Access Full Position Posting
Purpose:
Communications & Public Affairs (C&PA) is York University's enterprise communications function, responsible for establishing the University's overarching strategic communications approach and coordinating institutional communications. C&PA provides strategic advice, counsel and support to senior leadership, divisions, faculties and other units, and stewards York's institutional voice and messaging. Through integrated internal and external communications, C&PA advances University priorities, strengthens understanding and engagement among key audiences, and protects and enhances York's reputation.The Manager, Communications is responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating communications initiatives that support institutional and portfolio priorities. Reporting to the Executive Director, Strategic & Internal Communications, the role provides communications advice and implementation support to assigned University portfolios, develops integrated communications plans and content, manages communications projects and staff, and works collaboratively with divisional leaders, subject matter experts and communications colleagues across the University. The Manager contributes to the development of communications strategies and is accountable for executing approved priorities in alignment with University objectives, communications governance and brand standards.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, political science.
Experience:
5 years of related experience in communications, public relations, marketing.
3 years of management experience.
Experience advising senior leaders on communications strategies, partner engagement, and integrated communications planning.
Experience developing and implementing integrated, multi-channel communications plans and campaigns for organizational change, major initiatives, and high-profile projects.
Experience leading complex communications projects involving multiple partners, competing priorities, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve shared objectives.
Experience writing and editing communications materials for diverse audiences across multiple platforms and channels.
Experience supervising staff, leading teams, and managing external vendors, agencies, contractors, and consultants.
Experience applying established communications governance, brand, and editorial frameworks.
Skills:
Knowledge
Knowledge of strategic communications principles and practices, including internal, change, digital and web communications, stakeholder engagement, public relations, issues management, content strategy, and communications measurement and evaluation.
Knowledge of communications governance, editorial and journalistic principles, accessibility and inclusive communications practices, reputation and brand management, issues identification, and message development.
Skills
Effective verbal, written, presentation, and facilitation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Effective collaboration and engagement skills, with the ability to facilitate partnerships, influence outcomes and resolve complex issues.
Effective organizational, project management and prioritization skills, with the ability to coordinate resources and manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
Effective analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information, identify trends, interpret performance measures and communicate insights to support decision-making.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team-based environment.
Effective leadership skills, with the ability to motivate, coach and develop staff while fostering accountability, trust, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, content management systems, web publishing tools, social media platforms and communications analytics tools
Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and respectful engagement in all aspects of communications planning and execution.
Additional Notes:
Note: Position requires verification of degree(s)/credential(s)
Works within a typical office environment.
Occasional travel for meetings, events and activities at off-site locations.
On occasion, may be required to work extended hours, including weekends, evenings, and/or holidays to meet project deadlines.