Communications Officer (Student Recruitment)

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University is seeking a Communications Officer to enhance student recruitment strategies through effective communication and marketing. The role involves developing comprehensive plans, managing social media, and ensuring brand consistency across platforms. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, exceptional writing skills, and at least three years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years relevant experience in communication, marketing, or media relations.
• Proven success facilitating work with diverse stakeholders.
• High proficiency in Adobe editing software.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate communication strategies for the department.
• Manage social media accounts and content generation.
• Coordinate joint promotional events and manage publication deadlines.

Skills

Copywriting

Content Creation

Multitasking

Graphic Design

Video Production

Social Media Management

Strategic Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing or related field

Tools

Adobe Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Office of the Registrar proudly supports McMaster University’s academic mission through the creative, efficient provision of core administrative student services and the support of staff and faculty across all areas of the university community. Our work in supporting the student experience reaches from initial contact with prospective students through celebrations of convocation. We are a smart, collaborative staff of over 100, spread across 8 departments: Student Services & Financial Support, Student Recruitment, Undergraduate Admissions, Records, Systems, Scheduling & Examinations, Student Communications and Central RO Administration.

Project Description

The Student Recruitment department is a central unit that plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting the undergraduate recruitment strategy of the university. We attract domestic and international undergraduate applicants by establishing recruitment networks and sharing McMaster's story digitally, in-print, and in-person. We develop and maintain relationships with prospective undergraduate students and key influencers, such as parents, educators, and guidance counsellors.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Registrar, Undergraduate Student Recruitment and working closely with the Senior Recruitment Officer (Communication & Outreach), the successful Communications Officer candidate will take on a number of creative portfolios to support the successful execution of a comprehensive and creative communication plan that includes print, web, and social media.

General Description

Responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating a strategic communication plan which includes marketing initiatives and incorporating new infrastructure to support the communication activities and enhance the overall profile of the department.

Duties & Responsibilities

•Develop, coordinate, and implement work plans and objectives for the communication and promotion of the department

•Develop communication and strategic plans and objectives.

•Collect, analyze, assess, and summarize information relevant to the decision-making process and develop recommendations for final approval and implementation. Provide recommendations on the future development of communication strategy, structure, function, and activity.

•Design, build and update the website. Evaluate usability and relevance and make ongoing necessary additions and changes to website content.

•Develop content, design, edit, and maintain social media sites.

•Liaise with internal contacts, external partners, community organizations, and other stakeholders.

•Schedule events and coordinate joint promotional activities and publicity opportunities with other departments and community groups.

•Coordinate and communicate content requirements and production deadlines to authors for publications.

•Review graphics, edit images, and make revisions to content and layout.

•Design and execute complete graphical layout for marketing materials used to promote exhibitions and general campaigns.

•Negotiate terms of service with various suppliers, publications, distributors, and designers.

•Develop annual publicity budgets and complete expense reports for events and marketing material expenditures.

•Create financial projections and make adjustments to the marketing budget throughout the fiscal year.

•Write, edit, design, and disseminate communications and marketing materials and in-house exhibition and education publications to a diverse audience in both print and electronic formats.

•Develop and maintain a graphics and video inventory.

•Conduct database, literature, and web searches to locate documents and articles that can be used for reference in marketing tools.

•Update, maintain, and verify information in a variety of spreadsheets and databases.

•Attend and participate in a variety of meetings.

•Remain current with frequent developments in design and graphics software, social media platforms, and trends in the communications field.

Supervision:

• Ensure adherence to quality standards and procedures for short-term staff and volunteers.

Assets:

• Knowledge of marketing, branding and strategic communications is an asset.
• Experience working with a CRM system.
• Familiarity with the McMaster brand guidelines
• Graphic design, photography experience, and/or experience working in an academic institution.
• Knowledge of McMaster programs and admission requirements and processes
• Previous experience with Chinese social media platforms including Weibo and WeChat would be considered an asset.

The successful candidate will possess the following:

•Exceptional copywriting skills, and the ability to create content quickly, creatively, accurately and for a variety of mediums while maintaining the highest quality.

•Experience with developing content for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube

•Experience in storyboarding and creative ideation

•Experience in filmmaking, videography, and photography

•Experience editing video projects and inserting sound effects, music, and transitions.

•Ability to multitask and work towards several milestones and on various projects simultaneously.

•Knowledge and familiarity with website development and social media platforms

•Proven ability to build relationships with internal and external partners to create and deliver content.

•Attention to detail in ensuring final product aligns with key themes or objectives.

•Heightened awareness with respect to diverse cultural backgrounds, experiences, and styles

•Knowledge of AODA and accessible content design and writing

•Knowledge about the post-secondary education section

•Bachelor's degree in Marketing or related field of study.

The successful candidate will possess experience in the following areas:

•Minimum 3 years of relevant experience, formal training or demonstrated experience, in the field.

•Marketing, media relations and strategic communications planning

•Ability to work on multiple projects, prioritize content, and manage time autonomously without comprising quality or creative edge

•Proven success facilitating and working with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and executives/advisory board members.

•High proficiency in Adobe software editing programs (Premiere Pro, Lightroom, etc.) for video production, motion graphics, photography, etc.

•Strong computer skills using Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite

•Experience ensuring temporary staff and volunteers adhere to quality standards and procedures.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.