Job Description

Position Number: 50010909 / P5918
Department: Institutional Communications
Grade: GR12
Campus: Sir George Williams (Downtown)

Salary: $76,468.50 - $91,341.36 per annum
Union/Association/HR Policy: CUPEU

Posting deadline: August 10, 2023

Recognized as Canada\'s top university under the age of 50, and one of Montreal\'s top Employers, Concordia University is the place to be if you are looking to grow, contribute and innovate in a dynamic and multicultural environment.

Be part of a community that addresses society\'s big challenges, supports your personal and professional growth, and makes a real impact in building a more sustainable world.

As a member of our community, you will have access to comprehensive benefits, a defined pension plan and numerous on site well-being facilities such as a state of the art gym and health clinic as well as a variety of educational and cultural opportunities.

SCOPE
Reporting to the Director, Institutional Communications, University Communications Services (UCS), the incumbent support of the University\'s strategic direction, mission and vision, the incumbent is responsible for all aspects of communications in support of institutional priority projects by 1) planning, developing and executing integrated multi-channel communication strategies and tactics targeting external and internal stakeholders and audiences 2) managing communications around reputational risk and institutional change.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, develop and oversee the implementation of communications strategies, tactics and materials targeting internal and external audiences in support of specific institutional priority projects, goals and objectives. Content and materials include but are not limited to web content notices, articles, e-newsletter content, videos, signage, reports, brochures, flyers, photoshoots, emails and other media. Ensure that all materials are clear, up-to-date, well-written, use appropriate imagery and tone of voice, target intended audiences and reflect Concordia\'s identity and brand. Liaise with other University Communication Services units and Translation Services as needed.
• Provide guidance and advice to unit leaders on appropriate communications strategies and tactics, user experience best practices, change communications as well as social acceptability of projects to ensure successful roll-out of clients\' projects. Provide speaking notes and presentations for senior leaders in the assigned sectors.
• Act as a liaison between units as well as a communications subject matter expert in order to identify dependencies, collaboration opportunities, reputational risks and collateral impacts.
• Build and foster relationships: attend the Vice President Services and Sustainability (VPSS) leadership team meetings and proactively meet on a regular basis with key leaders in the Services sectors to 1) develop and maintain close working relationships 2) stay abreast of all new developments within these areas 3) provide strategic communications counsel, particularly regarding opportunities, change management communications and issues and risk management.
• Represent UCS on certain operational committees, particularly in relation to Facilities Management.
• Prepare timely communications for Emergency Operations Committees incidents levels 1 and 2 related to the assigned sectors, which arise during the working day.
• Monitor sector activities to identify and proactively communicate potential issues to the media relations team. Provide messaging, background information and context to help prepare questions from the media or complaints on social media.
• Coordinate media activities on behalf of the sector: prepare news releases and information for the media. Organize press conferences as necessary, in collaboration with the media relations team.
• Plan, coordinate and supervise the communications aspects of events (within the assigned institutional areas) that promote and enhance the University\'s profile.
• Respond to requests for information about the priority areas from external sources, including members of the general public.
• Analyze data and develop measures to evaluate the effectiveness of communications efforts and initiatives. Share insights and results with both UCS and institutional partners.
• Undertake other tasks, including administrative ones, as required by the Director, Institutional Communications.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor\'s Degree in a field related to the primary responsibilities and two to four years of relevant experience.
• Very good knowledge (Level 5) of spoken and written English and good knowledge (Level 4) of spoken and written French.
• Good knowledge (Intermediate level) of Word (able to do mail merges), Excel (able to create graphics using data in spreadsheets and incorporate graphics into other programs), and PowerPoint (able to create templates) in a Windows environment.
• Demonstrated skills in interviewing, writing, editing, and proofreading.
• Proven track record of advising and working with senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Superior communications, writing and editing skills.
• Proven track record of success in conceptualizing, developing and implementing sophisticated and differentiated communication strategies.
• Proven ability to translate technical information into language understood by the layperson.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated organizational and project-management skills, with track record for meeting tight deadlines, providing proactive responses, dealing with multiple stakeholders and project owners, performing well under pressure.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Excellent problem-solving skills; developed sense of innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Demonstrated creativity, critical thinking, resourcefulness, and political tact.
• Approachability (is sensitive and patient with others) and composure (is a calming influence in a difficult situation).
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing situations and priorities.
• Full understanding of social media and web-based platforms.
• Ability to adapt to and learn new technology.
• Ability to work outside normal working hours when required.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, AEM or other web content management software, and Web UX certification are all assets.
• Change management certification is an asset.
• Experience working in a university environment is desirable.

Due to the volume of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted by our Talent Team.

Concordia University is an English-language institution of higher learning at which the primary language of instruction and research is English. Since this position supports academic and administrative functions of the university, proficiency in English and French, as indicated, is required.

IMPORTANT: The language and computer skills of short-listed candidates will be tested.

Territorial Acknowledgement
Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien\'keh\xc3\xa1:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohti\xc3\xa0:ke/Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.

Employment Equity
Concordia University is strongly committed to employment equity within its community, and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff. The University encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, members of sexual minorities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversification; candidates are invited to self-identify in their applications. As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a diversity survey. This information is voluntary and any information collected for this purpose is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources employees. Results will be aggregated and used to help Concordia achieve its goal to see all members of our community not only reflected, but welcomed, included and supported in their efforts to contribute to all areas of university life.

Accessibility
Concordia desires to increase diversity among its community members and we strive to make our recruitment processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants. If you are contacted for an interview and anticipate needing accommodations during the process, please contact, in confidence, hr-employment@concordia.ca

Immigration Status
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian and Permanent Residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada\'s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants\' status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens.

Concordia University