📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Manager, Marketing Communication & Strategic Initiatives
🔹 Company: University of Toronto
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time
🔹 Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations
🔹 Date Posted: April 24, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 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 and mentoring a team of marketing and communication professionals to create promotional materials and support various student services and programs.
- 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.
- Providing strategic communications support to the Dean, including presentations, speaking notes, annual reports, and information for governance and committees.
- Overseeing the conceptualization, planning, and execution of large events and workshops, including assessing risks, overseeing event budgets, and troubleshooting issues.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and project management skills to effectively manage and coordinate marketing and communication efforts across multiple units within OSEW and with the broader university community.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Developing and implementing strategic marketing and communications plans for OSEW.
✅ Managing and mentoring a team of marketing and communication professionals to create promotional materials and support various student services and programs.
✅ 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.
✅ Providing strategic communications support to the Dean, including presentations, speaking notes, annual reports, and information for governance and committees.
✅ Overseeing the conceptualization, planning, and execution of large events and workshops, including assessing risks, overseeing event budgets, and troubleshooting issues.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, leadership, and project management skills to effectively manage and coordinate marketing and communication efforts across multiple units within OSEW and with the broader university community.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: University degree with a focus on strategic marketing and communications, or other related disciplines.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years' related experience in strategic marketing and communications, leading, promoting, and managing large events, writing and developing presentations for senior leadership, and project management experience.
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 marketing and communications, candidates with a strong background in these areas and proven leadership experience will be most competitive.
💰 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, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the University of Toronto's pay scale groups and hiring zones. The broadband salary range indicates the potential for growth within the role.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education. The University of Toronto is a research-intensive university with a strong global reputation, offering a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities.
Company Size: Large (over 200 employees). As a large organization, the University of Toronto offers diverse career opportunities and a robust infrastructure to support employees' professional growth.
Founded: 1827. The University of Toronto is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Canada, with a rich history and a strong commitment to academic excellence.
Company Description:
- The University of Toronto is a public research university located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1827 and is the highest-ranked university in Canada and one of the highest-ranked in the world.
- The university offers a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.
- The University of Toronto is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, with a strong emphasis on equity, diversity, and excellence.
Company Specialties:
- Research-intensive university
- Academic programs and research opportunities
- Interdisciplinary learning and collaboration
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Company Website: https://www.utoronto.ca/
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto is a large, research-intensive university with a strong global reputation, offering a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities. It is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, with a strong emphasis on equity, diversity, and excellence.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Managerial. This role involves managing a team of marketing and communication professionals and providing strategic communications support to the Dean.
Reporting Structure: The Manager, Marketing Communication & Strategic Initiatives reports directly to the Dean, Student Experience and Wellbeing.
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with a 40-hour workweek.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for career advancement within the University of Toronto's marketing and communications department or other related areas.
- Opportunities to gain experience in higher education marketing and communications, event management, and strategic planning.
- Possibility to work on high-profile projects and initiatives that impact the university's reputation and student experience.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the University of Toronto's marketing and communications department or other related areas. It also provides the chance to work on high-profile projects and initiatives that impact the university's reputation and student experience.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: University campus. The University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus offers a vibrant and diverse work environment, with easy access to amenities and public transportation.
Office Location(s): University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M1C 1A4
Geographic Context:
- The University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus is located in the eastern part of Toronto, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.
- The campus is situated in a diverse and multicultural neighborhood, reflecting the University of Toronto's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
- The University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus offers a range of academic programs and student services, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with the possibility of flexible hours and remote work arrangements for specific tasks or projects.
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus offers a vibrant and diverse work environment, with easy access to amenities and public transportation. The campus is situated in a diverse and multicultural neighborhood, reflecting the University of Toronto's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the University of Toronto's careers website.
- Phone or video screening with the University of Toronto Scarborough's Human Resources office.
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager (Dean, Student Experience and Wellbeing) and a panel of stakeholders.
- Final reference and background check.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic marketing and communications expertise and experience.
- Leadership and management skills, including team management and mentoring.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to draft responses for senior leadership involving sensitive and/or confidential matters.
- Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships internally and externally.
