📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Manager, Marketing, Communications & Strategic Initiatives
🔹 Company: University of Toronto
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: 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.
- Collaborating with senior leadership to create strategic communications and presentations.
- Planning and executing large events and workshops.
- Ensuring alignment with the University of Toronto Scarborough's and the University's marketing and communications strategic plans.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and project management skills to effectively manage a team and drive marketing and communications initiatives across multiple units within OSEW.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Developing and implementing marketing and communications strategies and plans for OSEW.
✅ Managing and mentoring a team of marketing and communication professionals.
✅ Creating promotional materials and content to promote UTSC's student life, programming, academic supports, and services.
✅ Collaborating with senior leadership to create strategic communications, presentations, and reports.
✅ Planning and executing large events and workshops, including assessing risks and managing event budgets.
✅ Ensuring alignment with the University of Toronto Scarborough's and the University's marketing and communications strategic plans and goals.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, team management, and hands-on project execution, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
🎯 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 large events, writing and developing presentations for senior leadership, and project management.
Required Skills:
- Proven success in developing, implementing, and assessing marketing and communications plans.
- Experience using digital platforms to advance marketing and communication objectives, including social media analytics.
- Sound experience managing and leading a marketing and communications team in a unionized environment.
- Strong oral, presentation, and written communication skills.
- 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.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.
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 perform well under pressure.
ASSUMPTION: Given the role's focus on strategic planning and team management, candidates with a proven track record in marketing and communications, along with strong leadership and organizational skills, are likely to be successful in this position.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 91,937 - 107,259 (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 for this position. The benefits package is typical for a full-time academic institution.
📌 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 institution, the University of Toronto offers numerous resources and opportunities for professional growth and development.
Founded: 1827. The University of Toronto is one of Canada's oldest and most prestigious universities, with a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence.
Company Description:
- The University of Toronto is a public research university located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is widely recognized for its strong academic programs, research output, and global reputation.
- The University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) is one of the three campuses of the University of Toronto, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- The Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing (OSEW) at UTSC supports the academic and personal success of students by providing strategic guidance and oversight for various units, including academic advising, health and wellness, housing, and student life.
Company Specialties:
- Research-intensive higher education.
- Student support and services.
- Academic programs and teaching.
Company Website: University of Toronto
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto is a well-established and reputable institution, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment with a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Managerial. This role involves managing a team and driving strategic initiatives, requiring strong leadership and project management skills.
Reporting Structure: The Manager, Marketing, Communications & Strategic Initiatives reports directly to the Dean, Student Experience and Wellbeing.
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time. This role requires regular on-site presence to collaborate with the team and senior leadership.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to senior leadership roles within the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing or the University of Toronto.
- Opportunities to gain experience in strategic planning, team management, and event planning.
- Access to professional development and training opportunities through the University of Toronto's human resources department.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the University of Toronto's Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing and the broader higher education sector.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, university campus. The Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing is located on the University of Toronto Scarborough campus.
Office Location(s): 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
Geographic Context:
- The University of Toronto Scarborough campus is located in the eastern part of Toronto, offering a mix of urban and natural surroundings.
- The campus is easily accessible by public transportation, with several nearby amenities and attractions.
- Toronto is a multicultural city with a diverse range of neighborhoods, offering a wide range of housing options and cultural experiences.
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with some flexibility for event planning and execution.
ASSUMPTION: The on-site work environment at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus offers a supportive and collaborative atmosphere, with easy access to campus resources and amenities.
💼 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 video interview with the hiring panel, including the Dean, Student Experience and Wellbeing and other senior leaders within OSEW.
- Final reference and background check.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and planning skills.
- Leadership and team management abilities.
- Communication and presentation skills.
- Event planning and execution experience.
- 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 for this role.
- Provide specific examples of your marketing and communications achievements, as well as your experience managing teams and events.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the University of Toronto's mission and values, and your commitment to supporting student success.
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
ATS Keywords: Strategic Marketing, Communications, Event Planning, Team Management, Higher Education, University of Toronto, Student Experience, Wellbeing, Marketing Communications, Strategic Initiatives
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto's application process is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills through a thorough interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Event planning and management software (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent)
- Marketing and communications analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics platforms)
ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies for this role are standard for marketing and communications professionals, and candidates should be comfortable using these platforms and software.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship.
- Integrity, accountability, and fairness.
- Collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Work Style:
- Collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Focus on student-centered and data-driven decision-making.
- Openness to feedback and continuous improvement.
- Commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with the University of Toronto's commitment to excellence, integrity, and equity, diversity, and inclusion?
- How have you demonstrated your ability to work effectively in a collaborative and supportive work environment, and how do you handle feedback and continuous improvement?
- How do you approach event planning and execution, and how have you managed risks and mitigated challenges in the past?
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto values a diverse and inclusive work environment, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with the institution's values and commitment to supporting student success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team with varying levels of experience and expertise, requiring strong leadership and mentoring skills.
- Balancing multiple priorities and deadlines, requiring effective time management and organizational skills.
- Navigating a large, complex organization with decentralized decision-making, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Working with limited budgets for marketing and communications initiatives, requiring creativity and resourcefulness.
ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto's large and complex organizational structure may present challenges for candidates who prefer a more streamlined or hierarchical work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on strategic marketing and communications within the higher education sector, with a specific emphasis on supporting student experience and wellbeing.
- Compared to similar roles in other industries, this position offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic and evolving field, with a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success.
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into senior leadership positions within the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing or the broader University of Toronto.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique combination of strategic planning, team management, and event planning, with a strong focus on supporting student success within the higher education sector.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive marketing and communications plan for a new student housing development, including branding, promotional materials, and launch events.
- Creating a targeted social media campaign to raise awareness about mental health resources and services available to students, in collaboration with the Health & Wellness Centre.
- Planning and executing a large-scale event, such as a career fair or conference, requiring risk assessment, budget management, and vendor coordination.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, collaborative, and hands-on nature of the Manager, Marketing, Communications & Strategic Initiatives role within the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure within the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing, and how this role fits into the broader organizational hierarchy?
- How does the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing collaborate with other units and departments within the University of Toronto Scarborough campus and the broader University?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will my performance be evaluated during this period?
- How does the University of Toronto support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the field of marketing and communications?
- What are the most rewarding aspects of working in the Office of Student Experience and Wellbeing, according to current team members?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to understanding the organization's culture and priorities.
📌 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, emphasizing your strategic thinking, leadership, and event planning abilities.
- Prepare for the interview process by researching the University of Toronto's mission, values, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
