Job Description

Algoma University is committed to undoing systemic and institutional discrimination and being
publicly transparent and accountable. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our
Special Mission. In keeping with the Seven Grandfather teachings that are the core values that
inform our decisions as an institution, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive,
respectful, and safe environment where everyone belongs. We live these values through the
strength and richness that diversity brings to our workforce and welcome contributors from
equity-deserving groups including Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women,
Persons with Disabilities, 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer persons. Job Title: Manager, Communications Position Status: Permanent, Full-Time
Non-Union Department: Strategic Marketing & Communications Supervision Received: Director, Strategic Marketing & Communications Supervision Exercised: Senior Communications Officer
Communications Assistant Location: Sault Ste. Marie, ON PRIMARY FUNCTIONS: A. Leadership and Support of Communications Team 60% B. Strategy Execution 20% C. Administration 20% TOTAL 100% Reporting to the Director, Strategic Marketing & Communications, the Manager,
Communications will demonstrate leadership in planning and executing external
communications, including media relations, public reporting and speechwriting, and internal
communications, including communicating with students, staff, faculty, and the Board of
Governors. The Manager also directly oversees staff within the Communications team to
develop and execute communications strategies that support enrolment growth, increase
awareness of message, brand, and the institution\xe2\x80\x99s Special Mission, and enhance and
maintain reputation. RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Leadership and Support of Communications Team (60%) Oversee and monitor the day-to-day work of the Communications Team in the development
and execution of strategic internal and external communications, including:

• Establish effective communication structures, processes, and workflows.
• Work closely with relevant members of the Algoma University community to ensure

active participation in key initiatives and committees that advance Algoma\xe2\x80\x99s
institutional profile.

• Ensure relevant actions and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) associated with

strategic enrolment management, advancement, marketing, and communications are
realized through effective strategies aligned with established goals.

• Manage website content development, updating, and analysis, which may include

video content creation and social media management across multiple platforms.

• Oversee the publishing of monthly digital newsletters for employees and students.
• Plan and oversee news conferences.
• Direct the writing of media releases, speeches, public-facing reports, and other

collateral.

• Oversee staff that interact with journalists and news outlets.
• Ensure the department maintains up-to-date media contact lists.
• Hire, train, and supervise student assistants who assist with departmental activities.

B. Strategy Execution (20%) Provide leadership in the development and execution of communication strategies to support
the Office of the President, Student Recruitment, Advancement, and other institution priority
areas, including

• Develop short- and long-term communication plans that support recruitment,

reputation enhancement, and other priorities.

• Ensure Algoma University has a robust and professional relationship with journalists

and news outlets in communities served, as well as in the post-secondary reporting
sector, First Nations media outlets, and across Canada generally.

• Respond to media requests, ensuring Algoma University is represented positively in

earned news coverage.

• Proactively pitch news stories to outlets that advance Algoma University\xe2\x80\x99s priorities.
• Write, edit, and proofread speaking notes, speeches, news releases, public-facing

reports, social media content, and other collateral.

• Support the publishing of the President\xe2\x80\x99s Board and Annual Reports, providing regular

reports to support institutional priorities, projects, and initiatives.

• Support virtual webinar facilitation/event live stream for initiatives coordinated by the

Communications team, as approved/assigned by the Director, Strategic Marketing &
Communications (e.g. employee town halls, institutional funding announcements,
etc.).

• Provide expertise and communications guidance to a variety of committees, teams,

schools, and departments.

• Work closely with the Director, Strategic Marketing & Communications, Manager,

Marketing, and Student Recruitment team to ensure all public-facing communications
are appropriately integrated.

• Conduct ongoing media positioning analysis.
• Oversee a media monitoring program.

C. Administration (20%)

• Ensure the appropriate collection, analysis, and reporting of data required for

developing communications strategies and analysis, strategic planning, and
decision-making to support broader Institutional objectives.

• Monitor and process communications staff expenditures.
• Participate in university committees and special projects, and represent Algoma at

external events, as required.

• Ensure proactivity and service for the department of Strategic Marketing &

Communications, the Office of the President, Strategic Advancement, and other
priority areas.

• Advise on draft policies and procedures.
• Other duties, as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Physical Effort Minimal
Some exposure to potential discomfort caused by travel
for work. Physical Environment Moderate
Some exposure to unpleasant/disagreeable environment
related to communications with journalists and
occasionally other stakeholders, and irregular hours at
times to attend special events or meetings, or travel. Sensory Attention
Considerable
This work requires a frequent need to concentrate on a
variety of sensory inputs for a lengthy duration, requiring
diligence and attention. Considerable multi-tasking, and
extreme attention to detail required. Mental Stress Considerable
High-paced and deadline-driven environment, with
frequent distractions and interruptions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in Journalism, Communications, or a related discipline, and a

minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in a journalism or
communications environment, or an equivalent combination of education and
experience is required.

• Experience within a cross-cultural work and learning environment is considered an

asset.

• Strong, proven understanding of culturally competent public-facing and internal

communications, including:

• A commitment to understanding Algoma University\xe2\x80\x99s Special Mission and The

Seven Grandfather Teachings.

• A commitment to continuous improvement in equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Excellent knowledge of budgeting, office management, and administrative functions.
• Exceptional time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven editing, content creation, verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent data analysis, financial management, and budget development skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence others, create alignment, generate a commitment to

goals, and inspire others to action.

• Experience leading complex and multi-partner projects.
• Commitment to, and understanding of, confidentiality.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and diplomacy.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and work under tight deadlines.
• Excellent use of technology for collaboration, and ability to learn new digital tools

quickly.

• Willingness and ability to travel, as required.

Salary Scale: $81,251 to $101,564 annually Please submit a resume and cover letter (combined PDF) to people.culture@algomau.ca
no later than 4:00 p.m. on October 27, 2023. Algoma University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our
community and is an equal-opportunity employer. The university invites and encourages
applications from all qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of
our Institution, including equity-deserving groups that are traditionally underrepresented in
employment (Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and
2SLGBTQQIPA+ persons).

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request,
accommodation will be provided by Algoma University throughout the recruitment, selection,
and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.