📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Communications Officer
🔹 Company: McGill University
🔹 Location: Sherbrooke 1010, Quebec, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Higher Education
🔹 Date Posted: May 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading media relations and communications strategies for a large research initiative.
- Overseeing marketing, branding, and public affairs needs.
- Managing the website and social media activities for the initiative.
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging and branding.
- Planning and executing special events and projects to promote the initiative.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. It also necessitates a strong understanding of the research initiative and its goals.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the creation and implementation of detailed communications and marketing plans to promote the research initiative.
✅ Provide senior professional communications and public relations expertise to build and enhance the initiative's relationships with partner organizations.
✅ Serve as the primary contact for working collaboratively with internal units within McGill and external partners.
✅ Participate in the development and implementation of policies and new communications initiatives that support the strategic direction of the initiative.
✅ Conduct research for press releases, messaging documents, and other media-focused materials.
✅ Assist in the preparation of briefings, speeches, and presentations for senior leadership.
✅ Draft official correspondence on behalf of the initiative.
✅ Attend senior-level communications and marketing meetings and represent the initiative at internal and external meetings.
✅ Ensure the initiative's web presence reflects best practices and perform daily maintenance of the site.
✅ Plan, conceptualize, and prepare content for a newsletter. Manage mailing lists and handle the dissemination of various materials.
✅ Oversee the management of the initiative's suite of websites, ensuring accuracy of content, effective communication in web design, accessibility, and optimization of user experience.
✅ Prepare and disseminate information concerning the initiative's research, funding, events, and other activities through various communication channels.
✅ Manage the initiative's social media feed and monitor analytics for website activity and social media platforms to provide data-driven feedback and recommendations.
✅ Responsible for the logistical planning and organization of the initiative's events, such as an annual research symposium and other key events.
✅ Promote the initiative's events and ensure quality electronic and print material.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure on multiple projects and meet strict deadlines. It also necessitates a solid understanding of digital media and event planning.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
Experience: At least 5 years of related experience in a higher education, health care, or nonprofit environment.
Required Skills:
- Excellent creative writing, journalistic, marketing, and editing skills.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail required in preparing documents that are consistently of the highest quality in terms of content, format, and design.
- Ability to work under pressure on multiple projects and meet strict deadlines.
- Experience in successfully developing and implementing communications plans in a higher education, health care, or nonprofit environment.
- Self-motivated and a strong team player.
- Experience in a PC environment.
- Proven ability to work with computer applications and tools related to the field of communications (Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, social media, etc.), as well as databases and presentation software.
- Experience with Drupal and HTML. Background in health sciences/science an asset.
- Bilingual capabilities in English and French, spoken and written.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with podcasting and video production.
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, it is assumed that candidates should have a strong understanding of the research initiative and its goals, as well as the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 79,320 - 118,980 per year (MPEX Grade 06)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
- Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
- 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 06 scale. However, the actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The benefits listed are subject to the candidate's eligibility and the university's policies.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 201-500 employees
Founded: 1821 (as McGill College, later became McGill University)
Company Description:
- McGill University is one of Canada's leading universities, ranked among the top 30 in the world.
- It is known for its strong research focus and interdisciplinary approach to education.
- The university offers a wide range of programs and has a strong international student population.
- McGill is located in Montreal, Quebec, and has two campuses: the downtown campus and the Macdonald campus.
Company Specialties:
- Research-intensive university
- Interdisciplinary approach to education
- Strong international student population
- Located in Montreal, Quebec
Company Website: mcgill.ca
ASSUMPTION: McGill University is a large, research-intensive university with a strong international reputation. It is known for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to research and innovation. The university's size and reputation offer opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Professional/Manager (MPEX-COM3A)
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the D2R Director Administration
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days on-site, 3 days remote per week)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on more responsibilities as the initiative grows and evolves.
- Opportunities to work on other research initiatives within the university.
- Possibility to move into a management role within the communications department.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the university's communications department and potentially within the broader university structure.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (2 days on-site, 3 days remote per week)
Office Location(s): Sherbrooke 1010, Quebec, Canada
Geographic Context:
- Montreal is a bilingual city with a strong French influence.
- The university's downtown campus is located in the heart of Montreal, offering easy access to public transportation and amenities.
- The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, festivals, and events throughout the year.
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (with a 30-minute lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility while still providing opportunities for in-person collaboration and networking. The location in Montreal offers a vibrant cultural scene and easy access to amenities.
💼 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
- Job offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills (written and verbal)
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Project management and organizational skills
- Understanding of the research initiative and its goals
- Cultural fit with the university and the initiative
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of the research initiative and its goals in your application materials.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication, organizational, and strategic skills.
- Research the university and the initiative to show your enthusiasm and fit for the role.
ATS Keywords: Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Strategic Planning, Project Management, Media Relations, Digital Media, Event Planning, Stakeholder Management, Bilingual, Drupal, HTML
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, given the university's reputation and the role's responsibilities. Tailoring application materials and preparing for behavioral interview questions will be crucial for success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Suite
- Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)
- Drupal
- HTML
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed are commonly used in communications and marketing roles. Familiarity with these tools is expected, and proficiency may be required for certain aspects of the role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in teaching and research
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Respect for diversity and inclusion
- Integrity and accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
- Results-driven and proactive
- Strong attention to detail
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with McGill University's values, particularly in the context of this role?
- How do you approach working in a bilingual environment, and how does this impact your communication style?
- How do you balance working remotely and on-site, and how do you ensure effective communication and collaboration in a hybrid work environment?
ASSUMPTION: McGill University values candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with their values and work style. Assessing your alignment with these factors will be an important aspect of the interview process.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role may require working on evenings and weekends to attend events or meet deadlines.
- The research initiative may have tight deadlines and high expectations for communication materials.
- The role may involve managing multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and time management.
- The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges in maintaining effective communication and collaboration with team members.
ASSUMPTION: While the role offers many opportunities for growth and development, it also presents challenges that candidates should be prepared to address.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Communications Manager or Senior Communications Specialist in a higher education or research environment.
- The role may have more strategic and planning responsibilities than a typical communications coordinator or specialist role.
- The hybrid work arrangement may be more common in this role than in fully on-site or fully remote positions.
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the differences between this role and similar roles in the industry can help candidates determine if this position is the right fit for their career goals.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive communications plan for a major research initiative launch.
- Managing the website and social media presence for a high-profile event or conference.
- Creating and distributing a newsletter or other regular communication materials for stakeholders.
ASSUMPTION: The projects listed are examples of the types of tasks and responsibilities that may be required in this role. The specific projects and their scope may vary depending on the initiative and the university's needs.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the broader communications and marketing strategy for the research initiative?
- What are the main challenges facing the communications department, and how can this role help address them?
- How does the university support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the team structure and dynamics within the communications department, and how does this role fit into the team?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview can help candidates demonstrate their interest in the role and their understanding of the university and the initiative.
📌 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 skills and experiences for this role.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication, organizational, and strategic skills.
- Research the university and the initiative to show your enthusiasm and fit for the role.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to 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.
