Manager, Strategic Communications

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. We are seeking a talented Manager, Strategic Communications to support and implement communications for the Global Nexus program.

Reporting to the Associate** **Director Communications for Global Nexus, the Manager, Strategic Communications, will work collaboratively as part of the Communications Marketing & Public Affairs, team to build relationships, reputation, and resources.

The Global Nexus aspires to become a world-leading innovation hub where research, learning, knowledge mobilization and community come together in new ways to ensure the world is better prepared for future biological threats. It will serve as a beacon for evidence-based, community-informed solutions that prevent the catastrophic impacts and avoidable deaths of pandemics. At the Global Nexus, new interdisciplinary academic programs, an established collaborative research arm, and new partners will build upon the University’s excellence in infectious disease research. Social scientists, economists, humanists, engineers, Indigenous scholars, and community partners will come together at the Global Nexus to develop the next generation of visionary leaders who understand the deep connections between people and all life in our shared environment.

Communications Marketing and Public Affairs (CMPA) is an integrated department reporting to the President. It is responsible for McMaster’s communications and strategic content strategy, marketing and branding, public affairs, advancement communications and reputation development of the university.

**Job Summary**:
The Manager, Strategic Communications will support the Global Nexus program through a variety of internal and external communication channels and techniques, with an emphasis on digital media. This position is responsible for planning and implementing proactive communications and engagement initiatives. This role routinely deals with confidential and highly sensitive information, issuing a variety of communications on behalf of the University. As a key member of the team, the communications manager is responsible for helping to advance the local, national, and global reputation of the Global Nexus through innovative digital storytelling. The role is responsible for planning, developing, and distributing multimedia content across channels that increases awareness, engagement and supports the revenue-generating goals of Global Nexus. The manager, strategic communications will leverage new and existing university/CMPA channels to reach internal audiences such as faculty, students, staff and alumni. Working with CMPA colleagues in Public Affairs, Media Relations and Marketing they will also provide outreach to external audiences within the government, community, industry and global post-secondary sectors. This is a critical role that supports next-generation storytelling initiatives that reflect the bold mission of Global Nexus.

**Accountabilities**:

- Accountable for developing, implementing, and maintaining creative and compelling Global Nexus communication initiatives and materials for use in digital, print and broadcast environments
- Develops and implements communication strategies and materials that support university funding priorities around Global Nexus and key audiences and partners
- Possesses superior writing and storytelling skills for the creation of materials such as funding proposals, white papers, concept documents, reports, presentations, personalized communications, etc.
- Develops a creative and comprehensive approach to digital communications, including skill in video and audio storytelling, and design
- Plans and produces editorial content for the Daily News and Brighter World websites and other appropriate sites, and the official University social media platforms
- Works in a complex environment with multiple functions including examining, reviewing and assessing long-term goals as well as immediate needs for communications including digital media platforms
- Responsible for planning and evaluating communications to external and internal audiences
- Builds effective communication projects by linking and working with other leaders, units, and departments within the University
- Identify emerging communication trends and tools and position the University for success in these appropriate channels
- Supports Global Nexus virtual and on-campus events with social media promotion, photography, videography, and graphics: before, during and after events.
- Works and co-ordinates with faculty and central communications colleagues to develop content that supports the Global Nexus vision.
- Interviews faculty, students, and stakeholders for story development and planning
- Requires sound judgment and decision-making abilities and a high level of confident