π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Manager, Marketing Comm & Strategic Init
πΉ Company: University of Toronto
πΉ Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
πΉ Job Type: Full-Time, On-site
πΉ Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations
πΉ Date Posted: 2025-04-25
πΉ Experience Level: 5-10 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and leading strategic marketing and communications plans for the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing (OSEW)
- Managing a team of marketing and communication professionals
- Overseeing the execution of campaigns and events to enhance student development
- Providing strategic communications support to the Dean and other senior leadership
- Collaborating with the University of Toronto Scarborough's Marketing and Communications management team
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills to effectively manage marketing and communications efforts across multiple units within OSEW and align with the broader university's goals.
π Key Responsibilities
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Developing and implementing strategic marketing and communications plans for OSEW
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Managing and mentoring a team of marketing and communication professionals
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Overseeing the conceptualization, planning, and execution of large events and workshops
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Providing strategic communications support to the Dean and other senior leadership, including presentations, speaking notes, annual reports, and information for governance and committees
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Collaborating with the University of Toronto Scarborough's Marketing and Communications management team to ensure alignment with campus and university-wide marketing and communications strategic plans and goals
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, team management, event coordination, and communication support, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: University degree with a focus on strategic marketing and communications, or other related disciplines
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of related experience in strategic marketing and communications, leading and promoting large events, writing and developing presentations for senior leadership, and project management
Required Skills:
- Superb oral, presentation, and written communication skills
- Strong leadership skills to deploy creative and effective marketing and communication strategies and plans
- Strong data-driven decision-making and analytical skills
- Demonstrated global media awareness with the ability to draft responses for senior leadership involving sensitive and/or confidential matters
- Proven knowledge of best practices and emerging trends in the marketing and communications education sector
- High degree of professionalism, political acuity, tact, and judgment
- Ability to build collaborative relationships internally and externally
- Ability to identify and mitigate risks while using sound judgment to appropriately respond
- Must have a strong and creative appreciation of academic values and a commitment to student development and success
Preferred Skills:
- Experience creating dynamic, experiential communications and marketing initiatives with limited budgets
- Understanding of and demonstrated ability to successfully navigate a complex, decentralized organization
- Ability to meet tight deadlines and to perform well under pressure
ASSUMPTION: Given the role's focus on strategic planning, team management, and communication support, candidates should possess a strong educational background in marketing and communications, along with extensive relevant experience and a proven track record in these areas.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 91,937 - 107,259 per year (Broadband Salary Range: CAD 91,937 - 153,227)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package for full-time employees
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility to meet the needs of the role and team
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the University of Toronto's pay scale for this position. Benefits information is not explicitly stated in the job description, but it is assumed that the university offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 51-200 employees
Founded: The University of Toronto was founded in 1827, with the University of Toronto Scarborough campus established in 1964
Company Description:
- The University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) is a campus of the University of Toronto, offering a comprehensive range of programs and services to support student development and success
- The Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing (OSEW) is committed to maintaining efficient and effective programs and services that enhance student development inside and outside the classroom
- The University of Toronto is committed to strategically and proactively promoting diversity among its community members
Company Specialties:
- Higher Education
- Student Services
- Academic Programs
- Research
Company Website: University of Toronto
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto is a large, research-intensive university with a strong reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Managerial
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Dean, Student Experience and Wellbeing
Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site, with flexibility to work remotely as needed
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance within the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing or the broader university
- Opportunities to collaborate with various departments and units across the campus
- Chance to develop leadership, strategic planning, and communication skills
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the university setting, with potential to take on increased responsibilities or explore new areas of interest.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: University campus
Office Location(s): University of Toronto Scarborough campus, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada
Geographic Context:
- The University of Toronto Scarborough campus is located in the eastern part of Toronto, near the intersection of Highway 401 and the Don Valley Parkway
- The campus is surrounded by residential neighborhoods and is close to public transportation options, including the Scarborough RT and several bus routes
- The campus offers a mix of academic, recreational, and residential facilities, providing a vibrant and inclusive community for students, faculty, and staff
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility to meet the needs of the role and team
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto Scarborough campus offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment, with a range of facilities and resources to support student development and success.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the University of Toronto's careers website
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager or HR representative
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other relevant stakeholders
- Final round interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Leadership and team management skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Understanding of the university's mission, values, and commitment to diversity and inclusion
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the university's mission, values, and commitment to diversity and inclusion in your application materials
- Prepare for interview questions related to strategic planning, team management, communication, and your fit with the university's mission and values
ATS Keywords: Strategic Marketing, Communications, Event Management, Project Management, Team Leadership, Data Analysis, Presentation Skills, Budget Management, Collaboration, Risk Management, Equity and Diversity, Creative Thinking, Problem Solving, Professionalism
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto's application process is competitive, and candidates should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant experience and skills for this role.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
- Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the marketing and communication strategies and platforms used by the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship
- Inclusion and diversity
- Integrity and accountability
- Collaboration and partnership
- Student-centeredness
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and strategic
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Creative and innovative
- Student-focused and committed to student success
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with the University of Toronto's commitment to excellence, inclusion, and student-centeredness?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed a team to achieve a strategic marketing or communication goal?
- How do you approach mitigating risks and ensuring the success of large events or projects?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their fit with the University of Toronto's values and work style, and be prepared to provide specific examples of their skills and experiences that demonstrate their alignment with these factors.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team with diverse skills and backgrounds, requiring strong leadership and communication skills
- Balancing multiple priorities and deadlines, with a need for strong organizational skills and time management
- Navigating a complex, decentralized organization, with a need for strong understanding of the university's structure and politics
- Working with limited budgets, requiring creative and cost-effective marketing and communication strategies
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges related to team management, prioritization, organizational navigation, and budget constraints, requiring strong leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique to the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, with a focus on supporting student development and success within the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing
- Similar roles in higher education may include Director of Marketing and Communications, or Manager of Student Affairs Communications, with a focus on strategic planning, team management, and communication support
- Career progression in higher education may involve advancing to senior leadership roles, such as Associate Dean or Dean, with a focus on strategic planning, policy development, and operational management
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other marketing and communication management positions in higher education, its focus on student development and success within the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing makes it unique.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive marketing and communication plan for a major university event, including branding, promotion, and event logistics
- Managing a team to create and distribute targeted communication materials to promote academic programs, services, and initiatives within the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing
- Collaborating with senior leadership to draft and distribute strategic communications, such as annual reports, information for governance and committees, and presentations for external stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, team management, and communication support aspects of this role, requiring strong leadership, planning, and execution skills.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing, and how this role fits within that structure?
- How does the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing collaborate with other departments and units across the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, and what role would I play in those collaborations?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how would I be supported in achieving those priorities?
- How does the University of Toronto Scarborough campus support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the most rewarding aspects of working in the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing, according to current team members?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the role's dynamics, collaborations, priorities, professional development opportunities, and employee experiences within the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the University of Toronto's careers website
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on strategic marketing and communication, team management, and leadership
- Prepare for interview questions related to strategic planning, team management, communication, and your fit with the university's mission and values
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to provide specific examples of your skills and experiences that demonstrate your alignment with the University of Toronto's values and work style
- Follow up with the University of Toronto's HR office one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.