Communications Officer (Student Recruitment)

During peak times, Student Recruitment activities can happen outside of normal working hours and on weekends.

The Office of the Registrar proudly supports McMaster University’s academic mission through the creative, efficient provision of core administrative student services and the support of staff and faculty across all areas of the university community. Our work in supporting the student experience reaches from initial contact with prospective students through celebrations of convocation. We are a smart, collaborative staff of over 100, spread across 8 departments: Student Services & Financial Support, Student Recruitment, Undergraduate Admissions, Records, Systems, Scheduling & Examinations, Student Communications and Central RO Administration.

Project Description

The Student Recruitment department is a central unit that plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting the undergraduate recruitment strategy of the university. We attract domestic and international undergraduate applicants by establishing recruitment networks and sharing McMaster's story digitally, in-print, and in-person. We develop and maintain relationships with prospective undergraduate students and key influencers, such as parents, educators, and guidance counsellors.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Registrar, Undergraduate Student Recruitment and working closely with the Senior Recruitment Officer (Communication & Outreach), the successful Communications Officer candidate will take on a number of creative portfolios to support the successful execution of a comprehensive and creative communication plan that includes print, web, and social media.

General Description

Responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating a strategic communication plan which includes marketing initiatives and incorporating new infrastructure to support the communication activities and enhance the overall profile of the department.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and implement work plans and objectives for the communication and promotion of the department
• Develop communication and strategic plans and objectives.
• Collect, analyze, assess, and summarize information relevant to the decision-making process and develop recommendations for final approval and implementation. Provide recommendations on the future development of communication strategy, structure, function, and activity.
• Design, build and update the website. Evaluate usability and relevance and make ongoing necessary additions and changes to website content.
• Develop content, design, edit, and maintain social media sites.
• Liaise with internal contacts, external partners, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Schedule events and coordinate joint promotional activities and publicity opportunities with other departments and community groups.
• Coordinate and communicate content requirements and production deadlines to authors for publications.
• Review graphics, edit images, and make revisions to content and layout.
• Design and execute complete graphical layout for marketing materials used to promote exhibitions and general campaigns.
• Negotiate terms of service with various suppliers, publications, distributors, and designers.
• Develop annual publicity budgets and complete expense reports for events and marketing material expenditures.
• Create financial projections and make adjustments to the marketing budget throughout the fiscal year.
• Write, edit, design, and disseminate communications and marketing materials and in-house exhibition and education publications to a diverse audience in both print and electronic formats.
• Develop and maintain a graphics and video inventory.
• Conduct database, literature, and web searches to locate documents and articles that can be used for reference in marketing tools.
• Update, maintain, and verify information in a variety of spreadsheets and databases.
• Attend and participate in a variety of meetings.
• Remain current with frequent developments in design and graphics software, social media platforms, and trends in the communications field.

Supervision:

• Ensure adherence to quality standards and procedures for short-term staff and volunteers.

Assets:

• Knowledge of marketing, branding and strategic communications is an asset.
• Experience working with a CRM system.
• Familiarity with the McMaster brand guidelines
• Graphic design, photography experience, and/or experience working in an academic institution.
• Knowledge of McMaster programs and admission requirements and processes
Previous experience with Chinese social media platforms including Weibo and WeChat would be considered an asset.

The successful candidate will possess the following:

• Exceptional copywriting skills, and the ability to create content quickly, creatively, accurately and for a variety of mediums while maintaining the highest quality.
• Experience with developing content for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
• Experience in storyboarding and creative ideation
• Experience in filmmaking, videography, and photography
• Experience editing video projects and inserting sound effects, music, and transitions.
• Ability to multitask and work towards several milestones and on various projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge and familiarity with website development and social media platforms
• Proven ability to build relationships with internal and external partners to create and deliver content.
• Attention to detail in ensuring final product aligns with key themes or objectives.
• Heightened awareness with respect to diverse cultural backgrounds, experiences, and styles
• Knowledge of AODA and accessible content design and writing
• Knowledge about the post-secondary education section
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing or related field of study.

The successful candidate will possess experience in the following areas:

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience, formal training or demonstrated experience, in the field.
• Marketing, media relations and strategic communications planning
• Ability to work on multiple projects, prioritize content, and manage time autonomously without comprising quality or creative edge
• Proven success facilitating and working with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and executives/advisory board members.
• High proficiency in Adobe software editing programs (Premiere Pro, Lightroom, etc.) for video production, motion graphics, photography, etc.
• Strong computer skills using Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite
• Experience ensuring temporary staff and volunteers adhere to quality standards and procedures.

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.