Senior Communications Strategist

University Of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Toronto is seeking a Senior Communication Strategist for the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. This role involves developing strategic communications to promote the Faculty's initiatives, requiring extensive experience in marketing communications and project management. The successful candidate will work collaboratively in a dynamic environment, ensuring effective messaging and branding while reflecting the Faculty's values of equity, inclusivity, and diversity.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in marketing communications or related fields.
• Experience in academic, athletics, recreation, or health and wellness environments.
• Proven success in digital campaigns and social media strategies.

Responsibilities

• Developing an integrated multi-channel communications strategy independently.
• Creating project schedules with milestones and timelines.
• Overseeing website enhancements to meet project goals.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Negotiation

Presentation

Critical Thinking

Problem Solving

Strategic Leadership

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Communication, Marketing, or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Hootsuite

Drupal

SharePoint

Google Analytics

Job description

Date Posted: 05/20/2025
Req ID: 43013
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Kinesiology & Physl Ed.
Department: Faculty of Kinesiology & Physl Ed
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: #

Description:

About us:

The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education is globally recognized for developing and advancing knowledge about the interactions of physical activity and health through outstanding undergraduate and graduate education programs, cutting-edge research, and the delivery of sport, recreation, and high-performance athletic opportunities for students, staff, faculty, and community members across the three campuses. The Faculty is guided by values of integrity, respect, equity, and diversity. More information can be found at kpe.utoronto.ca/.

Your opportunity:

The Strategic Communications, Marketing, and Stakeholder Engagement team develops and implements marketing and communication initiatives to promote the Faculty’s teaching, research, and participation in Sport & Recreation programming. The team ensures consistent messaging and branding for internal and external audiences, supporting goals in recruitment, student engagement, public affairs, and advancement. We prioritize reflecting values of equity, inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity in all communications.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Communication Strategist is a collaborative, detail-oriented professional with extensive experience in managing high-impact strategic communications projects. The role involves working closely with internal clients, graphic designers, photographers, videographers, and content creators within a fast-paced environment.

Your responsibilities include:

- Developing an integrated multi-channel communications strategy independently.
- Analyzing and recommending new technology and software systems.
- Training staff and faculty on digital technologies.
- Creating project schedules with milestones and timelines.
- Documenting standard operating procedures.
- Planning website design and content development.
- Overseeing website enhancements to meet project goals.
- Developing and implementing social media programs independently.

Essential Qualifications:

- Bachelor's Degree in Communication, Marketing, or equivalent experience.
- At least five years of experience in marketing communications or related fields.
- Experience in academic, athletics, recreation, or health and wellness environments.
- Skills in managing hybrid staff, preferably in unionized settings.
- Proven success in digital campaigns and social media strategies.
- At least three years of project cost estimation experience.
- Two years of leading website projects and using content management systems.
- Experience with AODA website compliance.
- Managing website vendors for at least two years.
- Building academic and sports/recreation websites.
- Managing multiple large projects simultaneously.
- Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Office, Hootsuite, Drupal, SharePoint, Google Analytics.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Customer service orientation with sensitivity to diverse stakeholders.
- Critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic leadership skills.
- Supervisory experience and ability to motivate teams.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Professional demeanor and sound judgment under pressure.
- Ability to engage with senior university and business leaders.

Assets (Nonessential):

- Knowledge of artificial intelligence developments related to strategic communications.

To be successful, you will be:

- Accountable, achievement-oriented, adaptable, organized, resourceful, and self-directed.

Closing Date: 05/28/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 15 -- $95,627 to $122,290 annually, with step progression.
Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations

Lived Experience Statement:
Candidates from Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity groups are encouraged to apply, and lived experience will be considered.