Communications Manager Sep

Purpose:

York University's Service Excellence Program (SEP) builds on the work completed in Service Transformation to achieve York's Vision for Service Excellence and enable the UAP. SEP is a multi-year implementation program of process redesign, culture change and operational improvement, introducing sector best-practice approaches to administrative service improvements.SEP is transforming how people at York interact and work to facilitate student, faculty, and staff success through improved service quality, strengthened service culture and simpler, faster, more efficient services. The University has made a significant financial and strategic investment in this program. SEP will involve and impact the entire University community, as it is transforming business processes, structures, and is delivering an improved service delivery infrastructure that will enable the University to achieve the goals identified in the UAP. Reporting to the Director, Organizational Change Management, Service Excellence Project Management Office, indirectly to the Director, Strategic & Internal Communications (C&PA), and working closely with the Director, Communications in the Division of Finance & Administration (DFA), the Communications Manager, SEP is involved in ongoing and often confidential discussions to gain a full understanding and to stay abreast of project objectives, priorities and major issues facing SEP. They are accountable for developing and implementing a strategic communications plan for SEP that is aligned with the University's current priorities, strategic direction and culture. They provide relevant strategic communications advice and counsel to SEP leadership and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data from relevant sources to identify potential communication opportunities, challenges, implications, and solutions for SEP. They are responsible for writing, editing, and producing communications materials that generate awareness, understanding and support for the project's key initiatives. They are responsible for identifying and sharing with C&PA any risks related to SEP that may affect the University's internal or external reputation. They will champion the development and promotion of a strong and effective communication culture that is consistent with the University brand. Through a collaborative and close working relationship with the University's central Communications & Public Affairs Division (C&PA), they will ensure efforts are complementary and aligned to the broader University strategic objectives and communications plan.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

• Minimum 5-7 years' experience in progressively responsible and related positions with demonstrated experience in strategic communications.
• Demonstrated experience in developing communication plans.
• Project management experience required.

Skills:
Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of strategic communications planning including social and digital media.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with partner groups to influence and provide strategic communications advice, counsel, and support.

Skills

• Demonstrated leadership, strong strategic planning, and project management skill. Professional demeanour and ability to exercise tact, judgement, confidentiality, discretion, and a high degree of political acuity.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to communicate effectively with a variety of diverse audiences.
• Excellent editing and copy-writing skills with the ability to streamline and standardize communications written by a variety of authors.
• Ability to synthesize and simplify complex information for a variety of audiences.
• Must be able to use communication skills to produce a wide range of materials to reach targeted internal and external audiences.
• Service-oriented. high energy, with demonstrated initiative and analytical skill.
• Ability to proactively manage a large and constantly fluctuating workload and to meet tight and unpredictable deadlines.
• Ability to deal with a wide range of internal stakeholders in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building.
• Superior interpersonal, decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and to collaborate and participate effectively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated initiative and analytical ability with strong research and presentation skills.
• Ability to process, synthesize and present information/ recommendations/ plans to a varied audience. Strong commitment to and understanding of the mission, values, and goals of the University.
• Excellent presenter and persuasive speaker with the ability to tell a story based on data and hypothesis. Strong experience working with MS Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), WordPress, design and publishing software, (e.g. Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator).
• Experience writing for online channels, web, and the development of web-based communications. Experience with creating and identifying quality social media content related to academic or non-profit organizations is preferred. Demonstrated grasp of evolving communication channels, including emerging new media.
• Must be highly organized and able to deliver priorities, have sound knowledge of editorial and journalistic principles.

Additional Notes:
Please note: This position requires the candidate to produce verification of degree(s), credential(s) or equivalencies from accredited institutions and/or international equivalents.

• Compensation:

York's CPM Compensation Framework has a salary grid consisting of 6 or 8 steps (depending on job grade) which is reviewed annually with possible adjustments, and a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award. Employees will receive the grid adjustment and depending on performance, eligible permanent employees may move to the next step of the grid and may receive a lump sum Performance Based Recognition Award.Visit the CPM Compensation page on the HR Website to find out more about York's CPM Compensation Program.