Please refer to the How to Apply for a Job (for External Candidates) job aid for instructions on how to apply. If you are an active McGill employee (ie: currently in an active contract or position at McGill University), do not apply through this Career Site. Login to your McGill Workday account and apply to this posting using the Find Jobs report (type Find Jobs in the search bar). Position Summary: McGill University is seeking a Senior Communications Officer, for an ambitious new research initiative, "DNA to RNA: An Inclusive Canadian Approach to Genomic-based RNA Therapeutics " (D2R), that is supported by the Government of Canada’s Canadian First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) program and by funding from multiple other organizations over seven years, starting in 2023. D2R integrates complementary Canadian and international research strengths at McGill and D2R partners sites into a unified program designed to make D2R a global leader in the discovery, development and delivery of genomics-based RNA Therapeutics. Reporting to the D2R Director Administration, the Senior Communications Officer, leads media relations, external and internal communications, and the development and implementation of communications strategies and plans. The incumbent will be tasked with supporting the marketing, branding, and public affairs needs of D2R, while overseeing the website and day-to-day social media activity. In addition, s/he will act as liaison with D2R stakeholders and will plan and organize special events and projects in a manner consistent with the University’s mission and communications priorities. The Senior Communications Officer works closely with the communication teams within McGill in the Offices of Research and Innovation and Communication and External Relations and participates in a network of communications professionals for CFREF-funded initiatives across Canada. Primary Responsibilities: Communications and marketing management: Lead the creation of detailed communications and marketing plans to promote D2R research activities, managing the implementation of these plans by the D2R team. Provide senior professional communications and public relations expertise to build and enhance D2R and the relationships with partner organizations. Serve as the primary contact in the D2R support office for working collaboratively with and providing communications support to other internal units within McGill, including Research and Innovation (R+I), Communication and External Relations, Faculty-based communication teams, and with external partners. Participate in the development and implementation of policies and new communications initiatives that support the strategic direction of D2R by following new developments and trends in the field. Collaborate and interact with campus communications units and in-house designers, and coordinate production of communications and promotional materials (i.e., invitations, event schedules, banners, PowerPoint slides, on-line advertisements, and other targeted campaigns). Conduct research for press releases, messaging documents and other media-focused materials. Assist in the preparation of briefings, speeches, and presentations for the D2R Scientific leadership, the Director of Administration, and other senior administrators. Draft official correspondence on behalf of D2R. Attend senior-level communications and marketing meetings and represent D2R at internal and external meetings, as required. Digital media: Ensure the D2R web presence reflects best practices. Perform daily maintenance of site. Plan, conceptualize, and prepare content for a D2R e-newsletter. Manage the D2R mailing lists and handle the dissemination of various material. Oversee the management of D2R’s suite of websites, operationally and tactically, to ensure accuracy of content, effective communication in web design, accessibility, and optimization of user experience. Prepare and disseminate information concerning the D2R’s research, funding, events and other activities through press releases, web articles, ads, periodicals, brochures, posters, slides, and audio and visual communication media. Manage the D2R social media feed and monitors analytics for website activity and social media platforms to provide data-driven feedback and recommendations. Events and special projects: Responsible for the logistical planning and organization of D2R events such as an annual research symposium and other key events. Promote D2R events and ensure quality electronic and print material. Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities: Excellent creative writing, journalistic, marketing, and editing skills. Strong organizational skills. Exceptional attention to detail required in preparing documents that are consistently of the highest quality in terms of content, format, and design. Ability to work under pressure on multiple projects and meet strict deadlines. Experience in successfully developing and implementing communications plans in a higher education, health care or nonprofit environment. Self-motivated and a strong team player. Experience in a PC environment. Proven ability to work with computer applications and tools related to the field of communications (Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, social media, etc.), as well as databases and presentation software. Experience with photography, podcasting and/or video production an asset. Experience with Drupal and HTML. Background in health sciences/science an asset. English and French, spoken and written. As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer: Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible) Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible) Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) Competitive vacation policy Two (2) personal days Two (2) floating holidays Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day Paid time off over the December holiday period Tuition waver for regular employees and their dependents Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located. Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 on a scale of 0-4. For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here. This position is funded by CFREF Award entitled DNA to RNA: An Inclusive Canadian Approach to Genomic-based RNA Therapeutics (CFREF-2022-00045), and related funding from the Government of Quebec, with a project end date of February 28th, 2030, and will only be active for the duration of the research grant Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree 5 Years Related Experience / Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 06) $79,320.00 - $99,150.00 - $118,980.00 Job Profile: MPEX-COM3A - Internal External Relations - Senior Professional/Manager Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time) Supervisor: Senior Communications Officer Position End Date (If applicable): 2026-09-30 Deadline to Apply: 2025-05-30 McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca. Located in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future. McGill received a Platinum STARS rating in sustainability, is among Canada’s greenest employers, and is a top Montreal Employer. Grandescunt Aucta Labore. By work, all things increase and grow. Find a sense of purpose. Develop your future. Join us today.
