📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Officer-2
🔹 Company: McGill University
🔹 Location: James Admin. Bldg., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Higher Education
🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days on-site)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Promoting McGill University's image through engaging and accurate content creation
- Collaborating with researchers and stakeholders to uncover and share impactful stories
- Securing media coverage and building strong relationships with journalists
- Providing media training and organizing events
- Supporting the University's emergency communications group
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the news media landscape, exceptional writing skills, and the ability to thrive in a team environment with tight deadlines.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Research, write, and disseminate materials (stories, news releases, media alerts, pitches, etc.) for various audiences
✅ Arrange, conduct, and summarize interviews with researchers and administrators for multiplatform use
✅ Secure consistent media coverage via strategic dissemination of content
✅ Stay abreast of current events and emerging issues, including related news media coverage
✅ Collaborate with colleagues, including faculty-based and peer communicators, to exchange information and plan media relations strategies
✅ Develop and maintain strong contacts with journalists, respond to enquiries in a timely manner, and organize media events
✅ Provide media training for McGill staff, students, and faculty
✅ Serve as a member of the Emergency Communications group, supporting the University's communications in urgent situations
ASSUMPTION: This role involves working under pressure with tight deadlines on multiple dossiers, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Experience: 3 years of related experience
Required Skills:
- Excellent writing skills in both French and English
- Good understanding of the news media landscape
- Proven sense of priority and urgency
- Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines on multiple dossiers
- Knowledge of commonly used project management software and technical tools
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in a university or academic setting
- Knowledge of McGill University's mission, values, and strategic priorities
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in both French and English is essential for this role, as it involves communicating with diverse audiences and stakeholders within a bilingual university setting.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 63,810.00 - CAD 95,710.00 per year (MPEX Grade 04)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance)
- Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%)
- 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 waver for regular employees and their dependents
- Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits
Working Hours: 33.75 hours per week (Full-time)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the MPEX Grade 04 scale for professional employees at McGill University. The benefits listed are subject to eligibility requirements.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 201-500 employees
Founded: 1904
Company Description:
- McGill University is a public research university in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- It is one of Canada's leading universities, with a strong reputation for research and teaching
- The Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences aims to advance transformative education, science-based intervention, and lifelong learning grounded in high-caliber research and exceptional clinical training
Company Specialties:
- Research and innovation in oral health and well-being
- Exceptional clinical training and education
- Community service and engagement
- Strong community partnerships and international collaboration
Company Website: https://www.mcgill.ca/dentistry/
ASSUMPTION: McGill University is a large, research-intensive university with a strong focus on academic excellence and research. The Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences is committed to advancing oral health and well-being through education, research, and clinical training.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Professional 2 (MPEX-COM2A)
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Associate Director, Editorial
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote)
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to higher-level communications roles within the University
- Expanding skills and expertise in media relations, content creation, and crisis communication
- Potential to work on high-profile projects and initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the University's communications department and the broader academic community.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site and remote hybrid
Office Location(s): James Admin. Bldg., Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Geographic Context:
- Montreal is a multicultural city with a vibrant arts and culture scene
- The James Admin. Bldg. is located in the heart of downtown Montreal, close to public transportation and amenities
- The University is surrounded by historic architecture and green spaces
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work, promoting flexibility and work-life balance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the department head or senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and communication skills
- Media relations and networking abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with McGill University's values
- Problem-solving and adaptability
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Provide specific examples of your writing and communication skills
- Demonstrate your understanding of McGill University's mission, values, and strategic priorities
ATS Keywords: Communications Officer, Media Relations, Content Creation, Writing Skills, Bilingual, Journalism, Crisis Communication, Event Organization, Team Collaboration, Project Management
ASSUMPTION: McGill University uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords in your resume can help your application get noticed by the system.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies is essential for this role, as it involves creating, managing, and disseminating content across various platforms.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Community
- Respect
- Inclusion
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities
- Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality work
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines?
- Are you comfortable working in a bilingual university setting, communicating with diverse stakeholders?
- Do you share McGill University's commitment to excellence, integrity, community, respect, and inclusion?
ASSUMPTION: McGill University values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. Candidates who align with these values and demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills are likely to succeed in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Adapting to changing priorities and shifting workloads
- Navigating a large, complex university bureaucracy
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be mitigated by strong organizational skills, effective time management, and a proactive approach to communication and collaboration.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Communications Officer vs. Public Relations Specialist: Both roles focus on promoting an organization's image and managing its reputation. However, a Communications Officer typically has a broader scope, including content creation and internal communications, while a Public Relations Specialist may focus more on external relations and crisis communication.
- Industry-specific context: Higher education communications roles often involve working with academic researchers and stakeholders, managing complex messaging, and navigating institutional politics. In contrast, communications roles in other industries may focus more on consumer-facing content, brand management, or marketing campaigns.
- Career path comparison: A Communications Officer role can serve as a stepping stone to more senior communications or management positions within a university or other large organization.
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the unique aspects of this role within the higher education context can help candidates tailor their applications and prepare for interviews.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a media relations strategy to promote a new research initiative or academic achievement
- Creating engaging content for the University's website, social media channels, and other digital platforms
- Organizing and managing a press conference or media event to announce a significant development or milestone
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives a Communications Officer might undertake in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most pressing communications challenges facing the University, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does this role fit into the broader communications strategy and structure of the University?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the department and the University?
- How does the University support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the team dynamic and culture like within the Strategic Communications department?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the organization's culture and priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Provide specific examples of your writing and communication skills
- Demonstrate your understanding of McGill University's mission, values, and strategic priorities
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and reiterate your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
