COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

McMaster University; Hamilton; Hybrid; CAD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University in Hamilton is seeking a Communications Coordinator to lead the department's communications strategy across all faculties, telling stories of innovation and partnerships. You will craft content, design materials, and elevate the DeGroote Heersink Hub brand.

The role requires a 3-year college diploma in Marketing or related field and at least 3 years of relevant experience. Expect in-person work Monday–Thursday with Friday remote based on needs, and potential evening

Qualifications

• 3 year Community College diploma in Marketing or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements and evaluates the communications plan for the department.
• Authors and designs communications materials such as newsletters and annual reports.
• Drafts press releases for review by stakeholders.
• Plans the development of an interactive departmental website.
• Coordinates media inquiries and supports event communications.
• Assists with presentations for diverse audiences.

Skills

Communications

Writing

Editing

Education

Marketing-related diploma

Tools

CMS

Adobe Suite

Job description

In-person Monday-Thursday, Friday remote based on operational needs.

Some evening work may be required based on programming and events.

Education Level 3 year Community College diploma in Marketing or related field.

Career Level Requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.

Anticipated Start Date September 21, 2026

Job Description

The DeGroote Heersink Hub is a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization at McMaster University. Building on our strong foundation in healthcare innovation, we are expanding our impact by supporting innovators across all faculties , helping students, researchers, faculty members and entrepreneurs transform ideas into meaningful solutions with real-world impact.

Through our diverse portfolio of programs—including The Clinic , the Master of Biomedical Innovation (MBI) , ACE Bootcamps , Masterclass , innovation workshops and experiential learning opportunities—we foster collaboration, accelerate innovation and support the commercialization of discoveries that improve lives and strengthen communities.

We're looking for a creative, collaborative and adaptable Communications Coordinator to help tell these stories. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled communicator to create compelling content, elevate the DeGroote Heersink Hub brand, and showcase the people, programs and partnerships driving innovation across McMaster University.

General Description: Responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating the strategic communications plan to enhance the overall profile of the department. This plan will include strategic marketing initiatives and incorporating new infrastructure to support communications activities within the department.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develops, implements and evaluates the communications strategic plan for the department. Develops the infrastructure to support the communications strategy on an ongoing basis.
• Authors and designs communications materials such as annual reports and newsletters. Drafts press releases for review by relevant stakeholders prior to their release. Proofreads and edits various publications authored by other staff members.
• Conducts needs assessments and develops strategies to collect necessary information within the department to develop appropriate internal and external communications.
• Evaluates departmental website and makes necessary changes regarding graphic layout and content to reflect the needs assessment results.
• Plans and guides the development of an interactive departmental website.
• Plans the production and graphic design layouts of departmental publications and other communication tools.
• Deals with a wide variety of individuals inside and outside the organization, including responding to national and international inquiries received by the department.
• Coordinates media inquiries and connects media with relevant persons in the department.
• Provides support to fundraising efforts and event planning for corporate events through the creation of appropriate marketing materials.
• Assists with the development of departmental presentations for diverse audiences.
• Stays abreast of new technologies and developments in the field to ensure the communications plan is current and relevant.

Supervision:

• No formal supervision of others is required.

Occasionally provides orientation and shows procedures to others.

Qualifications:

• 3 year Community College diploma in Marketing or related field.
• Requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.

Assets:

The following skills and experience would be considered assets:

• Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills
• Storytelling and content development
• Social media platforms and content creation
• Website content management systems (CMS)
• Adobe Creative Suite and/or Canva
• Photography and videography
• Graphic design and visual communications
• Digital communications analytics
• Media relations
• Event communications
• Strong interpersonal and interviewing skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the "Dish With One Spoon" wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster's commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [e-mail] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.