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 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 program and by funding from multiple other organizations over seven years, starting in 2023. Reporting to the Senior Communications Officer of the DNA to RNA initiative, the Communications Officer develops and implements communications plans intended to inform and engage internal and external publics. The incumbent will be tasked with the communications, marketing, branding, public affairs and event planning needs of D2R. In addition, they will act as liaison with stakeholders (researchers, senior officials, external McGill units, students), and will plan projects and develop plans in a manner consistent with the University’s mission and communications priorities. Primary Responsibilities: Develops and implements new communications plans based around D2R initiatives. Plans, films and edits video material promoting D2R initiatives and the D2R community. Photographs of D2R events. Prepares and disseminates information concerning D2R’s research, funding, events and other activities through web articles, news items, social media content, brochures, and other audio and visual communication media. Manages and designs communications and promotional materials (e.g., invitations, event schedules, banners, PowerPoint slides, visuals for social media). Write press releases, message house templates and other media-focused materials. Assists in the preparation of briefings and speeches for the D2R’s Chief Scientific Officer, Director of Administration and other senior administrators. Identifies opportunities for D2R’s online and social media presence to develop new content and increase engagement with the D2R brand. Prepares and disseminates the D2R e-newsletter and manages D2R mailing lists. Monitors and studies analytics data for the D2R website, newsletters and social media to provide data-based recommendations and implement improvements. Ensures D2R branding guidelines are upheld in all communications materials and in communications materials from partners. Organize and plan D2R events such as an annual research symposium and other key events. Collaborates with communications teams in the Office of the Vice-President (Research & Innovation) to ensure that D2R is appropriately represented in all external and internal publications. Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities: Experience in successfully developing, implementing and evaluating communications plans in a higher education, healthcare or nonprofit environment. Creativity and ability to see communications and marketing issues from multiple perspectives and provide recommendations to achieve results. Excellent journalistic writing and editing skills. Experience in photography and video production. Ability to conduct interviews (online and in person) to produce high-quality articles and video interviews on topics related to D2R and its funded researchers. Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team; exceptional interpersonal skills. Strong organizational skills; detail-oriented; able to anticipate possible difficulties, troubleshoot and implement solutions. Proven ability to work with computer applications and tools related to the field of communications, including Adobe Suite, Envoke, Microsoft Office, social media, and Drupal. Background in marketing, media relations and PR 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 3 Years Related Experience / Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 04) $63,810.00 - $79,760.00 - $95,710.00 Job Profile: MPEX-COM2A - Internal External Relations - Professional 2 Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time) Supervisor: Senior Communications Officer Position End Date (If applicable): 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.
