Research & Communications Specialist

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 86,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian research university in Toronto seeks a Research & Communications Specialist to enhance the visibility of its Data Sciences Institute. This full-time role involves creating promotional materials, implementing marketing strategies, and fostering partnerships. Candidates should have at least five years of experience in communication, with strong skills in digital marketing and graphic design. The role requires on-campus presence without hybrid options, offering a salary of CAD $86,340 to $110,415.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in communication: strategic planning, marketing.
• Experience in complex scientific communication.
• Proven success in creative communication execution.

Responsibilities

• Produce promotional and outreach materials.
• Develop marketing plans for programs and events.
• Implement digital communication campaigns.

Skills

Communication skills

Marketing

Digital communication

Graphic design

Project management

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

WordPress

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe InDesign

Job description

Research & Communications Specialist

Date Posted: 08/07/2025
Req ID: 44655
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Data Sciences Institute
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00050546

Description:

About us:

Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto has evolved into Canada’s leading institution of learning, discovery and knowledge creation. We are proud to be one of the world’s top research-intensive universities, driven to invent and innovate. U of T is home to some of the world’s most talented thinkers, inventors, innovators, and educators, who are advancing knowledge and making critical discoveries for a healthier, more sustainable, prosperous, and secure future.

The Data Sciences Institute (DSI) is a highly specialized research initiative at the University that draws on world-class research expertise across multiple academic divisions, affiliated hospitals, regional, national, and international academic partners, and commercial organizations. The mission of the DSI is to provide the leadership and capacity to catalyze the transformative nature of data sciences across disciplines, in fair and ethical ways, leveraging and strengthening U of T’s pre-eminence in data sciences to solve society’s complex and pressing problems. DSI supports and promotes the flow of methodological advancements such as data management, computing, data integration, novel statistical methodology, visualization methods and facilitates the training of new generations of interdisciplinary trainees. DSI aims to unify and galvanize the core strengths of Toronto’s data science community building capacity for data and computational-based projects and training by being the focal point for the coordination of data science activities and partnerships to further elevate UofT’s global stature.

Your opportunity:

Working with DSI leadership, faculty and staff and reporting to the Director, DSI Operations & Strategy, the Research & Communications Specialist plays a pivotal role in the marketing and promotion of DSI and its initiatives. This position is responsible for crafting and disseminating informationon the impact of research and training supported by the DSI, and its applicability to industry and partners. The position is responsible for promoting the DSI via text and graphics on multiple platforms including its website, enews, and social media as well as collaborating with partner organizations. The incumbent will ensure that communications best reflect the Institute’s vision, mission, brand and strategic priorities to broadcast the work and attract potential partners.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Producing promotional and outreach materials
• Developing and implementing marketing plans to promote programs, events and initiatives that support strategic objectives
• Developing and implementing digital communication campaigns and programs that support strategic objectives
• Advising on marketing best practices and brand-building opportunities
• Fostering relationships with internal and external contacts in the coordination of marketing activities
• Promoting research initiatives to increase program visibility and reputation
• Drafting documents for knowledge translation purposes
• Conducting detailed market data analysis to inform programs and business development opportunities

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or acceptable combination of equivalent experience and education.
• Minimum five (5) years in communication: strategic planning, marketing, new media, writing and production activities within an academic or hospital setting
• Experience in communicating complex scientific and technical concepts and the impact of industry-academic collaborative research is essential.
• Demonstrated success in coordinating and executing a variety of creative, persuasive, effective communications.
• Technical and strategic experience with website design, functionality and maintenance.
• Experience managing social media communities; writing and editing web and social media content.
• Developing graphic materials.
• Experience producing reports.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and writing skills for web and print communications, and the ability to edit and proofread.
• Advanced skills in using Microsoft Office, WordPress, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign or similar programs, including HTML.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to present ideas, in print and web version, to both academic and non-academic communities are necessary.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure, as well as to manage priorities judiciously.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Communicator
• Diligent
• Insightful
• Multi-tasker
• Persuasive
• Resourceful
• Team player
• Thoughtful

Please note:

• This role is not eligible for a hybrid work arrangement and the incumbent will be expected to work on-campus 5 days per week.

Closing Date: 08/19/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 13 -- $86,340. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $110,415. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

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Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

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