Communications Coordinator

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Associate Director, Content, this position supports a variety of content creation duties for websites and other platforms within the portfolio of the University’s department of Communications, Marketing & Public Affairs. Responsibilities include writing engaging, timely news articles and copy that tell the story of the University and align with the institution’s strategic priorities. This position updates communications content for a variety of platforms, including news websites and centralized social media channels. The role will support the implementation of creative strategies and content to grow audience engagement, particularly in emerging digital platforms while also updating and maintaining material for other departmental and University publications as required.

Using various content management systems, this position ensures content is generated in an appropriate manner that engages and grows specific audiences. The position contributes to a wide scope of communications produced by Communications, Marketing & Public Affairs, including storytelling and informational articles that speak to and engage students, faculty and staff, community, alumni, government partners, as well as other audiences targeted by marketing efforts. This involves interacting with various stakeholders to ensure content produced reflects McMaster University’s positioning and branding to diverse audiences.

Accountabilities

• Under the direction of the Associate Director, Content, support the research and implementation of communications for websites, print material, publications, and other digital platforms.
• Update and maintain the content on the department's various websites and social platforms.
• Interview a range of people (including students, researchers, alumni, and other university stakeholders) and develop those interviews and accompanying research into engaging articles for the university's main news website.
• Support reporting on various University events and activities through logistical support, background research, and other activities as directed by the respective project lead.
• Remain current on upcoming events, institutional priorities, and sensitivities to ensure all are reflected appropriately in our communications.
• Gather and compile information to post on the McMaster news site and social media ensuring the accuracy and validity of information.
• Update and maintain photo layouts, videos, and designs for websites and publications.
• Develop and implement interactive online photo galleries.
• Coordinate the input and submission of information from a variety of sources.
• Ensure the comprehensive and orderly flow of information.
• Coordinate and plan photo and video shoots, as well as editorial meetings with stakeholders and interviewees.
• Ensure proper and accessible use of writing, photography, and video content in news articles and other publications.
• Provide information to others regarding McMaster policies and standards on editorial, design, digital photography services, and website maintenance.
• Provide information related to branding, digital design, video production, photography, social media, and content creation support to departments, Faculties, and individuals following McMaster policies and standards.
• Research current trends and opportunities for creating efficiencies within production.
• Integrate stories and ideas across publications and platforms while working with media relations and other partners and online communities to advance the University.
• Manage individual priorities within the framework established by the department and respond well to rapid change and a changing flow of assignments.
• Brand all internal and external projects ensuring that appropriate University visual identity guidelines are followed.
• Contact internal and external stakeholders to confirm the status of projects and ensure deadlines are maintained.
• Maintain and update filing systems both electronic and hardcopy.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of materials.

Qualifications

• Education:

  Minimum 3 Year Community College Diploma in Journalism, Communications, Digital Communications, or Multimedia.

• Experience:

  Requires 2 years of experience working in a public relations, communications, journalism, and/or marketing environment.

• Knowledge/Skills:

• Demonstrated good story sense and an ability to work with a variety of people, often to very tight deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required (written and oral).
• Expertise working with content management systems including WordPress. Proven understanding and experience utilizing social media platforms as part of integrated communication.
• Technical skills, as appropriate, with production and design programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and InDesign to create graphic designs and layouts for all materials.
• Sound judgement, tact, sensitivity, analytical skills, and the ability to analyze and interpret information and an ability to work well in a team environment and contribute when called to assist with other projects within the department.

• Working Conditions:

  Some evening and weekend work may be required.

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, the 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.