📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Communications Strategist
🔹 Company: University of Toronto
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations
🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing strategic communications projects to advance the Faculty's academic and co-curricular mandate
- Collaborating with internal clients, graphic designers, photographers, videographers, and content creators
- Planning and executing digital campaigns and social media strategies
- Managing website enhancement activities and ensuring AODA compliance
- Providing detailed analysis and recommendations on new technology and software systems
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of independence, creativity, and strategic thinking to develop and execute effective communication strategies that align with the Faculty's goals.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Plan and develop an integrated multi-channel communications strategy independently
✅ Provide detailed analysis and recommendations on the suitability of major new technology and software systems
✅ Train staff and faculty on the use of digital technologies
✅ Develop project schedules including milestones, critical path, timelines, deliverables, and reporting
✅ Document and maintain standard operating procedures
✅ Plan project components of the design and content development of the website
✅ Oversee and implement website enhancement activities to support project/program goals and objectives
✅ Develop and implement social media programs and initiatives independently
ASSUMPTION: This role involves managing multiple projects simultaneously and requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Communication or Marketing
Experience: Minimum five years of experience in marketing communications or related fields, with a focus on academic, athletics, and recreation environments
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in creating and executing digital campaigns and social media strategies
- Minimum 3 years of experience planning and estimating costs for projects
- Minimum 2 years of experience leading website build projects and using web content management systems
- Minimum 2 years of experience working to test and implement website AODA compliance requirements
- Minimum 2 years of experience as the project lead managing website vendors
- Experience with leading and managing large, complex, and multiple projects simultaneously
- Hands-on experience with tools such as Microsoft Office, Hootsuite, Drupal, Sharepoint, and Google Analytics
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; excellent oral and presentation skills
- Highly customer service oriented with sensitivity to various levels of expectation from a diverse community of stakeholders
- Excellent interpersonal skills, strong in negotiation, persuasion, and ability to deal professionally with tension and conflict
- Ability to demonstrate tact, mature judgement, political acumen, and diplomacy using well-honed relationship management skills
- Excellent critical thinking, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated creative and strategic leadership skills. Effective supervisory skills and ability to set priorities and foster a strong team environment including the ability to inspire staff and colleagues toward the achievement of a goal
- Strong time management, administrative, and highly developed organization skills
- Ability to maintain professional decorum and make sound judgments under pressure
- Ability to interact with senior members of the University and the business community
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with developments in artificial intelligence (AI) related to the field of strategic communications
ASSUMPTION: The required qualifications for this role are extensive and reflect the need for a highly experienced and skilled professional to manage complex communications projects and teams.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 95,627 - CAD 122,290 per year (with an annual step progression)
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 budget-continuing positions within the USW union. Benefits may include health, dental, and retirement plans, as well as access to various employee discounts and perks.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 51-200 employees
Founded: The University of Toronto was founded in 1827 and is Canada's oldest university
Company Description:
- The University of Toronto's Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education is globally recognized for developing and advancing knowledge about the interactions of physical activity and health through outstanding undergraduate and graduate education programs, cutting-edge research, and the delivery of sport, recreation, and high-performance athletic opportunities for students, staff, faculty, and community members across the three campuses.
Company Specialties:
- Higher Education
- Academic Research
- Student Services
- Athletics and Recreation
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 diverse student body. The Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education plays a crucial role in promoting physical activity, health, and wellness across the university and the broader community.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level position with significant responsibility for strategic communications projects
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Executive Director of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site position with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a leadership or management role within the Faculty or the broader university
- Opportunities to gain experience in various aspects of strategic communications and marketing within the academic environment
- Possibility to work on high-profile projects and initiatives that align with the university's strategic goals
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the university setting, with the potential to take on increased responsibilities or explore new areas of interest within the communications field.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks
Office Location(s): St. George (Downtown Toronto) campus of the University of Toronto
Geographic Context:
- Toronto is a multicultural city with a population of over 2.9 million people
- The St. George campus is located in downtown Toronto, offering easy access to public transportation, restaurants, and cultural attractions
- The campus is known for its historic architecture and beautiful green spaces
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a standard workweek of 40 hours, typically Monday to Friday, with some flexibility for specific projects or events
ASSUMPTION: The on-site work environment at the University of Toronto offers a dynamic and collaborative setting, with opportunities to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and contribute to the university's mission and goals.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the University of Toronto's careers website
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other relevant stakeholders
- Reference checks and background verification
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication and presentation skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Project management and organizational skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with the university's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the university's mission, values, and strategic goals in your application materials
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to showcase your interest in the role and the university
ATS Keywords: Strategic Communications, Marketing, Digital Campaigns, Social Media Strategies, Project Management, Website Management, AODA Compliance, Customer Service, Interpersonal Skills, Negotiation, Problem Solving, Leadership, Time Management, Organization, Critical Thinking, Resourcefulness
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may be competitive, and applicants should take the time to tailor their application materials and prepare thoroughly for the interview to increase their chances of success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Hootsuite
- Drupal
- Sharepoint
- Google Analytics
- Web content management systems
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they are commonly used in the strategic communications and marketing field.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in teaching, research, and service
- Integrity, accountability, and respect
- Inclusion and diversity
- Collaboration and partnership
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-driven and focused on achieving goals
- Creative and innovative in problem-solving
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with the University of Toronto's values, particularly in the areas of excellence, integrity, inclusion, and collaboration?
- How do you approach working in a diverse and multicultural environment, and how have you demonstrated your commitment to inclusion and equity in your previous roles?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in a project or work environment, and how did you ensure the successful completion of your tasks?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should carefully consider their fit with the University of Toronto's values and work style, and be prepared to provide specific examples and anecdotes that demonstrate their alignment with these factors.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing tasks effectively
- Working with diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and community members, and balancing their varying expectations and needs
- Keeping up with the latest developments in digital communications and marketing technologies
- Ensuring accessibility and compliance with AODA standards for website content and functionality
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on strategic communications within the academic environment, with a specific emphasis on the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
- Compared to similar roles in other industries, this position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment, with a strong emphasis on research, teaching, and community engagement
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into a leadership or management position within the university or exploring new opportunities within the broader communications and marketing field
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it aligns with their career goals and interests, as well as the potential for growth and development within the university setting.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive digital marketing campaign to promote a new academic program or research initiative
- Managing a website redesign project to improve accessibility, functionality, and user experience, while ensuring compliance with AODA standards
- Creating and implementing a social media strategy to engage with students, faculty, and community members, and raise awareness of the Faculty's programs and services
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects reflect the diverse range of responsibilities and initiatives that the Senior Communications Strategist may be involved in, requiring strong project management, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the Faculty's strategic priorities for the upcoming academic year, and how this role contributes to their achievement?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments and units within the university, and what opportunities are there for interdisciplinary projects or initiatives?
- What are the key challenges facing the Faculty in the coming years, and how can this role help to address them?
- How does the university support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the area of strategic communications and marketing?
- What is the work environment like within the Faculty, and how does it foster collaboration, innovation, and creativity?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the university, and that will help them to better understand the work environment and opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the University of Toronto's careers website: https://jobs.utoronto.ca/job/Toronto-Senior-Communications-Strategist-ON/592469217/
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, and demonstrate your understanding of the university's mission, values, and strategic goals
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to showcase your interest in the role and the university
- Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role
- If selected for the position, be prepared to provide references and undergo a background check
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
