Manager, Communications

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm (Hybrid schedule)

Education Level

University degree in a related field

Career Level

3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing or related field

Previous experience working in the higher education sector is preferred

UNIT/PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
McMaster University has developed a reputation for research-intensive, student-centred focuses dedicated to advancing human and societal health and well-being.

McMaster University fuels curiosity, inquiry, and discovery. Every day, we push the boundaries of knowledge through our world-class, interdisciplinary research and our ground-breaking approaches to teaching and learning. Our students, researchers and staff are among the best and brightest.

Supporting a large faculty this role will be a dedicated resource with expertise proactively drawn upon by administrators, faculty, staff and students to advance the institutional equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility goals; to enact inclusive excellence principles and to establish a respectful learning and working environment free from harassment and discrimination.

**DeGroote School of Business unit specific**: The DeGroote School of Business (DSB) has developed a reputation for innovative programs, and teaching and research excellence. DSB offers undergraduate, professional and research-focused graduate programs across two campuses (Hamilton and Burlington) to over 4000 students and includes several interdisciplinary programs.

DeGroote’s strategic plan prioritizes McMaster’s five strategic pillars of Inclusive Excellence, Teaching and Learning, Research Excellence, Community Engagement and Operational Excellence. The Faculty has placed a priority on fostering inclusive excellence in everything we do, across our community of stakeholders.

JOB SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Director, Marketing and Community Engagement, the Manager will successfully manage the development and implementation of policies and programs under the purview of the department. This position takes a leadership role in the management and development of communications, and provides strategic counsel to the Management team. The Manager will also develop and manage the planning and implementation of proactive communications for areas within the DeGroote School of Business.

PURPOSE AND KEY FUNCTIONS:

- Provides support with communications and public relations counsel to the Faculty leadership team on strategic communications and marketing plans for the Faculty, with an emphasis on building national and international reputation through media relations, public relations, marketing and communications
- Identifies, recommends and implements the DeGroote School of Business’ communications programs and initiatives and acts as a liaison and connector with other University communication colleagues.
- Recommends strategies to support the creative direction for all internal and external advertising and communications ensuring compliance with University brand standards.
- brand standards.
- Liaise with all stakeholders involved in marketing initiatives to ensure that deadlines and objectives are met.
- Consult with program managers to develop and implement comprehensive program marketing plans that align with the department plan.
- Identifies, recommends and implements new communications programs that enable the Faculty to achieve its objectives
- Takes a proactive role in providing timely and reliable advice to leaders and successfully implements programs for both internal and external issues
- Develops and maintains relationships with key audiences such as faculty, staff, students, media, alumni, supporters, government, and the community
- Supports the Director with the comprehensive communication strategies for the Faculty on a wide range of issues and oversees their successful implementation
- Recommends programs that will increase understanding of the University and Faculty's goals, objectives, and successes with key internal and external audiences
- Recommends and Implements the creation, preparation, and distribution of internal and external communications in various forms, such as print, digital, social media, and broadcast
- Assists with preparing and producing special and strategic communication materials
- Supports the Director in the development and implementation of a comprehensive and proactive communications program that includes social media training, storytelling, and reputation development
- May act as a spokesperson, as required
- Recommends, implements and provides feedback to the the Director on the effectiveness of all related projects
- Identifies and develops opportunities for leaders to maximize effective communication
- Ensure the team delivers a high degree of service
- Oversees the production of key publications and reports for the DeGroote School of Business, including the Annual Report under the direction of the Director