Senior Writer and Special Projects Officer

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Date Posted: 09/22/2026
Req :50285
Faculty/Division: VP & Provost
Department: Office of Vice President & Provost
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the Assistant Provost, the Senior Writer & Special Projects Officer (SPO) is responsible for providing high-level communications support to the Office of the Vice-President & Provost (OVPP) on a wide-range of politically and culturally sensitive issues.

The incumbent will prepare a range of written products, including remarks, statements, letters, briefing notes, proposals, reports, policy papers, articles, quotes, scripts for Divisional events, newsletters, and speaking notes for interviews and greetings. The Senior Writer & SPO will prepare messaging for each intended audience, ensuring it is timely and effective taking into account sensitivities of diverse groups of stakeholders.

Working collaboratively with internal communication teams and leadership, the incumbent will prepare integrated communications products on behalf of the Vice-President and the Division. The incumbent will also participate in the development of strategic communications plans and the coordination of communications activities within the OVPP.

Working closely with the Assistant Provost, the Vice-President and Provost and the Vice-Provosts, as well as other senior university administrators, the Senior Writer & SPO is responsible for project management and implementation to ensure the work of the Provost's Office can be carried out efficiently and effectively.

The incumbent will coordinate, assist with and advance projects, and initiatives within the OVPP that require knowledge of confidential information about staffing, priorities, and new strategic directions.

The incumbent works in a complex environment that requires a high degree of sensitivity, responsiveness, and ability to engage stakeholders with competing interests, while maintaining absolute confidentiality and diplomacy. The incumbent must present a professional image in the Office by interacting knowledgeably and courteously with the many people including governors, senior administrators, faculty, staff, students and community members who come into contact with the OVPP.

Qualification

Required:

Education:

• Post-graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in English or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

• Minimum seven (7) years’ experience in progressively responsible senior positions with experience in writing, editing and communications.
• Extensive experience in a confidential executive office environment within a complex public sector environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing efficient records tracking and retention systems and bring-forward systems.
• Experience in developing and implementing written communication strategies and products.
• Excellent understanding of the University’s mission and intersection with the broader community.
• Excellent knowledge of the post-secondary education sector and its issues.
• Ability to understand, articulate, and address issues of multiculturalism and cross-cultural intersections.

Skills:

• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills.
• Proficiency in writing different types of correspondence and documents for different audiences and attention to detail.
• Substantive knowledge of Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity is an asset.
• Excellent computer skills, including a strong facility with the Internet as well as with various software programs, including Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, spreadsheets and database management programs, and correspondence software.
• Demonstrated excellent Internet research skills.

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