Digital Communications Officer

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Position Summary:
Working under the guidance and support of the Social Media Manager, Institutional Communications, the Digital Communications Officer will design and execute social media campaigns using a range of skills including copywriting, photography/video, graphics, fact-checking, proof reading, content planning, segmentation and analysis. The Digital Communication Officer will implement a strategy to drive audience engagement across the University's central platforms.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Participate in the development and implementation of policies and new initiatives that support the strategic direction of the unit

• As administrator of the central social media accounts, provide professional communications and public relations expertise in order to build and enhance the University’s relationship with internal units and external organizations

• Prepare communications for major events, campaigns, announcements, international events, and student activities.

• Produce monthly analytics for the central social media channels, analyzing relevant data and metrics, identifying new technologies and trends. Oversee and automate unit analytics

• Analyze and evaluate the user experience across multiple channels and touch points. Produce, monitor and report regularly on operational and success KPI’s.

• Meet with clients to determine and advise on social media requirements. Review best practices and provide training

• Manage photo shoots: contact photographer, select location and obtain approval. Take photographs, manipulate images with visual editing software as needed.

• Lead on University-wide photo/media library, being point of contact and resource to the University.

• Participate in and provide expertise in social media marketing, advertising, livestreams and promotional activities.

• Provide professional expertise and advice on a variety of digital communication strategies in support of the objectives of the unit.

• Plan, conceptualize, prepare and disseminate information and perform specialized internal and external communications assignments

• Act as back-up "Social Media Officer" to sit on Emergency Operations Committee to provide timely and important information in case of emergency

• Monitor and advise on crisis communications through strategic use of social media

• Facilitate and lead large monthly meeting for University social media managers, including overseeing logistics, invitations, and all necessary equipment, material and audio-visual equipment.

• Record detailed minutes at meetings, make decisions and ensure follow-up and implementation of agreed decisions.

• Administer and curate the University video channel

• Design and maintain sites on mcgill.ca, including writing content

• Manage directory of university-wide social media accounts and audit university accounts.

• Create, produce, edit videos for social media

• Create, produce daily news digest

• Hire, schedule and train units and students for social media activities

• Liaise with internal units and external organizations for campaigns

• Create social media avatars for faculties and departments

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:

Technically proficient and demonstrated experience with:

Social Media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Bluesky, Threads, YouTube, TikTok, Web tools and HTML, Web writing principles, Google Analytics and SEO, Photography and associated tools (Adobe Suite), Livestreaming, Platform analytics and Google analytics, Hootsuite, Loomly, Video editing software, Graphics tools, News monitoring software

Demonstrated ability to develop and manage production schedules, prioritize and meet deadlines. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work autonomously and to interact and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholder groups. Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills. Ability to keep up with new technologies and adapt to best practices, regulatory changes, and institutional standards.

The successful candidate will have a strong technical background, proficiency in graphics, and photography and will be expected to design and produce social media campaigns, web/social media graphics and photo retouching.

Strong skills in English and French, spoken and written.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 on a scale of 0-4.

For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

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