Communications Officer

**Schedule**
Mon - Fri; 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

**Education Level**
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field

**Career Level**
3 years of relevant experience

McMaster’s Indigenous Education Council is the primary body with responsibility for promoting and advocating for the advancement of Indigenous education at McMaster, championing the needs of Indigenous students, staff, and faculty members, and providing advice and support to the University on all Indigenous matters.

An important element of the Indigenous Education and Research Strategy implementation is strong communications across the University with objectives to maintain a high-level of awareness regarding the reconciliation efforts underway, and to support various Indigenous entities as they engage in the implementation work in an ongoing way. The Communications Officer will work closely with the Indigenous Special Projects Coordinator and the Co-Chairs of the Indigenous Education Council to ensure effective and strategic communication. This role also will manage the communications related effort needed to ensure that both the McMaster community at large and the Indigenous leadership community is both responsive to Indigenous issues as they emerge and will demonstrate a strong skillset of cultural safety knowledge and sharing endeavors.

The successful applicant will be a member of an Indigenous community and will have a commitment to growing McMaster's acceptance and capacity for Indigenous ways of knowing.

The Communications Officer will report to the Administrator - Indigenous Initiatives, Indigenous Education Council.

**Job Summary**:
Responsible for the planning, development and implementation of all communications to enhance the overall profile of a department, group, or academic unit. Completes analysis and reporting for all communication vehicles within the unit.

**Purpose and Key Functions**:

- Completes annual needs assessments and writes business plans which includes the development of communication and strategic plans and objectives.
- Conducts in-depth interviews of project stakeholders and participants requiring awareness of the nuances of the answers received before proceeding to the next stage in the interview.
- Facilitates meetings with project stakeholders and participants.
- Develops project specific budgets for review and approval by management.
- Develops plans regarding statistical reporting of communication methods including setting timelines and recommending key performance indicators.
- Writes annual reports with quantitative data, key performance indicators, recommendations, and budgets for review and approval by management.
- Writes content of communication materials.
- Develops and maintains social media platforms as identified in the business plan.
- Provides recommendations on software and hardware needed to ensure efficient implementation of the plan, including associated budget requirements.
- Oversees the design and maintenance of the program website.
- Monitors and analyzes performance of interactive websites and recommends changes. Develops and maintains relationships with key stakeholders on campus.
- Liaises with internal and external colleagues and collaborators. Sources vendors and obtains pricing information.
- Provides training to other staff on communication platforms.
- Provides advice to staff regarding e-communication software and best practices. Attends and participates in a variety of meetings.
- Remains current with frequent developments in social media platforms and trends in the communication field and implement a competitive social media strategy

**Assets**:

- Knowledge and understanding of the Urban Indigenous Community as well as Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and Mississaugas of the Credit Communities.
- Lived experience with Indigenous worldviews, cultures, and values.
- Experience working in a post-secondary environment

**Additional Information**:
To fulfill McMaster’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity and pursuant to Section 24 of the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code), this position is restricted to applicants who identify as a member of an Indigenous Community.

**How To Apply**

**Employment Equity Statement**

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.

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 He