Manager, Knowledge Transfer & Communications | Dairy Farmers of Canada

Dairy Farmers of Canada is the national policy, lobbying and promotional organization representing Canadian dairy producers. DFC strives to create stable conditions for the dairy sector in our country. It also seeks to maintain policies that promote the sustainability of Canadian dairy production and promote dairy products and their health benefits. Dairy farmers have set a goal of working towards net-zero emissions from farm-level dairy production by 2050. We are currently seeking a Manager, Knowledge Transfer & Communications to join our team on a temporary basis for a two-year contract.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Research, or to such other position that DFC designates, the Manager, Knowledge Transfer & Communications is responsible for the planning, coordination, development, delivery and communication of knowledge transfer (KT) strategies, plans, materials, and activities related to dairy production. They ensure that KT resources are practical, science-based, and engaging for Canadian dairy farmers and industry professionals. A key responsibility includes producing and coordinating innovative content for the Canadian Dairy Hub. The incumbent may also be called upon to support knowledge transfer activities related to specific DFC-funded research projects, including those in the area of human nutrition.

The Manager possesses both strategic communication expertise and a naturally approachable, engaging style which allows them to collaborate effectively with researchers, experts, farmers, and industry stakeholders across Canada.

Duties & Responsibilities

1.       Planning and Coordination

Develop and coordinate work plans and strategies in collaboration with the KT Advisory Committee, and industry partners.
Collaborate with internal and external subject matter experts, scientists, and stakeholders to identify priorities and content needs.
Oversee project timelines, work-back schedules, budgets, and deliverables to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
Provide regular updates on KT activities for DFC leadership (e.g. Board reports, Executive briefings) and committees.
Maintain and update a list of key actors in KT channels across Canada.
Collaborate closely with DFC Communications, Research, Sustainability, proAction and Nutrition teams, provincial partners, Lactanet and other actors in the ecosystem to ensure coordinated communication and KT delivery.
Participate in DFC Sustainability team monthly meetings, annual planning exercises, and other DFC meetings (e.g. APC, AGM) as required.
Participate in DFC’s Canadian Dairy Research Council meetings, and sub-committees, as needed.

2. Development

Create and edit a variety of KT resources and content for digital and print platforms, including fact sheets, newsletters, reports, articles, videos, podcasts, infographics, and case studies.
Coordinate and maintain ongoing development of the dairyhub.ca, ensuring content is updated, accurate, bilingual, and user-friendly.
Develop compelling content such as research summaries, feature articles, and scientist interviews for both internal (annual Dairy Research Highlights, DFC annual report, board reporting, etc.) and external publications (Milk Producer, Producteur de lait québécois, etc.).
Develop content for Canadian Dairy Hub social media channels and monitor digital engagement and trends related to dairy research.
Contribute actively to the development of the National Dairy Research and KT Strategy.
Ensure messaging is consistent with DFC’s strategic vision and brand.
Support the translation and interpretation of KT materials in both official languages.
Collaborate with colleagues and communications staff with the activities listed above.

3. Delivery, Communication and Execution

Implement and monitor the dissemination of KT content across multiple channels, including the Canadian Dairy Hub, DFC platforms, provincial members, Lactanet, and industry partners.
Plan, organize and execute KT events such as webinars, symposiums, and farmer-facing sessions.
Coordinate booths, kiosks, and materials for DFC KT representation at conferences and farmer meetings. Work with the DFC Communications team to ensure timely and effective communication on KT activities.
Track and evaluate the reach and impact of KT activities and communication efforts.
Maintain and update a Research Editorial Calendar.
Track monthly DFC-funded publications for internal sharing and issue monitoring.
Manage relationships with vendors, agencies, and partners to ensure high-quality product delivery.

4. Participation in Relevant Industry Events

Represent DFC at dairy farmer conferences, industry events, and meetings (e.g. Western Canadian Dairy Seminar, Symposium des bovins laitiers).
Network and build relationships with farmers, advisors and experts to strengthen DFC’s presence and extend KT reach.
Promote and distribute DFC practical knowledge resources at events and through presentations, panels, or kiosks.
Perform other related duties as required.

Professional Skills

a) Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and French is strongly preferred.

b) A people-oriented professional who thrives in collaborative environments.

c) Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to communicate with conviction, clarity and impact.

d) Strong project management skills with an ability to synthesize data into clear actionable statements.

e) Must be highly professional, have good judgment, proactively take initiative, and able to multitask and demonstrate the ability to work well under pressure.

f) Adaptability to change and ability to navigate uncertainty.

g) Focus on creative solutions.

h) Ability to work independently to manage multiple assignments and projects, while prioritizing and respecting deadlines.

i) Ability to work in cross-collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

j) Detail-oriented, organized, diligent in preparation and delivery.

k) Ability to self-motivate, collaborate and action in alignment with seniority and leadership direction.

The Ideal Candidate

a) Embraces DFC’s culture of teamwork, based on the virtues of being “humble, hungry, and smart” as demonstrated in Patick Lencioni’s book The Ideal Team Player.

b) Bachelor’s degree in communications, agriculture, science communication, or related field.

c)  5+ years of experience in knowledge transfer, extension, or science communication

d) Strong ability to translate technical/scientific information into accessible, farmer-friendly content. Strong plain-language writing and storytelling skills.

e) Demonstrated project management experience.

f)  Strong existing knowledge of the agriculture sector. Specialized knowledge in dairy is considered an important asset.

g) Experience with digital platforms, multimedia content, and event coordination.

Working Environment

Dairy Farmers of Canada offers flexible work arrangements for a variety of needs, including hours of work. Candidates and incumbents are encouraged to disclose accommodation requirements to People & Culture.

Working conditions are normal for an office environment. Travel is required to attend meetings primarily within Canada. Travel should not exceed 20% of total working time.

Why Dairy Farmers of Canada?

·       A flexible work environment that allows individuals to maximize professional and personal development.

·       Defined contribution pension plan.

·       Generous vacation and personal days.

·       Training and career advancement opportunities.

·       A dynamic environment of teamwork and collaboration.

·       Regular engagement with employees to participate in working groups and to seek their feedback in the development of staff activities and programs across the organization. Fun virtual events, ergonomic training, fitness challenges and various wellness initiatives are only a few of the comprehensive programs we offer.

·       Do you love dairy products? If so, you will be happy to know that we offer our staff free cheese, yogurt, and a variety of dairy products on a regular basis!

These are just a few reasons that make DFC a great place to work!

DFC Mission, Vision & Values

Mission: Support the growth of the Canadian dairy farming industry through the coordination of innovative and sustainable production, and advocate for the benefits of Canadian dairy and supply management.

Vision: Facilitate and be the unified voice of Canadian Dairy Farmers.

Values: Integrity, Adaptability, Equity, Transparency & Collaboration

*            *            *            *            *

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your resume and cover letter via e-mail to hr@dfc-plc.ca.

DFC is a proud equal opportunities employer that allows all of our people to reach their full potential. A diverse and inclusive workforce is key to our success as diverse teams bring different perspectives and creative ideas that benefit the communities we serve. We encourage all qualified candidates from all walks of life to apply to join our team. We are committed to providing all employees with a workplace experience that is free from barriers, discrimination, and harassment regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, faith identity, nationality and/or disability status. If you have questions about accessible employment at DFC, or to begin a confidential conversation about your individual accessibility or accommodation needs through the recruitment process (including obtaining our communications in more accessible formats), we encourage you to contact us at hr@dfc-plc.ca. If you are selected to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation. Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying online are asked to contact (613) 236-9997.