Director, Student Life Communications

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 118,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Toronto seeks a Director for Student Life Communications, responsible for leading strategic communications initiatives and fostering collaboration across the institution. Candidates should have at least ten years in progressive communications roles and possess strong leadership abilities. This full-time position offers a competitive annual salary range and requires a collaborative, detail-oriented approach to communications.

Qualifications

• A minimum of ten years of progressive communications experience required.
• Management experience in unionized environments preferred.
• Experience in educational institutions is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic vision and leadership in communications and marketing.
• Develop marketing and communication plans for internal and external audiences.
• Oversee research around student communications to support objectives.

Skills

Superior oral and written communications skills

Strong leadership

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Collaboration

Education

Graduate University degree in a related field

Tools

Graphic design principles

Publications production

Job description

Date Posted: 06/06/2025
Req ID: 43283
Faculty/Division: Vice-Provost, Students
Department: Student Life Communications
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

Position Summary:

The Director, Student Life Communications, provides strategic vision and leadership in communications and marketing. The incumbent will develop a comprehensive program designed to provide Student Life and institutional leadership on effective strategies and tools to communicate with students. The Director will consult widely, including through forums such as the institutional Student Communications Table, to develop strategies and provide guidance to Student Life on broad matters related to marketing and communications.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Student Experience the incumbent will oversee the creation of communications and marketing plans and strategies for internal and external audiences that will inform target audiences, primarily students and those who work with students. The Director provides guidance and advice to the senior management on media and communications strategies for effective awareness and usage of services and programs to support student success throughout the University. The Director will oversee the compilation of research around student communications to advance Student Life’s objectives. Working with the ED, the Senior Management Team of Student Life, the Vice-Provost, Students, and other leadership, the Director will be responsible for the development of internal communications strategies to foster a strong community identity and will establish benchmarks and forms of measurement to continually evaluate and improve upon communications strategies.

A major focus of the Director’s work will be to create an institutional culture of an integrated student community across the University whereby all stakeholders work collaboratively and in a coordinated framework, including supporting the University-wide student communications, with the Office of the Vice-President and Provost, and University of Toronto Communications.

The incumbent will oversee and develop appropriate and multi-modal marketing and communications vehicles needed to maximize communications through both targeted and broad-based initiatives, ensuring an integrated cohesive visual identity and message which is in keeping with the institutional objectives and promotional strategies of Student Life. The incumbent is a deep collaborator and manages relationships with multiple internal and external stakeholders, partners and organizations.

As a leader and a mentor, the Director will work synergistically with communications staff in Student Life and throughout the University, and manage a staff of high-caliber, creative professionals and assume overall responsibility for human resources, labour relations and financial management including dispute resolution and compliance of collective agreements. The incumbent directly manages the staff and the quality and efficiency of work, ensuring the structure and duties are meeting operational objectives in the most effective way.

Qualifications Required:

Education:

• Graduate University degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of ten years of progressive communications experience, including work as a leader, project manager and writer.
• Management experience in progressive management positions in an unionized environment.
• Experience working in an educational institution is preferable.

Skills:

• Superior oral and written communications skills.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex multiple projects to completion.
• Must be able to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks and responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success at building relationships at all levels of an organization, and at fostering collaboration.
• Ability to assimilate and interpret significant amounts of information.

Other:

• Self-starter.
• Detail-oriented.
• Responsive.
• Collaborator.
• Flexibility to work in a consensus-driven environment.
• Ability to motivate staff to work collaboratively toward the goals of the Division.
• Political sensitivity and ability to work effectively with high-level staff across the University system and in outside organizations.
• Requires a keen understanding of the principles involved in publications production.
• Knowledge of graphic design principles and an eye for first-rate design.
• Ability to work with minimal direct supervision.

Note:

• Potential Start Date: August 1, 2025
• Position has occasional overtime and occasional travel.

Closing Date:06/25/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:PM 5 -- Hiring Zone: $118,368 - $138,097 -- Broadband Salary Range: $118,368 - $197,280
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial