community engagement, OBI accelerates the translation of knowledge into real-world impact.  

OBI is passionate about the outcomes of its work, the people and organizations with whom it partners, and the opportunity to play a role in shaping the future. Its members are united in the common goal to improve brain health. The culture is inclusive, supportive and rewarding.  

To learn more about our organization and achievements to date visit our website. 

Director, Marketing & Communications (1 vacancy) 

OBI is searching for a Director, Marketing and Communications to provide strategic leadership for OBI’s communications, brand, and marketing efforts. Reporting to the Head, Integrated Discovery, the Director, Marketing & Communications oversees a small team responsible for advancing public awareness of brain health, showcasing the impact of OBI’s programs, and building trust and engagement among stakeholders, including researchers, patients, funders, and the public. 

The ideal candidate is skilled at combining visionary thinking with hands-on leadership to develop and execute integrated strategies that position OBI as a world leader in brain research, commercialization, and care. You will ensure OBI’s story is told clearly, creatively, and consistently, highlighting the collective impact of Ontario’s brain health ecosystem. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership 

• Develop and implement an integrated marketing and communications strategy aligned with OBI’s strategic plan and mission to improve brain health. 


• Provide strategic advice and communications counsel to the leadership team, ensuring alignment across research, data, commercialization, and outreach programs. 


• Translate organizational priorities into measurable communications objectives and campaigns that amplify OBI’s voice and visibility, implementing tools and systems for project management, tracking, and reporting on communications performance. 


• Collaborate with external partners (research institutions, funders, health charities, patient groups, and industry) to coordinate shared messaging and initiatives. 


• Lead and mentor a small but high-performing marketing and communications team, fostering creativity, collaboration, and accountability. 


• Manage vendor and agency relationships to ensure high-quality, cost-effective results. 


• Oversee annual planning and budgeting for the communications portfolio, ensuring efficient resource allocation. 


• Develop internal communications strategies to ensure staff alignment and engagement across OBI’s programs and initiatives.

Brand Management and Storytelling 

• Develop a brand strategy that unifies OBI and its affiliated entities, ensuring consistent, accessible, and values-based messaging across all channels. 


• Oversee the creation of compelling, plain-language content that communicates the impact of OBI’s work, including research breakthroughs, commercial successes, and patient outcomes.  


• Lead the development of OBI’s flagship publications, including the annual report, newsletters, impact stories, and digital campaigns that highlight program achievements. 


• Ensure all communications reflect OBI’s commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and innovation. 


• Oversee the organization’s digital strategy, including website, newsletters, and social media platforms, including the design and delivery of multi-channel marketing campaigns to grow awareness and engagement with OBI’s work. 


• Manage media relations, including the development of press releases, pitches, op-eds, speaking points, and event communications. 


• Develop clear, compelling messaging and materials for senior external audiences, to help strengthen OBI’s relationships with decision-makers, supporters and strategic partners.

Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including researchers, clinicians, companies, patient advocates, funders, policymakers, and media. 


• Serve as a communications ambassador for OBI, representing the organization at events and in collaborative networks. 


• Ensure that OBI’s communications and outreach activities foster trust, transparency, and shared purpose across the brain health ecosystem.

Experience & Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or other relevant discipline, or an acceptable combination of education and experience.


• 7+ years of progressive experience in marketing and communications, including leadership and team management, preferably in the not-for-profit, research or health sector.


• Demonstrated success developing and executing integrated communications and marketing strategies. 


• Proven ability to translate scientific or technical content into clear, compelling, and accessible narratives. 


• Strong project management skills with experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives. 


• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; ability to engage confidently with diverse audiences. 


• Financial acumen, including experience managing budgets and tracking performance metrics. 


• Familiar with AODA compliance.


• Bilingualism (English/French), an asset.

We are a diverse, highly energized, passionate, collaborative, professional and committed team. We offer an exciting workplace and many opportunities for learning and collaboration. Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter no later than April 30, 2026. 

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. OBI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 

Ontario Brain Institute is committed to providing accommodations for applicants at any stage of the recruitment and hiring process in accordance with Ontario Brain Institute policy, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Should you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to provide appropriate accommodations. 

The Ontario Brain Institute is an independent, not-for-profit corporation funded in part by the Government of Ontario.