Communications and Outreach Officer

**Schedule**
Monday to Friday; 8:30am-4:30pm, 35 hours per week

**Education Level**
Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia, Communications or related field

**Career Level**
Requires 3 years of relevant experience

**Unit/Project Description**:
The Student Success Centre, Student Affairs serves an integral, central role in the provision of programs and services to students in the areas of First-Year Experience (including transition and orientation, Mac’s Money Centre and the full-year foundational Archway Program); academic and career skills development; employment, entrepreneurship and experiential learning; International Student Services (ISS) and Global Experience; spiritual care and learning; and leadership development.

Our Centre attracts a high volume of student users and collaborates strongly with Student Affairs, Faculty and campus-wide partners, and valued external community partners. Our vision is for all students and alumni to thrive and realize their academic, professional and personal aspirations.

The Student Success Centre relies on strong collaboration with our Student Affairs partners, the Office of the Vice Provost (Teaching and Learning), Equity and Inclusion Office, Office of the Registrar, School of Graduate Studies, Office of International Affairs, Alumni Association, and Faculty and Program colleagues (Faculty Experiential/Career Services Offices and Offices of the Associate Deans) to deliver a wraparound, holistic approach to student success. This strategic integration of our services, programs and specialized events has enabled multiple pathways and possibilities for students beyond the classroom. Alongside other Student Affairs divisions and countless champions, we are delighted to collaborate across our McMaster community to support student success, locally and globally.

**Job Summary**:
Responsible for developing and administering the social media and digital content presence for the Student Success Centre (SSC), including special projects. Work closely with the Student Success Centre team to create, implement, track, and monitor the online communication strategy. Responsible for planning promotional events and developing promotional materials related to the programs and services offered by the SSC. Work closely with the SSC team to provide high-quality, meaningful opportunities for students and alumni to maintain positive relationships with the SSC.

**Purpose and Key Functions**:

- Develop, coordinate, and implement a communication strategy and a work plan for the communication and promotion of the SSC and other special projects in order to project its distinctiveness and enhance its profile.
- Develop promotional materials, both print and web-based, for students and parents.
- Assist in the development of strategic plans and objectives to promote activities.
- Design, deliver, and maintain social media accounts and digital campaigns to achieve outreach goals.
- Update and maintain the infrastructure to support the communications strategy on an ongoing basis.
- Evaluate the website and make necessary changes regarding graphic layout, content, usability, search engine optimization, and relevance.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive database.
- Ensure that all website content is uploaded to the site on a timely basis.
- Work closely with Student Affairs partners, Office of Vice Provost (Teaching and Learning), Equity and Inclusion Office, Office of the Registrar, School of Graduate Studies, Office of International Affairs, Alumni Association, and Faculty and Program colleagues (Faculty Experiential/Career Services Offices and Offices of the Associate Deans) to develop and implement appropriate guidelines related to social media and online digital presence, ensuring that all posts and activity support vision and objectives.
- Plan and coordinate a variety of promotional and student events and activities intended to promote the department
- Represent the Centre at various events including, but not limited to, information sessions and fairs.
- Complete and monitor outreach plan.
- Evaluate on-going programs, social media and digital platforms and provide recommendations for improvement.
- Photograph and record various events and collect signed consent forms for release.
- Develop and maintain a photograph and video inventory.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues. Escalate complex technical issues.
- Oversee the collection, storage, and accessibility of a variety forms and documents.

**Supervision**:

- Provide direction to others in how to carry out work tasks
- Ensures adherence to quality standards and procedures for short-term staff and volunteers

**Requirements**:

- Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia, Communications or related field
- Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

**Assets**:

- Experience using content management systems and website builders like WordPress and ClickUp.
- Professional experience using social media for relationship building, outreach, and