📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Officer
🔹 Company: McGill University
🔹 Location: Sherbrooke 1010, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Higher Education
🔹 Date Posted: May 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing communications plans for the D2R initiative
- Managing promotional materials, writing press releases, and organizing events
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging
- Creating engaging content for various platforms, including social media, websites, and newsletters
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, creativity, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement communications plans for the D2R initiative
✅ Manage promotional materials, including invitations, event schedules, banners, and PowerPoint slides
✅ Write press releases, message house templates, and other media-focused materials
✅ Assist in the preparation of briefings and speeches for senior administrators
✅ Identify opportunities for increasing the D2R brand's online and social media presence
✅ Prepare and disseminate the D2R e-newsletter and manage D2R mailing lists
✅ Monitor and analyze analytics data to provide data-based recommendations and implement improvements
✅ Ensure D2R branding guidelines are upheld in all communications materials and in communications materials from partners
✅ Organize and plan D2R events such as an annual research symposium and other key events
✅ Collaborate with communications teams in the Office of the Vice-President (Research & Innovation) to ensure that D2R is appropriately represented in all external and internal publications
ASSUMPTION: The Communications Officer will be expected to work on multiple projects simultaneously and manage their time effectively to meet deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: 3 years of related experience in communications, marketing, or a related field
Required Skills:
- Excellent journalistic writing and editing skills
- Experience in photography and video production
- Ability to conduct interviews to produce high-quality articles and video interviews
- Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team; exceptional interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational skills; detail-oriented; able to anticipate possible difficulties, troubleshoot, and implement solutions
- Proven ability to work with computer applications and tools related to the field of communications, including Adobe Suite, Envoke, Microsoft Office, social media, and Drupal
- Bilingual (English and French, spoken and written)
Preferred Skills:
- Background in marketing, media relations, and PR
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working in a higher education, healthcare, or nonprofit environment and be familiar with the unique communications challenges and opportunities presented by these sectors.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 63,810 - 95,710 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 an estimate based on the job title and experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the university's internal compensation structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 201-500 employees
Founded: 1821
Company Description:
- McGill University is a public research university in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- It is one of the world's leading research-intensive universities, with a strong commitment to teaching, research, and public engagement
- The university is organized into eleven faculties and one school, with over 300 programs of study
Company Specialties:
- Research-intensive university
- Comprehensive academic programs
- Strong commitment to teaching, research, and public engagement
Company Website: mcgill.ca
ASSUMPTION: McGill University is a large, research-intensive university with a strong global reputation. It offers a wide range of academic programs and has a strong commitment to research and public engagement.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Professional 2
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Communications Officer of the DNA to RNA initiative
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on more responsibilities as the D2R initiative grows
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and events
- Possibility to advance to a senior communications role within the university
ASSUMPTION: The Communications Officer role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the university's communications department and the D2R initiative.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site (Hybrid)
Office Location(s): Sherbrooke 1010, Canada
Geographic Context:
- The office is located in the heart of Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, historic architecture, and diverse neighborhoods
- Montreal is a bilingual city, with French being the official language and English widely spoken
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (with a 30-minute lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The Communications Officer will be expected to work a standard full-time workweek, with some flexibility for remote work.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with senior leadership
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills (written and verbal)
- Creativity and ability to develop engaging content
- Interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with stakeholders
- Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects
- Technical skills in Adobe Suite, Envoke, Microsoft Office, social media, and Drupal
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide specific examples of your communication and project management skills
- Demonstrate your understanding of the D2R initiative and its goals
- Showcase your ability to work effectively in a bilingual environment
ATS Keywords: Communications plans, marketing, branding, public affairs, event planning, photography, video production, writing, editing, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, Adobe Suite, social media, media relations, bilingual
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may be competitive, so it is essential to tailor your application materials to highlight your relevant skills and experience.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Suite
- Envoke
- Microsoft Office
- Social media platforms
- Drupal
- Video production equipment
- Photography equipment
ASSUMPTION: The Communications Officer will be expected to be proficient in using various communication and project management tools to effectively manage their workload.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in teaching, research, and public engagement
- Integrity and accountability
- Diversity and inclusion
- Collaboration and partnership
- Sustainability and stewardship
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Creative and innovative
- Committed to the university's mission and values
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with McGill University's commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and public engagement?
- How comfortable are you working in a bilingual environment and creating content for diverse audiences?
- How do you approach project management and balancing multiple priorities?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong fit with McGill University's values and work style, as well as a commitment to the university's mission and goals.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working effectively in a bilingual environment and creating content for diverse audiences
- Balancing the needs of internal and external stakeholders
- Adapting to changes in the D2R initiative and the university's communications priorities
ASSUMPTION: The Communications Officer will need to be proactive, adaptable, and able to manage their time effectively to overcome these challenges.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Marketing Communications Specialist or a Public Relations Specialist in a higher education or nonprofit environment
- However, it is unique in its focus on the D2R initiative and its requirement for bilingual proficiency
- Career progression may include roles such as Senior Communications Officer, Director of Communications, or other senior leadership positions within the university's communications department
ASSUMPTION: The Communications Officer role offers a unique opportunity to work on a high-profile research initiative and gain experience in a dynamic and challenging communications environment.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a communications plan for a major D2R event
- Creating engaging content for the D2R website, newsletters, and social media platforms
- Managing the production of promotional materials for the D2R initiative
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to create consistent messaging for the D2R brand
ASSUMPTION: The Communications Officer will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from strategic communications planning to tactical content creation and event management.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the D2R initiative and its goals in more detail?
- How does this role fit into the overall communications strategy for the D2R initiative and the university?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the D2R initiative, and how can this role help address them?
- How does the university support the professional development and growth of its communications staff?
- What is the typical career path for someone in this role, and what opportunities exist for advancement within the university's communications department?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to understanding the organization's goals and priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the McGill University Career Site
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a portfolio or examples of your communication and project management skills
- Prepare for a phone or video screening and in-person or virtual interviews with the hiring manager and senior leadership
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
