Manager, External Relations and Communications

York University; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School seeks a Manager, External Relations and Communications to lead a team of three in advancing the school’s reputation through strategic communications, alumni engagement, marketing, and events.

Reporting to the Executive Officer, you will partner with OPD and university communications to align messaging with institutional priorities, ensure brand consistency, and provide counsel to the Dean and senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (Business, Event planning, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications).
• 5 years of related experience.
• 3 years of management experience in a unionized environment.
• Experience with mentoring, reunions, alumni initiatives, and web content management.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of three staff in External Relations and Communications.
• Provide strategic counsel to the Dean, senior management, and faculty.
• Uphold York University's brand standards across communications and events.
• Collaborate with Osgoode Professional Development, university communications, alumni, and events teams.
• Oversee social media, publications, media relations, digital engagement, and special events.

Skills

Digital media strategy

Social media analytics

Web content management

Privacy & compliance

Media relations

Alumni program development

Crisis communications

Data-driven analysis

Relationship building

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

InDesign

CMS / web CMS

Web development concepts

Job description

Purpose

The Office of External Relations and Communications plays a key role in enhancing Osgoode Hall Law School's reputation through strategic communications, alumni engagement, marketing, and events. This office develops and implements initiatives that support Osgoode's strategic goals and brand, with a particular focus on social media, publications, media relations, digital engagement, and special events. Reporting to the Executive Officer of Osgoode Hall Law School, the Manager, External Relations and Communications leads a team of three staff members and works closely with Osgoode Professional Development (OPD) as well as university-wide communications, alumni, and events teams. In this role, the Manager serves as a trusted advisor to the Dean, senior management, and faculty, providing strategic counsel on planning, service integration, and engagement opportunities. They are also responsible for upholding Osgoode and York University's brand standards, ensuring all communications and events align with institutional priorities.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, such as Business, Event planning, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications.

Experience

• 5 years of related experience.
• 3 years of management experience in a unionized environment.

Experience With Mentoring, Reunion, And Other Alumni Initiatives

Experience with web content management, ensuring brand consistency and accessibility.

Skills

• Understanding of digital and social media strategy, including content creation, audience engagement, and platform analytics.
• Familiarity with web development principles, including usability, accessibility (AODA compliance), and content management systems.
• Knowledge of privacy laws and compliance regulations related to communications, alumni relations and data management.
• Knowledge of media relations, including responding to media inquiries and proactively pitching stories to enhance institutional reputation.
• Knowledge of building and maintaining alumni programming and a proven track record with mentoring, reunion, and other alumni initiatives.
• Knowledge of best practices common to alumni efforts, as well as awareness of global trends and disruptions.
• Understanding of crisis communication principles and media relations.
• Proficiency in digital marketing and social media management, including analytics and content optimization.
• Proficiency in graphic design and digital content creation using tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Effective writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft clear, engaging, and strategic messaging across multiple platforms.
• Ability to analyze communication effectiveness using data-driven insights and recommend improvements.
• Ability to build relationships, negotiate and influence, and manage change in a complex environment.
• Ability to identify and leverage new opportunities for communication and alumni engagement.
• Effective communication skills, with an ability to convey messages that can be understood across all levels of the organization from the ground level through the executive and board level.
• Effective time management skills, ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Effective planning, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to multi-task, comprehend new information quickly, and balance priorities.
• Ability to work effectively as a leader and team member.
• Ability to exercise judgment, discretion, problem-solving skills, and initiative, complemented by good analytical skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to listen actively to obtain and relay information accurately.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Additional Notes

Position requires verification of degree(s)/credential(s). Occasional availability to attend events and meetings after hours and on weekends. Regular travel for meetings, conferences, and events. Occasional travel outside of the GTA may be required. Normal office work environment.

Compensation

• Compensation: York's CPM Compensation Framework has a salary grid consisting of 6 or 8 steps (depending on job grade) which is reviewed annually with possible adjustments, and a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award. Employees will receive the grid adjustment and depending on performance, eligible permanent employees may move to the next step of the grid and may receive a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award.Visit the CPM Compensation page on the HR Website to find out more about York's CPM Compensation Program.

The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities (racialized), Indigenous Peoples and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. York University is committed to a positive, supportive and inclusive environment.
York University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you are contacted by York University regarding a job opportunity or testing, please advise if you require accommodation.
We are committed to enhancing our environmentally and socially responsible practices for the benefit of all members of the York community. Our long term perspective recognizes our responsibility to be innovators and to continually work as a community to reduce our ecological impact.
York University employees must apply to jobs through the Employee Career Portal - YU Hire. If you are a current York University employee and/or are using your rights under a collective agreement to view and/or apply to jobs, you MUST log into YU Hire to access the York University Employee Career Portal.
PLEASE NOTE: This job posting is for an existing vacancy. Applications must be received by 11:55 pm EST on the posted deadline date, if applicable. Posting deadlines can be updated, or modified, at any time based on hiring needs. Please refer to the York U Career Portal when confirming posting deadlines.