Find More Than 10K+
United Kingdom Jobs

Date Posted: 05/25/2023
Req ID: 31458
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: ARTSC: Ofc of the Dean
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

About Us:

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflects the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking, and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

Your Opportunity:

Under the general direction of the Director, External Affairs & Strategic Initiatives, the Senior Writer & Communications Specialist is responsible for providing high-level communications support to the Dean on a wide range of politically and culturally sensitive issues. The incumbent will lead development of the Dean’s strategic communications plans and will coordinate communications activities within the Office of the Dean. Working collaboratively with internal communication teams and leadership, the incumbent will prepare integrated communications products on behalf of the Dean ensuring consistency with Divisional communications.

The incumbent will prepare a range of written products, including speeches, statements, letters, briefing notes, proposals, reports, policy papers, articles, quotes, scripts for Divisional and other events, blog posts, and speaking notes for interviews and greetings. The Senior Writer & Communications Specialist will prepare complex messages for each intended audience, ensuring that messages are delivered effectively and on time, taking into account the sensitivities of diverse groups of stakeholders. The Senior Writer & Communications Specialist will manage the Dean’s internal and external presence including both in-person appearances and online including web profiles and social media. The incumbent will provide issues and crisis management support, ensuring the highest level of pro-activity and service for the portfolio. The incumbent will coordinate, assist with and advance projects, and initiatives within the Office of the Dean 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 Office of the Dean.

Required Qualifications:

EDUCATION:

Post graduate Degree in English or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENCE:

• 
  Minimum 5 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 communication strategies and products including social media.
• 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, documents, and mediums for different audiences; attention to detail; substantive knowledge of Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity is an asset.
• Demonstrated outstanding judgment for issues management.
• Demonstrated skill in managing relationships and requests with tact, diplomacy and persuasion.
• Excellent media relations acumen.
• Demonstrated ability to formulate media and issues management strategies and demonstrated ability to execute those ideas effectively.
• Excellent writing and editing skills. Ability to digest and translate complex and often political sensitive information.
• Strong story development abilities.
• Excellent computer skills, including a strong facility with the Internet as well as with various software programs, including MS Office suite, SharePoint, and database management programs, and social media platforms.
• Demonstrated excellent Internet research skills.
• Photo editing skills related to social media.
• Social media management skill
• Excellent organizational skill
• Proven project management skill
• Knowledge of and proficiency with new media tools (e.g., social media).

OTHER:

• 
  Superior oral and written communication, interpersonal, decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Ability to proactively manage a large and constantly fluctuating workload and to meet deadlines.
• Professional demeanor and ability to exercise tact, judgment, and discretion.
• Ability to maintain strict standards of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated initiative and flexibility. Meticulous attention to detail. Ability to remain calm under pressure and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a wide range of individuals across all levels of the University and with external community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated diplomacy. Proven ability to work both independently and to collaborate and participate effectively within a team environment.
• Proven ability to multi-task and reliable under pressure.
• Proven ability to source accurate information quickly. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in a consistently supportive manner with colleagues. Ability to collaborate quickly and productively across divisional boundaries.
• Political acumen; high degree of professionalism

This role is currently eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, pursuant to University policies and guidelines, including but not limited to the University of Toronto’s Alternative Work Arrangements Guideline.

Closing Date: 06/12/2023, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 3 - Hiring Zone: $82,692 - $96,473 - Broadband Salary Range: $82,692 - $137,819
Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations