Job Description

Purpose:
The Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies (LA&PS) is the largest Faculty at York University currently with over 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and almost 100 programs delivered through 25 departments/schools/colleges. York University is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive excellence in promoting and enhancing student success. Through innovative course design, diverse experiential education and learning opportunities, and a supportive community environment, our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. With a focus on innovation, creativity and data-based decision making, the Director, Strategic Communications & Marketing is accountable for developing, championing and implementing a vision and strategic plan for communications, marketing and public relations in support of the research, teaching, learning and student success priorities for the Faculty. Reporting to the Executive Director, Strategy & Administration, the Director leads and bolsters their team in the proactive development, enhancement and successful execution of marketing, communications and public relations initiatives, events and tactics, and promotes ongoing communication with faculty, staff, students, alumni and other key audiences. Areas of focus include developing and enhancing the Faculty\'s social media strategy and online presence, including leveraging data mining tools, techniques and strategies. The Director champions the development and promotion of a strong, cohesive and effective Faculty brand identity and liaises with the Communications & Public Affairs division (C&PA) to advocate and prioritize the Faculty\'s objectives and to ensure efforts are complimentary to both the Faculty\'s and the broader University\'s strategic priorities.

Education:
A graduate degree in a related field (i.e. communications or marketing) is required, plus specialized training in strategic enrolment management, project management and change management is strongly preferred.

Experience:
Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in communications, marketing and/or public relations, including significant demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic communications and marketing strategies and managing staff within a large portfolio in a complex unionized environment. Proven active use of strategies and techniques to attract media attention and develop media contacts (e.g. TV, radio and print) in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and across Canada. Demonstrated experience in website management, reputation and brand management, and overall success in profile building and the creation of innovative, successful, communications strategies. Demonstrated experience and leadership with social media technology and innovation (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Flickr, blogs, wikis, RSS, social bookmarking, discussion forums and community software). Experience with online monitoring and measurement platforms including, but not limited to Facebook Insights, YouTube Insights, Google Analytics, HootSuite, TweetDeck and Social Mention.

Skills:
Proven success in building relationships and leading and championing change and innovation within a complex environment. Ability to communicate and build rapport and credibility with senior university administrators and executive level representatives in the private and public sectors. Proven knowledge and understanding of community partners\' needs as they relate to communications, marketing, media relations and recruitment. demonstrated exceptional communications, writing and editing skills. Comprehensive understanding of university/public sector governance, policies, procedures, and culture. Strategic planning skills with the ability to develop and communicate a clear, compelling vision, and operationalize and execute plans. Superior interpersonal, facilitation, and influencing skills. Networking, community building and partnership development skills. Proven ability to handle politically sensitive issues and difficult situations in a calm, tactful, confidential and diplomatic manner. Excellent analytical and interpretive skills for identifying key trends and findings and presenting the results to a broad audience. Demonstrated strong leadership, coaching, influencing and team building skills in order to foster, motivate and support an environment of high performance, trust and collaboration. Proven financial management skills. Proven competency in managing teams/people and achieving results. excellent presentation skills. Flexible and adaptable with excellent organizational, planning and project management skills. Commitment to excellence, with demonstrated ability to improve processes. Excellent problem-solving skills. Proficient with MS Office 365 (i.e. Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint), web design and development tools, social media platforms, Student Information System (SIS), Client Relationship Management (CRM) system, and enrollment management system.

Additional Notes: Normal working conditions - office environment. Please note: This position requires the candidate to produce a verification of degree(s), credentials(s), or equivalencies from accredited institutions and/or international equivalents at the time of interview.

• Compensation:

York\'s CPM Compensation Framework has a salary grid consisting of 6 or 8 steps (depending on job grade) which is reviewed annually with possible adjustments, and a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award. Employees will receive the grid adjustment and depending on performance, eligible permanent employees may move to the next step of the grid and may receive a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award.Visit the CPM Compensation page on the HR Website to find out more about York\'s CPM Compensation Program.


The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities (racialized), Indigenous Peoples and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. York University is committed to a positive, supportive and inclusive environment.

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PLEASE NOTE: Applications must be received by 11:55 pm EST on the posted deadline date, if applicable.