Director, Strategic Communications

Position Summary:


Reporting to the Dean of Continuing Studies, the Director of Strategic Communication serves as a key member of the executive leadership team, working closely together with Associate Deans for Academic Affairs, Academic Student Success and Enrolment Management, Finance and Administration, Development, other members of the SCS senior leadership, as well as in close collaboration with McGill University’s central communication and advancement (development & alumni relations) teams. Based in the heart of a cosmopolitan, multilingual and multicultural setting of Montreal, they will demonstrate the ways in which they bring value to and will work towards strengthening a broadly diverse community with regard to race, ethnicity, ability, socioeconomic status, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion. This position provides leadership for SCS’ market research and analytic needs; support for the University’s bicentennial celebrations and engagement at the local, provincial, national and international levels, including with the Francophone community of Montreal and Quebec.



Primary Responsibilities:


Develops and oversees implementation of a communication strategy including goals, objectives and measurable KPIs for the School of Continuing Studies and its constituent units, in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders within and around SCS, across multiple communication platforms, events and program strategies.
Supports the Dean in the preparation of public presentations, speeches, talking points, interviews and other forms of public engagement and governmental relations, working also in close consultation with central university officers charged with communication, media and governmental relations, the Provost’s and Principal’s teams, University advancement, and SCS academic
and service unit staff.


Serves as the primary point of contact for media and community inquiries, generating stories and news media coverage in print,
broadcast, and digital forms, and as lead for any review of marketing materials produced by other units within the School or external


vendors/partners.


Manages the Marketing and Enrolment Management team, including the Associate Director of Marketing and Enrolment Management,
Webmaster, Digital/social media content writer, and graphic designer, and any other eventual positions to support events planning and community engagement.


Plans, manages and reports on the School’s budgeting and communication budget.
Monitor and prepare for key stake holders reports on strategic communication metrics, including audience growth and engagement (including with people who hold historically marginalized identities), and data analysis.
In collaboration with the Schools’ student and academic support units, develops and implements outreach and recruitment strategies targeted to prospective and current learners and institutional partners.
In concert with SCS Director of Development, central University Advancement, and relevant stakeholders, supports the School’s development and alumni relations outreach strategy.
Represents SCS in the planning of McGill University’s bicentennial.
Oversees select projects from start to finish, including but not limited to the School’s catalogue (and sub-unit schedules), annual
reports, and other ongoing and new projects.


Effectively collaborates with a community of diverse students, staff, and faculty.
Serves on committees and represent the Dean as appropriate and necessary within the School and across the University


Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities


Graduate degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing or a related field is preferred; minimum 8 years of experience in communications, social media, media relations and/or a related field. Experience of working in high education environment is an asset. Proven skills in developing and executing complex strategic communication/marketing plans; demonstrated strong leadership, coaching, influencing and team building skills in order to foster, motivate and support an environment of high performance, trust and collaboration.


Strong collaboration skills with individuals from varied backgrounds to meet common goals and improve outcomes across teams. Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, including speaking and writing clearly, persuasively and creatively to a diverse audience, in English and French, to communicate a clear and compelling vision. Excellent and demonstrated communication/editorial judgment, diplomacy, and ability to handle sensitive issues and situations. Demonstrated experience with data collection and analysis to


identify and present key trends and findings, and proactive outreach work on all platforms. Excellent organizational, project and time management & abilities to establish effective communication routines; ability to think critically and solve complex problems in and around higher education. In-depth familiarity with communication content/analytic software and e-communication tools; deep knowledge of traditional and social media. Experience in international and/or multi-cultural settings is desired. Fluently bilingual, French and English


spoken and written.
Available to work outside of normal business hours including evenings and weekends, as required. Must be available for regular business travel, as required.
Duration:


Three (3) years
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree 8 Years Related Experience /
Annual Salary:
(MPEX Grade 09) $93,140.00 - $161,450.00
Hours per Week:
33.75 (Full time)
Supervisor:
Associate Professor (Professional)
Position End Date (If applicable):
31/03/2024
Deadline to Apply:
12/11/2020
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected] or 514-398-3711.

Read Less