Communications Officer

McGill University; Sherbrooke; On-site; CAD 63,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

McGill University seeks a Communications Officer for a new research initiative. Responsibilities include developing communication strategies, managing public relations, and engaging audiences through various media. The role requires excellent writing skills, experience in communication planning, and proficiency in both English and French.

Benefits

Defined contribution pension plan (up to 10% employer contribution)

Group RRSP and TFSA options

Competitive vacation policy, personal days, and holidays

Tuition waiver for employees and dependents

Up to two remote work days per week

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with 3 years of related experience.
• Experience in higher education, healthcare, or nonprofit sectors.
• Background in marketing, media relations, and PR is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communication plans for D2R initiatives.
• Manage branding, marketing, public relations, and event planning.
• Write press releases and create promotional materials.

Skills

Excellent journalistic writing and editing skills

Experience in developing communication plans

Photography and video production

Strong interpersonal skills

Organized and detail-oriented

Proficient with Adobe Suite

Fluent in English and French

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Adobe Suite

Microsoft Office

Drupal

Job description

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

If you are an active McGill employee (i.e., currently in an active contract or position at McGill University), do not apply through this Career Site. Login to your McGill Workday account and apply to this posting using the Find Jobs report (type Find Jobs in the search bar).

McGill University is seeking a Communications Officer for an ambitious new research initiative, DNA to RNA: An Inclusive Canadian Approach to Genomic-based RNA Therapeutics (D2R), supported by the Government of Canada's Canadian First Research Excellence Fund and other organizations, starting in 2023 for seven years.

Reporting to the Senior Communications Officer of D2R, the Communications Officer will develop and implement communication plans to inform and engage internal and external audiences. Responsibilities include managing branding, marketing, public relations, event planning, and acting as a liaison with stakeholders. The role involves planning projects aligned with the university's mission and communication priorities.

• Develop and implement communication plans for D2R initiatives.
• Plan, film, and edit videos promoting D2R activities and community events; take photographs of events.
• Create and distribute information via web articles, news, social media, brochures, and other media.
• Design and manage communication materials such as invitations, event schedules, banners, PowerPoint presentations, and visuals for social media.
• Write press releases, message templates, and other media materials.
• Assist in preparing briefings and speeches for senior administrators.
• Identify opportunities to enhance D2R's online and social media presence, develop content, and increase engagement.
• Manage D2R newsletter and mailing lists.
• Monitor analytics to improve outreach strategies.
• Ensure branding guidelines are followed across all communications.
• Organize and plan events, including an annual research symposium.
• Collaborate with university communication teams to ensure consistent representation.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

• Experience in developing and evaluating communication plans in higher education, healthcare, or nonprofit sectors.
• Creative with the ability to approach issues from multiple perspectives and recommend solutions.
• Excellent journalistic writing and editing skills.
• Experience in photography and video production.
• Ability to conduct interviews and produce high-quality articles and videos.
• Autonomous and team-oriented work style; strong interpersonal skills.
• Organized, detail-oriented, proactive problem-solver.
• Proficient with Adobe Suite, Envoke, Microsoft Office, social media, and Drupal.
• Background in marketing, media relations, and PR is an asset.
• Fluent in English and French, both spoken and written.

What We Offer:

• Defined contribution pension plan (up to 10% employer contribution).
• Group RRSP and TFSA options.
• Competitive vacation policy, personal days, floating holidays, summer Fridays, and holiday time off.
• Tuition waiver for employees and dependents.
• Up to two remote work days per week, where feasible.

Note: To work at McGill, you must be authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in Quebec.

English proficiency required at level #4 (see link for details).

Funding for this position is from CFREF and other sources, with a project end date of February 28, 2030. The position is active only during the grant period.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree with 3 Years of Related Experience.

Salary Range: $63,810 - $95,710 annually.

Job Profile: MPEXCOM2A Internal/External Relations Professional 2.

Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full-time).

Application Deadline: [Insert date].

McGill values diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including racialized persons, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of minority groups. Accommodations available upon request.

Required Experience: Unclear seniority level.

Key Skills: Internal Control, Accounting, Auditing, Accounts Handling, General Services, Elevator, Brand.

Employment Type: Full-Time.

Number of Vacancies: 1.

Monthly Salary: $63,810 - $95,710.