Manager, Strategic Communications

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade 15: $69,180 - $81,370, commensurate with experience

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

The Communications & Marketing Team within the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry has a mission to protect, promote, and enhance the reputation of the School locally, nationally, and internationally. This is achieved through the development of strategic communications plans; the development, production, implementation and management of print and online publications and communications vehicles; social media; strategic marketing and branding; events and promotional activities; media relations; and the implementation of key strategies which engage students, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors.

Responsibilities

The Manager, Strategic Communications will be responsible for the development and execution of communications plans and initiatives in support of the Dean’s Office and School-wide priorities, with a goal of ensuring an engaged and well-informed community. Working in consultation with the Director, Communications & Marketing, the role will manage the execution of communications initiatives and special projects to engage and inform key stakeholders (e.g. faculty, staff, learners, alumni, and community partners) across various platforms (e.g. social media, web, print, email). The role will draft decanal speeches and key stakeholder communications on behalf of the Dean’s Office, and produce School-wide announcements, invitations, and communications. The Consultant will provide oversight, training and guidance to staff in the development of integrated communications plans that recognize and highlight achievements across the School.

Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration or other related field
• International Association of Business Communicators Designation preferred

Experience:

• 5 years’ experience in communications, marketing and/or journalism, with responsibility for developing and implementing communications plans and strategies in a complex organization
• 3 years’ experience managing communications staff and projects
• Experience writing speeches and drafting communications for internal audiences including staff, employees, departments, etc.
• Experience in an academic or health care setting is preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of e-communication tools, including website and graphic design principles and of social media platforms, relevant to our core audiences (prospective and current students, alumni, etc.)
• In-depth knowledge of communications trends and best practices
• Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit
• Ability to establish effective routines for excellent communication with all members of project teams to maximize productivity
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills to build consensus across functions and levels and express views clearly
• Project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines
• A strong problem solver with the ability to think both analytically and creatively to effectively drive objectives
• Media skills with solid communications judgment to present and package information to maximize interest
• Ability to analyze metrics and consider past communications to craft engaging written and visual communications using social media or other appropriate channels
• Ability to deal confidentially with information that has financial, political, regulatory and reputational implications
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to assess complex higher education issues of concern to stakeholders
• Ability to delegate work and provide clear direction and support
• Ability to search within and outside the formal boundaries of the organization for innovative ways to improve work
• Ability to develop strategies that are in line with the University's mission and which balance competing priorities

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.