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Faculty of Science
Communications Unit
This is a 1-year contract.
The Opportunity:
Reporting to the Associate Director, Communications for the Faculty of Science, the Communications Officer (CO) is responsible for developing communication materials that effectively describe and promote the Faculty, consistent with its mission and objectives and including news, press releases, graphic design, video, photography, web, newsletters, and social media. The CO will also be responsible for creating new media and social media opportunities and channels to increase the Faculty’s visibility within McGill, locally, nationally and, over time, internationally. The CO collaborates with central Communications and External Relations units including the McGill Media Relations Office, departments and affiliated units of the Faculty, Faculty Advisory Board, and other University colleagues, as well as with external communications providers.
Key Responsibilities:
Implement the Faculty’s communications plan to build awareness of Faculty research, people and students, publications, events and other initiatives, consistent with the University and Faculty’s missions and strategic directions. Identify new opportunities within the communications portfolio to support Faculty priorities.
Manage social media content for student engagement, recruitment and alumni relations (e.g., Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky, Facebook). Keep current with best practices and new tools in the rapidly changing field of web communications, design, multimedia and social media.
Create and develop content for a variety of media, including written, photographic, graphic design and video for both external and internal audiences, ensuring it is aligned with the Faculty’s vision, mission and objectives.
Generate ideas, conduct interviews, and research information. Write and edit articles.
Participate in the development of web communications objectives and project plans. Advise on a variety of communication activities and events.
Redesign and manage the content of the main Faculty of Science website ensuring information is accurate, complete and allows users to find information easily. Track and analyze web metrics.
Collaborate with the central communications team to promote Faculty-related news and information.
Provide coaching and guidance to departments and units on the maintenance and organization of their websites, sections and pages.
Assist the Faculty to meet strategic objectives by offering communications support for its educational programs, research activities, public seminars, and other unit activities.
Coordinate with graphic artists, photographers, videographers, translators, and printers, as needed.
Liaise with Faculty stakeholders (current and potential students, staff, etc.) to proactively identify external and internal communications opportunities and challenges.
Supervise a team of interns and/or work-study students.
Your Qualifications:
Education: University degree in communications, journalism, or a related discipline preferred.
Experience: Minimum of three years of experience in a communications role, including working with digital communications such as social media. Work experience in research, educational or health care setting is an asset.
Your Key Strengths:
Bilingual; excellent verbal and written communication skills, in both English and French.
Superior written and oral communication skills, with the ability to make science palpable to a wide-ranging audience.
Proven ability to write and edit materials for print, online, and social media channels.
Experience in implementing communications plans and using analytics to assess the success of communications initiatives.
Experience in video production and editing would be an asset.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, both for internal and external relations, including tact, diplomacy, discretion and good judgment.
Genuine interest in science communications and student engagement, making complex scientific ideas accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.
Understanding of what subjects are of interest to local and new media.
Detail-oriented and organized, and able to set priorities, multitask, work both independently and as part of team, under pressure, and meet deadlines.
Experience overseeing and proofing creative concepts and artwork for print and online publication would be an asset.
Proficient using MS Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel), as well as web content management and social media tools and platforms (e.g., Drupal, WordPress, Instagram, Bluesky, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, etc.).
Familiarity with HTML, Canva, and Adobe Premier Pro, an asset.
As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:
Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
Competitive vacation policy
Two (2) personal days
Two (2) floating holidays
Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
Paid time off over the December holiday period
Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Annual Salary:
Job Profile:
MPEX-COM2A - Internal External Relations - Professional 2Hours per Week:
Supervisor:
Position End Date (If applicable):
Deadline to Apply:
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.