Communications Officer

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director, Editorial, the Communications Officer promotes a positive image of the University through the creation of engaging, clear, consistent, and accurate content. Through network
-building and close collaboration with researchers and key stakeholders, the successful candidate will research, write and disseminate a range of communications materials for various audiences on various topics in support of McGill’s strategic priorities and mission.

• Uncover, research, write and disseminate materials (stories, news releases, media alerts, pitches etc.) and gather associated assets, like photography, for various audiences in accordance with the University’s strategic priorities
• Translate complex academic work into accessible, accurate, and engaging content for non-specialist audiences
• Arrange, conduct and summarize interviews with researchers for multiplatform use to promote the impact of the university locally, nationally and globally
• Secure consistent media coverage via the strategic dissemination of content
• Maintain up-to-date media contact lists on our media monitoring/dissemination platform
• Stay abreast of current events and emerging issues, including related news media coverage
• Regularly exchange information and collaborate with colleagues, including faculty and peer communicators
• Assist in the implementation of communications strategies in close collaboration with CIR colleagues
• Respond to media enquiries for experts in a timely manner
• Provide media training for McGill staff, students and faculty
• Help boost and track McGill’s impact (as measured by key performance indicators) in select areas including research and institutional news and progress on critical files, by researching and providing advice about best practices, gaps and opportunities
• Serve as a member of the Emergency Communications group, supporting the University’s communications in urgent situations where the security of the McGill community is threatened; this requires knowledge of applicable protocols and procedures, and availability outside of business hours

• Undergraduate degree in communications or related field
• Three (3) years' related experience, or more
• Good understanding of the news media landscape.
• Exceptional writing skills.
• Proficiency in both French and English.
• Thrives in a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and diplomacy.
• Proven sense of priority and urgency.
• Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines on multiple dossiers, in a context of changing priorities.
• Knowledge of commonly used project management software and technical tools.

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Be authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

McGill University is an English-language university where day-to-day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 on a scale of 0-4.

• Minimum Education:
  
  Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum Experience:
  
  3 Years Related Experience
• Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 04) $66,190.00 - $82,740.00 - $99,290.00
• Job Profile: MPEX-COM2A
  - Internal External Relations
  - Professional
• Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time)
• Supervisor:
  Associate Director, Editorial
• Position End Date (If applicable):
• Final date to receive applications:

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its…