Communications Officer

Date Posted: 10/29/2024
Req ID: 40433
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Information
Department: Faculty of Information
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00057284

Description:

About us:
The Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto is a research-led Faculty, educating the next generation of leaders in information scholarship and the information professions, both established and emerging. Our researchers and graduates are recognized for their innovation, experimentation, human-centred perspectives and commitment to community.
The Faculty, which will celebrate its centenary in 2028, has built on its heritage strengths in libraries, archives and museums to incorporate scientific and technological expertise from engineering, computer science, and other disciplines. At the same time, it has committed itself to applying social, political, and cultural perspectives from media arts, humanities, and social science to the study of information, technology, people and the relationships among them.
A top tier school, the Faculty of Information is consistently ranked in the top five Library and Information Management graduate programs by the QS World University rankings. The QS rankings include both Master’s and PhD level programs.
More background about the Faculty can be found on its website (ischool.utoronto.ca).

Your opportunity:
Reporting to the Manager, Office of the Dean, and collaborating closely with faculty, staff, and university partners, the Communications Officer plays a pivotal role in ensuring professional and effective communication and promotion within and beyond the Faculty of Information. Bringing a proactive approach to optimizing communication processes, as part of a team the incumbent enhances engagement and visibility through compelling materials, a dynamic social media presence, customized website content, and cohesive marketing plans. Additionally, the role involves coordinating complex projects with stakeholders, advising on communication practices, and conducting analyses to improve visual design and impact across platforms.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Producing promotional and outreach materials
• Creating and maintaining presence on social media platforms
• Customizing website according to objectives or user feedback
• Implementing communication plans that support strategic objectives
• Coordinating tasks for projects and other strategic initiatives with stakeholders
• Advising on the most effective methods of achieving desired communications goals
• Analyzing and recommending options for the development of visual expression/layout of digital assets
• Analyzing and recommending process changes for more efficient multi-channel communication practices

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism or related field or acceptable combination of equivalent experience
• Minimum 4 years' experience with progressive levels of responsibility for communications advising/execution and writing, editing, developing creative communications in print, web and digital platforms for multiple audiences
• Experience advising on the most effective methods of achieving desired communications goals
• Experience analyzing and recommending options for the development of visual expression/layout of digital assets
• Experience creating and maintaining presence on social media platforms
• Experience working with a broad range of communications platforms including traditional, digital, interactive and social media
• Strong copywriting skills for creating impactful marketing content tailored to target audiences
• Familiarity with image and content-sharing platforms to manage and distribute digital assets
• Proficiency in graphic design and photo editing tools (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Canva) to produce and edit visually engaging content
• Familiarity with tools and strategies for accessible communications, ensuring alignment with inclusion and equity principles (e.g., AODA)
• Practical experience identifying and addressing accessibility issues to ensure communication materials are clear, inclusive, and effective
• Ability to analyze data and metrics to evaluate and improve campaign effectiveness
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of interpersonal skills and the capacity to listen effectively and sensitively to a broad range of diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, and staff members

Assets (Nonessential):

• Experience with video editing to generate multimedia content
• Basic knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) to enhance digital content visibility
• Understanding of crisis communication strategies for navigating sensitive public relations situations
• Experience with project management software for coordinating and tracking projects

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Accountable
• Efficient
• Multi-tasker
• Organized
• Proactive
• Team player

Closing Date: 11/12/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: USW Pay Band 11 - $75,223. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $96,196. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations

Notes:
This role is currently eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, pursuant to University policies and guidelines, including but not limited to the University of Toronto’s Alternative Work Arrangements Guideline.

Lived Experience Statement:
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.