Communications Assistant B

McGill University; Stratford; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Canada is seeking a Work-Study student to provide vital support in the MCVD, focusing on administration, event coordination, and communications. Candidates should be current students with strong professional reliability, organization skills, and English proficiency. This part-time role requires around 10 hours per week, offering $16.35 per hour. The position is based in Ontario with specific hours needed during the events.

Qualifications

• Current McGill student approved for Work-Study.
• Proven reliability and professionalism in admin or event roles.
• Comfortable corresponding with senior guests and speakers.
• Ability to support early-morning/evening event hours.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative, communications, and event support.
• Coordinate logistics for events including retreats and seminars.
• Prepare and publish Centre newsletters and manage web content.
• Assist with webinar series and troubleshooting during events.

Skills

Reliability

Professionalism

Attention to detail

Clear communication

Proactive organization

Multi-tasking

English proficiency

Familiarity with Zoom

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

MS Office

Google Workspace

Canva

Job description

Please refer to How to Apply for a Job (for External Candidates) job aid for instructions on how to apply.

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Position Summary

MCVD is a McGill wide research centre, the home of researchers and trainees who are interested in viral disease research. Our mission is to provide solutions to viral diseases that threaten public health, by advancing research, education, and patient care through inter-disciplinary efforts.

Under the direction of the Director, the Work-Study student will provide administrative, communications, and event support to help MCVD run smoothly day-to-day and to deliver high-quality events including centre retreats, symposium and seminars. Work includes coordinating logistics, supporting events, preparing materials and briefings, updating centre website and social content, tracking tasks, and liaising professionally with students, staff, and centre members.

Primary Responsibilities

Administrative coordination

• Draft routine responses to incoming emails; route inquiries.
• Schedule meetings; prepare agendas; take and circulate minutes; maintain action trackers.
• Prepare simple documents (letters, one-pagers, name badges, sign-in sheets); organize shared drives.
• Process centre award applications.

Launch & events support

• Room bookings, catering orders, AV/Zoom setup, slide and run-of-show prep, hotel and airfare for panelists.
• On-site staffing (registration desk, speaker support); manage RSVPs and guest lists.
• Collect speaker bios/slides; compile and distribute event materials; help with post-event follow-up (thank-yous, evaluation forms).

Communications & web

• Add new content to the website, post short news items and updates.
• Prepare and publish Centre newsletters.
• Develop a social media strategy, draft and schedule posts for social channels; assist with simple graphics (e.g., Canva).
• Help assemble a periodic email update (copy-editing, formatting, list management).

Webinar & hybrid support (as needed)

• Help launch our webinar series, assist speakers with Zoom (recording, screen-share, breakout rooms); basic A/V troubleshooting.
• Manage inquiries and follow-ups with attendees.

Data & tracking

• Keep contact lists, RSVP spreadsheets, and task boards current; compile simple attendance/event metrics.

General office support

• Pitch in on time-sensitive tasks to support the smooth operation of the lab.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Current McGill student approved for Work-Study;
• Proven reliability and professionalism in admin or event roles; strong attention to detail.
• Clear written and verbal communication; comfortable corresponding with senior guests/speakers.
• Familiarity with Zoom (host/co-host features), MS Office/Google Workspace; Canva or similar design tools; web posting in McGill WMSan asset.
• Proactive, organized, and able to juggle multiple deadlines with minimal supervision.
• English required; French a strong asset.
• Ability to support occasional early-morning/evening event hours during launch period.
• Approximately 10 hours per week, subject to variation.

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 4 on a scale of 0-4.

For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High School Diploma
• 1 Year Related Experience

Hourly Salary: (AMUSE B) $16.35

Estimated Number of Work Hours per Week: 10 (Part time)

Position Start Date: 2026-03-02

Position End Date: 2027-03-01

Deadline to Apply: 2026-01-11

This position is covered by the AMUSE collective agreement.

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self‑identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].