Are you interested in helping to create a Brighter World?
McMaster University fuels curiosity, inquiry and discovery. Every day, we push the boundaries of knowledge through our world-class, interdisciplinary research and our groundbreaking approaches to teaching and learning. Our students, faculty, researchers and staff are among the best and brightest. We are seeking an equally talented Manager, Strategic Communications to support our ambitious fundraising communications goals for the Faculty of Health Sciences, as well as other advancement communications priorities.
University Advancement at McMaster is an integrated department that encompasses the areas of Development, Advancement Communications and Donor Relations, Alumni Engagement, Advancement Campaign and Advancement Services & Operations; areas that coordinate their activities and work as a team to build relationships, reputation and resources. It is our values that help us to achieve our vision and mission – Integrity, Quality, Respect, Service, Strategy and Teamwork.
Reporting to the Associate Director, Advancement Communications for the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Manager, Strategic Communications will support the Faculty of Health Sciences advancement team through a variety of internal and external advancement communications techniques, including digital media. The Manager, Strategic Communications is a dynamic and experienced communicator, responsible for planning and implementing proactive communications and engagement initiatives. The role routinely deals with confidential and highly sensitive information.
This opportunity is situated primarily within the Faculty of Health Sciences.
The Faculty of Health Sciences trains Canada’s next generation of health-care practitioners, researchers and entrepreneurs – including physicians, nurses, physiotherapists and biomedical scientists. The Faculty ranks among the top 50 in the world, and top 2 in Canada, for health and clinical medicine. Internationally renowned for its medical education and research excellence, the Faculty of Health Sciences is comprised of four schools alongside a multitude of high-impact research institutes and centres. Areas of research excellence include allergy, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, childhood disability, diabetes, gastroenterology, health equity, pain, infectious diseases and virology.
Accountabilities
- Accountable for developing, implementing and maintaining creative and compelling communications initiatives and materials for use in digital, print and broadcast environments
- Develops and implements communications strategies and materials that support university funding priorities and key audiences and partners
- Possesses superior writing and storytelling skills for the creation of materials such as funding proposals, white papers, concept documents, reports, presentations, personalized communications, etc.
- Develops a creative and comprehensive approach to digital communications, including skill in video and audio storytelling, and design
- Plans and produces some editorial content for the Daily News and Brighter World websites and other appropriate sites, and the official university social media platforms
- Works in a complex environment with multiple functions including examining, reviewing and assessing long-term goals as well as immediate needs for communications including digital media platforms
- Responsible for planning and evaluating communications to external and internal audiences
- Builds effective communications projects by linking and working with other leaders, units and departments within the university
- Identifies emerging communications trends and tools and positions the university for success in these appropriate channels
- Requires sound judgment and decision-making abilities and a high level of confidentiality
- Plays a role in supporting the university's crisis management team in times of emergency
Qualifications
- University degree (McMaster degree is an asset)
- 4-5 years' experience in a similar position
- Computer knowledge, with proven technical experience managing digital tools, including WordPress, social media analytics and social media tools
- Demonstrated success in areas of media relations, strategic internal and external communications and in all social media platforms
- Understanding of new media and evolving media environment
- Demonstrated exceptional research and writing skills
- Knowledge of electronic media and media monitoring systems
- Proven ability to create budgets and understand financial documents
- Excellent oral communication skills
- Proven ability to maintain confidentiality
- Sound judgment and independent decision-making abilities
- Ability to lead, supervise and direct staff
- Ability to lead project teams and/or effectively contribute to a team
- Strong project management skills
- Strong time management skills
- Must be knowledgeable about McMaster University policies and guidelines, and University Advancement policies 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.
