Issues & Media Relations Strategist

Date Posted: 12/10/2024
Req ID: 41066
Faculty/Division: University of Toronto Communications
Department: University of Toronto Communications
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

About us: 

University of Toronto Communications (UTC) promotes U of T’s brand and strengthens its reputation by sharing the University’s strengths, achievements, and impact with the world. Our award-winning team of 75+ professionals provides strategic communications counsel, and marketing and brand strategy to the University’s three campuses.  We produce compelling marketing and communications campaigns, prize-winning publications, videos, podcasts, and web content that resonates deeply with audiences. We also conduct expert media pitches, proactive issues management and best-in-class social media management. We recognize that a strong brand and highly respected reputation for inclusive excellence helps U of T attract top talent. It also encourages investment and partnership and increases the value of a UofT credential for all alumni. 

Your opportunity:  

The Issues and Media Relations Strategist works closely with portfolios across the university to anticipate reputational risks in the news media, recommend strategies to mitigate them, and engage with journalists. The incumbent will develop a keen understanding of key university initiatives, priorities, and stakeholders, provide expert advice to senior leaders, and serve as a resource for divisional communications colleagues. The role requires excellent writing and strategic thinking skills, strong collaboration, and a high capacity to multi-task. 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: 
 
EDUCATION: 
 
University degree in communications, public relations or journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.   
 
EXPERIENCE: 

Eight years’ experience in communications, issues management or media relations, or ideally a combination of these practices. Demonstrated experience in advising senior leaders of an organization on issues management. Experience in developing and executing strategic issues management and media relations plans. Demonstrated experience in addressing complex issues with multiple stakeholders. Experience in a large public-sector institution would be an asset. Knowledge of the University of Toronto or post-secondary education sector would be an asset.   

SKILLS: 
 
Demonstrated outstanding judgment for issues management. Demonstrated skill in managing relationships and requests with tact, diplomacy and persuasion. Excellent media relations acumen. Excellent writing and editing skills. Ability to digest and translate complex and often sensitive information. Demonstrated ability to develop strategies related to complex issues.  

Outstanding news judgment. Demonstrated ability to formulate media and issues management strategies and demonstrated ability to execute those ideas effectively. Strong story development abilities. Knowledge of and proficiency with new media tools (e.g., social media). Demonstrated creativity and ability to think strategically. 

OTHER: 
 
Ability to work closely with – and gain the confidence of – senior members of an organization.  Ability to make well-considered and sustainable decisions rapidly on behalf of U of T and its leaders.  Proven ability to multi-task and reliable under pressure.  Proven ability to source accurate information quickly.  Ability to work independently and as part of a team.  Ability to work in a consistently supportive manner with colleagues.  Ability to collaborate quickly and productively across divisional boundaries.  Political acumen; strong desire to mentor, guide and educate staff; high degree of professionalism.   

NOTE: This is a 6 month term to cover a planned leave.

Closing Date: 01/05/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Appointment Type: Budget - Term
Schedule: Full-Time NOTE: This is a 6 month term to cover a planned leave.
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 4 -- Hiring Zone: $104,818 - $122,290 -- Broadband Salary Range: $104,818 - $174,698
Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations