Date Posted: 09/27/2023
Req ID: 34144
Faculty/Division: School of Graduate Studies
Department: School of Graduate Studies: Office of the Dean
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00040531

Description:

About us:

The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) promotes University-wide inclusive excellence in graduate education, research and professional training to ensure high standards across the various academic divisions, as well as supporting postdoctoral fellows. SGS defines and administers University-wide regulations for graduate education. We share responsibility for graduate education with graduate units and divisions and operate through a system of collegial governance, consultation, and decanal leadership.

SGS also provides expertise and advice; reviews the design and delivery of programs; develops performance standards; supports access, equitable inclusion, fairness, and ethical conduct in graduate education; organizes services and financial assistance to graduate students; encourages a close and positive relationship between research and graduate instruction and represents the cause of graduate education at the University of Toronto and in the broader academic and general community.

More information about the School of Graduate Studies is found at: https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/

Your opportunity:

The Communications Officer at the School of Graduate Studies will be a communications generalist responsible for producing communications materials to support the broad scope of the School of Graduate Studies within the division of the Vice-President and Provost. Reporting to the Special Projects Officer, Communications Initiatives, this position combines aspects of content development and copy writing, website management and communications planning into a single role.

The Communications Officer will be responsible for writing and editingtargeted communications to support strategic initiatives of SGS, such as web content, e-newsletter copy, news stories, speaking remarks and reports. The incumbent will be responsible for developing a digital media plan that supports the marketing/communications strategy of SGS, then execute the strategy. The incumbent will be web-savvy, with experience both creating and editing web pages as well as troubleshooting upgrades and improvements to websites. They will also be able to analyze and recommend options for the layouts of digital assets, including websites and the e-newsletter. Then they will analyze the effectiveness of campaigns and/or programs using metrics.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Writing and editing copy and content to advance communications objectives
• Checking that website design and usability practices meet industry standards
• Maintaining AODA compliance
• Resolving minor complaints about content and technical errors, referring larger issues when appropriate
• Creating and/or editing original, published content and materials
• Overseeing production operations related to publication activities
• Gathering relevant or newsworthy content
• Liaising with creative professionals and vendors to coordinate production activities
• Collaborating on cost estimates
• Serving as a resource to a group or on a function
• Managing all aspects of production of materials including coordinating photographers, videographers, and printers
• Managing competing priorities and multiple projects with ease
• Producing promotional and outreach materials
• Fostering and maintaining positive relationships with targeted social media communities
• Developing and implementing social media operational procedures and best practices that support strategic objectives

Essential Qualifications:

• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a content developer/journalist/editor in an online environment; Preference will be given to a candidate with demonstrable experience in developing and managing a web presence for a large, complex business or non-profit organization.
• Well-developed skills in writing communication material with attention to facts, detail, and context
• Excellent proof reading and editing skills
• Extensive experience with web content management systems, such as WordPress and Drupal, and constituent relationship management systems
• Use of web analytics and other usage reporting tools and concepts to reports; web publishing guidelines and best practices.
• Some experience and knowledge of current web standards an asset (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Query)
• Understanding of the application of style guides, brand standards

Assets (Nonessential):

• Exceptional computer skills with proficient in software applications for Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Light Room, Premier) an asset
• Demonstrated success using social media (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc.) as a communication channel to engage audience

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Approachable
• Communicator
• Organized
• Problem solver
• Responsible
• Team player

Closing Date: 10/06/2023, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 12 -- $78,308 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $100,144. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations
Recruiter: Blythe Campbell

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.