Director, Communications

Director, Communications & Media Relations (Term)

Date Posted:
12/05/2025

Req ID:
46310

Faculty/Division:
Faculty of Arts & Science

Department:
Faculty Communications and Public Affairs

Campus
: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description
About Us
The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada's leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs. We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director, Communications & Public Affairs, the Director, Communications and Media Relations will develop public relations strategies and communication plans that will promote the Faculty of Arts and Science to advance its vision and strategic priorities. The Director oversees an array of web and digital content and channels. This role is also responsible for media relations management and training. The Director works closely with senior administrators and communications staff on issues-management and related communications to students, faculty and staff, and to external stakeholders, ensuring appropriate consultation and process.

The incumbent works with the Executive Director to develop comprehensive internal and external strategic communication plans in support of the Faculty's goals as outlined by the Dean and aligned with the University's priorities. The Director also provides guidance and advice to the Executive Director and senior leaders on media and communications strategies to manage critical issues and to advance the Faculty's profile.

Education
Essential Qualifications

• University degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Minimum 6 to 7 years of experience in communications and media relations, with extensive experience in media relations and successfully managing complex projects and highly charged issues on behalf of a high-profile public institution.
• Demonstrated skills and experience in managing and leading staff in a unionized environment.
• Experience in working with expert contractors and monitoring performance against agreed-upon deliverables.
• Strong record of collaborations and partnerships.
• Experience in developing strategic communication plans and leading marketing research initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in project management.
• Experience working in a complex post-secondary environment a definite asset.

Skills

• Outstanding writing and editing skills; excellent oral and presentation skills.
• Ability to deal professionally with tension and conflicts. Outstanding communications judgment.
• Expert in-depth knowledge of student communication business systems and technology.
• Ability to make strategic communications decisions on behalf of the Faculty of Arts and Science, and the leadership of the Faculty. Demonstrated creativity and ability to think strategically.
• Detail oriented to ensure accurate and reliable implementation of communication strategies.
• Proficiency in computer applications (Microsoft Office). Understanding of social media and other platforms.

Other

• Ability to balance tactical and strategic perspectives; political acumen; strong management skills; consultative leadership style with a focus on collegiality and respect; strong desire to mentor, guide and educate staff; strong analytical skills, high degree of professionalism.

This recruitment is posted to fill one full-time contract ending December 31, 2027.

Closing Date:
12/21/2025,11:59PM ET

Employee Group:
Salaried

Personnel Subarea:
PM

Appointment Type
: Budget - Term

Schedule:
Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
PM 4 -- Hiring Zone: $106,705 - $124,491 -- Broadband Salary Range: $106,705 - $177,843

Job Category:
Communication/Media/Public Relations

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Diversity Statement
The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see

Accessibility Statement
The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact

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