- Alignment with the University of Toronto's mission, values, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills in strategic marketing and communications, event management, and project management.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the University of Toronto's mission, values, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in your application materials.
- Prepare for interview questions that focus on your strategic marketing and communications expertise, leadership and management skills, and ability to work collaboratively and build relationships.
ATS Keywords: Strategic Marketing, Communications, Event Management, Project Management, Leadership, Team Management, University of Toronto, Higher Education, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto's application process is competitive, and candidates with strong strategic marketing and communications expertise, leadership and management skills, and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion will be most competitive.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
- Event management software (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
- Marketing automation tools (e.g., Mailchimp, HubSpot)
ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies for this role may vary depending on the specific marketing and communication platforms used by the University of Toronto Scarborough.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship
- Inclusion and diversity
- Integrity and accountability
- Collaboration and partnership
- Sustainability and environmental responsibility
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Innovative and creative
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Committed to the University of Toronto's mission, values, and strategic priorities
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in your work?
- How do you approach building collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, both internally and externally?
- How do you ensure that your marketing and communication strategies and plans align with the University of Toronto's mission, values, and strategic priorities?
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto values excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, inclusion and diversity, integrity and accountability, collaboration and partnership, and sustainability and environmental responsibility. Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with these values and the University of Toronto's work style will be most competitive.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The University of Toronto is a large and complex organization, with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities. Effective communication and collaboration skills are essential to navigate this environment.
- The role requires managing and mentoring a team of marketing and communication professionals, which may present unique challenges and opportunities for growth and development.
- The University of Toronto is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, which may require additional effort to ensure that marketing and communication efforts are accessible and relevant to all students and stakeholders.
- The role may require working on multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously, with tight deadlines and competing priorities.
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto's large and complex organizational structure, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and potentially competing priorities may present unique challenges for the successful candidate. Strong communication, collaboration, and project management skills will be essential to navigate these challenges effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on strategic marketing and communications within the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Similar roles may be found in other higher education institutions or organizations with a focus on student services and student life.
- Higher education marketing and communications roles may vary depending on the specific institution's size, mission, and strategic priorities. The University of Toronto's large size and research-intensive focus may present unique opportunities and challenges compared to smaller institutions or those with a more specific focus.
- Career progression in higher education marketing and communications may involve moving into more senior roles within the University of Toronto or other related organizations, or transitioning into related fields such as public relations, corporate communications, or marketing consulting.
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on strategic marketing and communications within the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Similar roles may be found in other higher education institutions or organizations with a focus on student services and student life. Career progression in higher education marketing and communications may involve moving into more senior roles within the University of Toronto or other related organizations, or transitioning into related fields such as public relations, corporate communications, or marketing consulting.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive marketing and communications plan for a new student service or initiative within the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing.
- Managing and executing a large-scale event or workshop, including assessing risks, overseeing event budgets, and troubleshooting issues.
- Creating dynamic, experiential communications and marketing initiatives with limited budgets, targeting specific student populations or stakeholder groups.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects reflect the strategic marketing and communications, event management, and project management responsibilities of the Manager, Marketing Communication & Strategic Initiatives role within the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing at the University of Toronto Scarborough.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing collaborate with other departments and units within the University of Toronto Scarborough to ensure consistent and effective marketing and communication efforts?
- What are the key priorities and strategic initiatives for the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing in the coming year, and how can this role contribute to their success?
- How does the University of Toronto Scarborough support the professional development and growth of its marketing and communication professionals?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing, and how can this role help address them?
- How does the University of Toronto Scarborough measure the success of its marketing and communication efforts, and how can this role contribute to improving these metrics?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role's responsibilities, the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing's priorities, and the University of Toronto Scarborough's marketing and communication strategies. Asking these questions demonstrates a proactive and engaged approach to the application process.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the University of Toronto's careers website: https://careers.utoronto.ca/
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills in strategic marketing and communications, event management, and project management.
- Prepare for interview questions that focus on your strategic marketing and communications expertise, leadership and management skills, and ability to work collaboratively and build relationships.
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to provide examples of your marketing and communication strategies, event management experience, and project management skills.
- Follow up with the University of Toronto Scarborough's Human Resources office one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
