Senior Communications Strategist

Date Posted: 05/20/2025
Req ID: 43013
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Kinesiology & Physl Ed.
Department: Faculty of Kinesiology & Physl Ed
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00057790

Description:

About us:

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. In achieving this vision, the Faculty is guided by values of integrity, respect, equity and diversity https://kpe.utoronto.ca/.

Your opportunity:

The Strategic Communications, Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement team is responsible for developing, planning and implementing a wide variety of marketing and communications initiatives aimed at heightening awareness of the Faculty in teaching and research and for raising awareness and promoting participation in the University’s Sport & Recreation programming. The team oversees the development and coordination of strong, coherent and unified messages and branding in all Faculty communications for both internal and external audiences to achieve the Faculty’s strategic goals in recruitment, student-engagement, public affairs and advancement. In doing so, we work to ensure that the values of equity, inclusivity, accessibility and diversity are reflected in all of our communications about programs, services, facility operations, policies and use of resources.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Communication Strategist is an energetic, collaborative, process- and detail-orientated professional who brings extensive experience overseeing high impact, innovative strategic communications projects to advance the Faculty’s academic and co-curricular mandate. Working within a fast-paced team environment, the position involves close contact and collaboration with internal clients, graphic designers,
photographers, videographers and content creators.


Your responsibilities will include:

• Planning and developing an integrated multi-channel communications strategy independently
• Providing detailed analysis and recommendations on the suitability of major new technology and software systems
• Training staff and faculty on the use of digital technologies
• Developing project schedules including milestones, critical path, timelines, deliverables and reporting
• Documenting and maintaining standard operating procedures
• Planning project components of the design and content development of the website
• Overseeing and implementing website enhancement activities to support project/program goals and objectives
• Developing and implementing social media programs and initiatives independently

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Communication or Marketing or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years of experience in marketing communications or related field
• Minimum five years of experience in academic, athletics and recreation and/or health and wellness environments
• Demonstrated skills and experience managing hybrid staff, preferably in a unionized environment.
• Demonstrated success 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 of experience working to test and implement website AODA compliance requirements.
• Minimum 2 years of experience as the project lead managing website vendors
• Minimum 2 years of experience building both academic and sport or recreation websites.
• Experience with leading and managing large, complex and multiple projects simultaneously
• Hands-on experience with tools, including but not limited to 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, including students, community members, staff, faculty and alumni.
• 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 judgements under pressure.
• Ability to interact with senior members of the University and the business community.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Familiarity with developments in artificial intelligence (AI) related to the field of strategic communications

To be successful in this role youwill be:

• Accountable
• Achievement oriented
• Adaptable
• Organized
• Resourceful
• Self-directed
•  

Closing Date: 05/28/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 15 -- $95,627. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $122,290. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol. 
Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.