Communications Manager

About Queen's University

Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.
Come work with us
Job Summary
Reporting to the Chief of Staff and Legal Advisor (‘Chief of Staff’), the Communications Manager is responsible for building and maintaining engagement with the Office of the Principal through the design, implementation and evaluation of a communications strategy, programs and events in alignment with the university’s strategic goals and priorities.

The Communications Manager is accountable for researching, developing and writing internal and external communications on behalf of the Principal, including correspondence, formal speeches, reports, presentations, and other material. The Communications Manager works in partnership with institutional-level units engaged in fundraising, alumni relations, communications, issues management, media relations, digital communications, marketing and government and institutional relations to develop and implement consistent communications strategies and issues management responses ensuring integration of communications priorities with operational activities. The Communications Manager is also responsible for assisting with the execution of highly visible and high-profile events for the Principal, the Board of Trustees and the university community. Committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenization the Communications Manager welcomes and fosters a collaborative work environment with all staff, managers, and stakeholders, and functions with a high level of precision, demonstrating attention to detail, efficiency, and a commitment to excellent client service.
**Job Description**:
**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Lead in the development and implementation of a communications and event strategy, including digital communications, in support of the vision and priorities of the Office of the Principal and the university.
- Work collaboratively with a wide range of university partners to strategically develop, edit, finalize and implement communications of high impact, importance and sensitivity; including speaking notes, presentations, key messages, public releases, questions and answers, op-eds, statements, articles, social media content, blog postings, briefing notes and other forms of written communications for the Principal; ensuring a high level of consistency, accuracy and fit for a wide variety of audiences.
- Research, build and maintain the leadership profile and voice of the Principal to ensure communications are clear, consistent and present the Principal’s values and vision across a variety of communication channels.
- Collaborate with University Relations to develop statements, comments, and messaging from the Principal with respect to issues management or crisis communications affecting the university and its stakeholders.
- Conduct research, including review of historical and quantitative material, to identify content for highly visible and important verbal and written communications initiated by the Principal.
- Keep up to date with current events especially as they pertain Queen’s University and the higher education sector. Proactively identify emerging communications opportunities and challenges and develop communications plans in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders internal and external to the university.
- Build and maintain relationships with key contacts across the university to identify initiatives and stories that support and advance the communications goals and priorities of the Principal.
- Maintain an archive of speeches and presentations.
- Collaborate with University Relations (Integrated Communications) and participate in planning meetings to contribute ideas to strengthen the university’s internal and external communications.
- Develop suitable performance analytics and measure and evaluate communication and outreach activities to ensure success and inform future direction.
- Provide oversight and guidance to the events team in the planning, execution and measurement of highly visible and high profile events for the Principal, the Board of Trustees and the university community.
- Create a positive and inclusive work environment that supports and promotes a culture where a diverse range of ideas and perspectives are incorporated into decision-making.
- Plan, prioritize and manage the work of employees, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance and coaching. Identify the need for staff resources, participate on staffing committees, and make effective recommendations regarding employee selection.
- Assess staff training and development needs, and ensure that employees receiv