Manager, Communication and Culture

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University in Hamilton is seeking a Manager, Communications and Culture (Engagement) to lead strategic communications for the Office of the AVP & CTO and University Technology Services. The role requires a university degree in Journalism, Marketing, Communications or related field and at least four years' experience in a similar position.

You will design integrated communications plans, manage staff and budget, and drive culture and employee engagement initiatives across campus,

Qualifications

• University degree in Journalism, Marketing, Communications or related program
• 4+ years' experience in a similar position is required
• Experience in higher education or large complex organizations is an asset

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of strategic communications plans for IT services and AVP/CTO office
• Produce internal/external communications across media platforms
• Manage staff and budget for communications program
• Develop and execute culture and employee engagement initiatives
• Collaborate with central communications and campus partners to align messaging

Skills

Strategic communications

Leadership

Writing

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis management

Project management

Change management

Education

University degree in Journalism, Marketing, Communications or related program

Tools

Social media management

Web/content management

Video/photography

Job description

Education Level University degree in Journalism, Marketing, Communications or a related program

Career Level 4 years' experience in a similar position

Anticipated Start Date November 1, 2026

Job Description

McMaster University fuels curiosity, inquiry, and discovery. Every day, we push the boundaries of knowledge through our world-class research, our ground-breaking approaches to teaching and learning and our commitment to operational excellence. We are seeking a talented Manager, Communications and Culture (Engagement) to support our ambitious communications goals under the portfolio of the Associate Vice President (AVP) & Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and the University Technology Services (UTS) team.

University Technology Services (UTS) is the central IT department serving McMaster and reporting into the AVP & Chief Technology Officer within the administrative portfolio of the Vice-President, Operations & Finance (VPOF). McMaster IT and UTS, play a critical role in the successful investment, integration, and implementation of technology at McMaster University.

Job Summary

The Manager, Communication and Culture (Engagement) plays a pivotal leadership role in the design, development, management and implementation of strategic communications, customized to serve the information technology portfolio. Working in close collaboration with the office of the Vice-President (Operations and Finance ), this position focuses on integrated and purposeful communications for the Office of the AVP & CTO and University Technology Services (UTS) through a mix of traditional and digital communications to support a range of engagement activities, issues response and change management.

The manager will report into the Associate Director, Implementations (AVP & CTO Office) having a direct connection and working closely with the Associate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (AVP/CTO) to meet unit goals. The manager will also exercise close collaboration and alignment with t Vice-President, Operations and Finance (VPOF) and central University Communication teams through the Associate Director, Communications in the office of the Vice-President (Operations and Finance).

The role will be responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive, proactive, creative and integrated strategic communications plan to best serve the Office of the AVP & CTO, UTS and overall university operational goals.

This position takes on a leadership role in the development and implementation of strategic communication plans in a complex and fast-paced environment. This includes coordinating responses to emerging issues, bringing together IT partners from across campus to support McMaster’s Strategic Plan, strategic IT objectives and raising awareness of information technology services to the university community.

The role routinely deals with confidential information and acts as a champion and spokesperson as required in coordination with central communications. This position will work in collaboration with the institutional communication teams on common goals, including enhancing internal communications across the institution.

In addition to communications, the Manager facilitates the development and implementation of the UTS culture program including customer service excellence, and employee engagement which also extends to the McMaster IT community through campus wide events and other activities intended to build a shared IT culture of collaboration and cooperation, as part of the Connected McMaster strategic focus.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with sound judgement, decision-making and project management skills, and is highly regarded for their exceptional interpersonal, research and writing skills. You have a demonstrated an integrated and inclusive approach to your work, and will be effective working in partnership with UTS, VPOF Office, Communications and other support areas of the University to achieve key goals.

Accountabilities:

Strategic Communications for information technology services

• Manage the development and implementation of a proactive communication strategy for both the Office of the AVP and CTO and University Technology Services (UTS), as well as the UTS Security Team, including policies, programs and best practices
• Development of programs to ensure the successful engagement of key campus audiences in line with the McMaster IT strategic objectives. Ensuring clear and consistent communication to students, staff and faculty
• Manage and develop the strategic and operational communication plans for all UTS projects and services including those that result from the IT Governance process on campus (in collaboration with the Associate Director, Strategic Implementations)
• Manage and align communication activities within the broader McMaster communications and marketing strategy, in close collaboration with the Associate Director, Communications (VPOF) and communicators across other Operations and Finance units.
• Collaborates with the department leadership in the development and implementation of operational resource plans that are consistent with future operational requirements
• Leads, designs, collaborates and develops special events and communication initiatives in support of the AVP and CTO priorities, as well as the institution’s mission and priorities, with examples including Cyber Security Month, the Women in Tech series, the Student Success Centre Online Learning Support website, the Operational Excellence Forum, etc.
• Supports and contributes to higher education IT initiatives at the direction and request of the AVP and CTO, including CUCCIO communications, and other partnership collaborations in the higher education IT sector

