Issues & Communications Strategist - Toronto, Canada - University of Toronto

University of Toronto

Verified Company

Toronto, Canada

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Date Posted:02/13/2023

Req ID: 29470

Faculty/Division:
University of Toronto Scarborough

Department:

UTSC:
Marketing and Communications

Campus:
University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)

About us:

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe.

Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by our Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities.

The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey.

Your opportunity:

The Marketing & Communications Team at the University of Toronto Scarborough is a highly collaborative group of marketing communications professionals, driven to find new and creative ways to reach our audiences.

We uncover the most inspiring and impactful stories from our communities and share those moments with audiences locally, nationally, and internationally.

We bring the U of T story to life every day.

If you are interested in working with an iconic Canadian brand, are excited at the prospect of being a part of a purpose-driven organization with a social conscience, and thrive in a fast paced, team environment, this might be the perfect opportunity for you.

Join us and help share the U of T Scarborough story.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Marketing & Communications, the Issues & Communications Strategist plays a pivotal role in promoting, enhancing and protecting the University of Toronto Scarborough's reputation.

Working closely with UTSC's Director of Marketing & Communications and the creative services team, the incumbent will be responsible for: developing strategies and tactics that mitigate risks to UTSC's reputation; advising and working with senior leaders and administrators on issues
- oriented messaging and media responses; acting as UTSC's authorized spokesperson; developing and executing proactive strategies to promote UTSC's strengths and achievements to media; and advising and collaborating with senior executive, faculty and staff on communications and editorial content of strategic value to UTSC.

The incumbent will become very familiar with the University's crisis management and emergency framework, and will be privy to confidential information, discussions and reports prepared by various offices related to a range of highly-charged issues (including labour relations, campus safety, student mental health, research integrity, human rights, community concerns, etc.).

The position will develop proactive communication and media relations strategies to promote UTSC's accomplishments in research and education, leveraging UTSC's academic and administrative departments and U of T Communications resources and opportunities to build a collaborative and consistent approach to communications and media relations.

The position will provide media training, guidance and support to faculty and staff, and generate reports that track and monitor activities using media monitoring programs.

Qualifications Required:

Education:

University degree in communications, public relations or journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

Eight years' experience in communications, issues management or media relations, or ideally a combination of these practices. Demonstrated experience in advising senior leaders of an organization on issues management. Experience in developing and executing strategic issues management and media relations plans.

Demonstrated experience in addressing complex issues with multiple stakeholders. Experience in a large public sector institution would be an asset. Knowledge of the University of Toronto or post-secondary education sector would be an asset.

Skills:

Demonstrated outstanding judgment for issues management. Demonstrated skill in managing relationships and requests with tact, diplomacy and persuasion. Excellent media relations acumen. Excellent writing and editing skills. Ability to digest and translate complex and often sensitive information. Demonstrated ability to develop strategies related to complex issues.

Outstanding news judgment. Demonstrated ability to formulate media and issues management strategies, and demonstrated ability to execute those ideas effectively. Strong story development abilities. Knowledge of and proficiency with new media tools (e.g., social media). Demonstrated creativity and ability to think strategically.

Other:

Ability to work closely with - and gain the confidence of - senior members of an organization. Ability to make well-considered and sustainable decisions rapidly on behalf of UTSC and its leaders. Proven ability to multi-task and reliable under pressure. Proven ability to source accurate information quickly. Ability to work i