Senior Digital Communications Specialist (Term)

Date Posted: 07/18/2025
Req ID: 44289
Faculty/Division: OISE
Department: OISE:Ofc of the Dean
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00038990

Description:

About us:

OISE is recognized as a global leader in graduate programs in teaching and learning, continuing teacher education, and education research. As one of the largest and most research-intensive faculties of education in North America, OISE is an integral part of the University of Toronto - Canada’s most dynamic and comprehensive institution of higher learning.

OISE is committed to enhancing the social, economic, political and cultural well-being of individuals and communities locally, nationally and globally through leadership in teaching, research and advocacy. A unique place to work, learn and grow, OISE addresses current and emerging challenges with the scale, academic excellence and collaborative energy that few institutions in the world can claim.

Your opportunity:

The successful candidate will join a vibrant and dynamic team of advancement and communications professionals encompassing a range of skill sets. The team often works closely together and collaboratively with faculty, staff, alumni, graduate students, donors and partners at OISE and U of T on high level projects that support the Institute’s academic plan and key priorities.

As a senior member of the OISE Advancement, Communications and External Relations team, the incumbent plays a pivotal role in the strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of digital communications initiatives. The Senior Digital Communications Specialist provides expert guidance across departments, steers integrated, multi-platform campaigns, and contributes meaningfully to institutional advancement goals through innovative and data-informed digital engagement strategies.

This role directly supports core institutional priorities, developing high-impact communications that elevate student recruitment, alumni engagement, and philanthropic support. It also plays an active role in advancing initiatives outlined in the OISE Academic Plan and the University’s Defy Gravity campaign, ensuring that OISE’s digital presence reflects its leadership in educational innovation and inclusive excellence.

In addition, the incumbent is responsible for the development and implementation ofeffective departmental/client focused strategies, content creation, and oversight of OISE’s web site and social media channels. The incumbent is responsible for developing strategies and plans that advance the departmental goals and objectives while maintaining consistency and alignment with the Institute’s overall strategic objectives by writing and editing communication materials for select external audiences. Key responsibilities include: developing key messages and communication plans; supporting the Director in managing OISE’s branding and marketing strategies; building and maintaining websites; maintaining OISE’s digital presence through social media networks; creating and producing graphic designs that reflect departmental and/or divisional objectives; conducting photography/videography shoots; advising on video trends, platform-specific formats; conducting detailed analysis on performance metrics to maximize engagement and storytelling effectiveness; writing donor-focused content, including impact stories, case for support language, and special announcements tied to major gifts and institutional milestones; coordinating digital elements of donor recognition (e.g., online donor walls, donor videos) in collaboration with advancement colleagues; and advising faculty and staff about communications strategies including online and digital.

 

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing marketing plans to promote programs, events and/or initiatives that support strategic objectives
• Assessing needs and contributing to the development of communications goals
• Advising on marketing best practices and brand-building opportunities
• Writing and editing copy and content to advance communications objectives
• Building and strengthening relationships with stakeholders and partners of strategic importance
• Conducting detailed data analysis to inform management decision making
• Conducting photography and/or videography shoots
• Consulting with clients regarding the development of project scope and resources

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, web communications, marketing or related field, or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating capacity for web writing/design.
• Minimum five years' recent and related experience in public relations and digital communications.
• Technical experience with web site and newsletter design and maintenance and strategic communications experience are required.
• Demonstrated and comprehensive experience including writing, editing, researching and reporting – developing communication materials.
• Professional experience overseeing a variety of media and social media platforms (e.g. YouTube, Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram). Experience using social media to communicate with target audiences.
• Experience writing and editing content for news stories, videos, presentations, web and social media.
• Experience conducting photography and videography shoots.
• Experience with tracking communication metrics and website analytics and preparing statistical reports and evaluating and enhancing communication initiatives.
• Experience and understanding of best practices in accessible, user-centred design and content creation. Familiarity with current provincial accessibility guidelines; commitment to accessibility.
• Demonstrated experience translating academic/research matters into clear communications. Experience in managing stakeholders and vendor relationships, and providing direction and feedback to designers and developers during the design project.
• Understanding of the guiding principles of good user experience. Experience working with different CMS tools. Expertise using digital analytics (Google Analytics).
• Superior communication skills (oral and written); demonstrated writing skills for various formats, both print and web, with outstanding copyediting and proofreading skills.
• Superior skills with web and graphic design software, InDesign, Illustrator, Image editing tools, e-newsletter tools and PowerPoint.
• Conceptual and working knowledge of content management systems is required. Ability to code (eg, intermediate understanding of html).
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to follow online communications trends and technologies.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational skills and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. Excellent public-service orientation and evidence of effective teamwork.
• Demonstrated ability to perform duties independently and carry out projects of varying complexity for extended periods of time.
• Willingness to develop and share technological expertise. Must be creative, resourceful and solutions-oriented; ability to manage priorities, multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Strong relationship management skills. Awareness of, and sensitivity to, diversity issues. Demonstrated ability to work successfully under pressure and consider revisions to copy from editors, supervisors and clients/content partners.
• Intermediate familiarity with search engine optimization (SEO). Attention to detail. “Digital First” mindset. Solid understanding of online reputation management and brand management. Commitment to deliver greater digital user experience and building properties that shape and develop overall brand of the organization, streamline services; make the organization more accessible; and raise overall awareness of the organization.
• Familiarity with development for mobile, as well as web properties and tools; understanding of opportunities and limitations of design for mobile.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Experience in an academic or education environment preferred.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop and related image management software and programming skills are an asset.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Communicator
• Insightful
• Problem solver
• Resourceful
• Self-directed
• Team player

Notes: This is a term appointment ending April 30, 2026. 

Closing Date: 07/29/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type: Budget - Term 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 13 -- $86,340. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $110,415. 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
Recruiter: Jennifer Tucker

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.