Production of communications material

• Manages, writes and produces a variety of internal and external communications across all media platforms (written, visual, multimedia) for various channels of delivery on campus, promoting services, resources and activities
• Develops, manages and maintains the AVP & CTO website as well as ensuring visual content (video / photography) is aligned with overall McMaster branding and message
• Develops and maintains social media platforms
• Support projects and service delivery through effective communication consistent with the UTS mission for service excellence
• Develop and manage the planning and implementation of proactive communication programs for areas of joint collaboration with administrative and academic departments, such as Human Resources, Finance, and all six Faculties, with which the AVP and CTO works in partnership and for whom UTS provides services and support.
• Leading with a collaborated approach and liaising with and creating positive relationships with other communicators on campus to create shared initiatives and outcomes.
• Manages and coordinates communications with all external parties to the university related to Higher Education IT; Educause, CUCCIO, ORION, including supplier relationship management and their public relations who request feature stories and publications in support of the university’s technology innovations, the AVP & CTO office and strategic IT objectives.

Direction of Communications staff and budget

• Manages and provides direction to communication staff , prioritizing requests, assigning work and supervising the production of communications material
• Managing and developing the budget for the annual communications plan
• Manages and responsible for the operation budget related specifically to the communication plan
• Responsible for identifying and implementing metrics to measure communications effectiveness and to develop action plans and objectives to continuously improve.

Leadership and Development of Culture

• Responsible for relationship development with the key partners across the university and develop strong working relationships with project teams
• Identifies and develops opportunities for senior leaders to maximize effective communication
• Work collaboratively with broad stakeholder groups to understand and deliver communications and cultivate effective culture with recommendations to drive meaningful insight and to promote effective discussion and decision making
• Champion the UTS culture through department wide event planning and ongoing communication efforts managing within an assigned communications operating budget.
• Planning and implementation of events such as town halls and large campus staff events and forums
• Development and execute initiatives in support of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion supporting the shared purpose and responsibility of building an inclusive community
• Support the development of a culture of service excellence and employee engagement within UTS and embed this culture in all communications shared with the campus

Experience:

• Experience in social media and digital communications is required
• Ability to be a leader within a highly decentralized environment
• Demonstrated writing and storytelling abilities, with excellent editing and proofreading skills
• Demonstrated time management skills with ability to quickly set priorities and manage multiple projects in a timely and effective manner
• Demonstrated leadership, negotiating and influencing skills
• Demonstrated experience in crisis and issue management
• Proven ability to be analytical and intuitive with organizational problem solving.
• Sound judgment and demonstrated success in strategic planning, relationship management, and project management are essential
• Computer proficiency in a wide range of programs and experience in print and on-line communication vehicles including proficiency with social media platforms is necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to implement organizational development and culture changes, with a focus on a culture of service excellence.
• Experience in higher education, public sector or complex environment an asset.

Knowledge/Skills

• Leadership: Champions and models McMaster’s leadership capabilities (Takes a Strategic Approach, Communicates & Collaborates, Develops People, Drives Results, Champions Change and Innovation, Invests in Relationships)
• Vision and Direction: Thinks strategically; articulates a clear vision, is future focused and creates alignment with the core objectives of the University Technology Services department and the organization
• Service Orientation: Delivers with a dynamic service focus with demonstrated success in delivering innovative solutions to meet needs and achieve service excellence
• Communication: Illustrates exceptional communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate sensitive and complex issues to a diverse community.
• Strategic Advisor: Provides senior management with honest, forthright and objective advice in a collegial manner
• Deliver with Integrity: Delivers with leadership that inspires confidence and credibility; continually seeks to understand and act upon internal and external requirements, concerns and priorities; possesses a high level of integrity
• Analytical Thinking: Demonstrates well-developed conceptual, analytical and collaboration skills
• Coach: Utilizes an inclusive, collaborative coach approach with team members and colleagues.
• Team Development: Sets clear performance and development standards; exhibits mature judgment and manages team toward exceeding objectives, while driving engagement levels
• Accountability: Is self-directed with a capacity for managing, executing and evaluating many complex , competing projects and initiatives in evolving, changing and stressful environments.
• Results Driven: Sets priorities and deadlines to ensure multiple projects and objectives are achieved in a timely manner, balancing resources and fiscal requirements
• Innovative: Anticipates and interprets future trends, using decisive insight and critical thinking skills by drawing on background, experience and university knowledge to effectively decide, problem-solve and align others and resources in challenging and complex situations.
• Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility and a tolerance for ambiguity in a constantly evolving organization

Pay Transparency Statement

The posted hiring range represents McMaster's typical hiring range for this position. Actual starting salary will depend on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market conditions.

Individuals with extensive experience, deep specialized expertise, and/or those who can demonstrate exceptional past performance, as applicable, may be hired at a higher rate within the full range, in accordance with the University compensation policies.

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.