Union (USW Local 1998) Job Opportunity
Communications
Posting Date: November 17, 2025
Closing Date: November 25, 2025
Position Title: Senior Communications and Marketing Strategist
Department: Communications
Appointment Type: Continuing
Classification: USW PB 17
Salary: $106,257 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $135,881
Schedule: Full-time, 35 hours per week.
Victoria University is committed to equity in access to employment and a diverse and inclusive workplace. The University encourages applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. If you require accessibility accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department vic.hr@utoronto.ca
Position Summary:
This senior level position is focused on innovation and creativity in support of the goals of the Communication and Marketing Department. The Senior Communications and Marketing Strategist will lead major short-term and long-term projects, bringing creative, and evidence-based strategic direction ensuring strong project management, and qualitative and quantitative measurements. The incumbent will bring expertise in issues management and emergency preparedness communications. The successful candidate will think expansively, bringing fresh ideas and lead campaigns to increase the visibility of Victoria University’s brand and impact among its external and internal stakeholders, including students, alumni, academic community, staff, faculty and librarians and donors.
Required Qualifications:
Education
Bachelor’s degree in marketing/ communications, public relations, journalism, or related field, or an equivalent and relevant combination of education and experience
Experience
Minimum seven or more years in marketing/communications experience, preferably in a not-for-profit environment.
Project Management Professional designation, or extensive experience using project management tools.
Demonstrated experience and ability to appropriately deal with crisis and issues management communications. Training in the area of crisis management is preferred.
Adept at managing sensitive and potentially complex matters in post-secondary environment. This may include topics involving freedom of expression, academic freedom and hate speech.
Strong knowledge of the principles of emergency preparedness and business continuity planning.
Understanding of communications and marketing analytics, key performance indicators and tracking tools.
Experience with Change Management framework and leading communications for major change initiatives.
Experience in a multi-stakeholder environment, navigating diverse perspectives and interests.
Exemplary story writing skills, including narrative storytelling and experience in longer form writing.
High degree of proficiency working with MS Office Suite, and basic CMS editing for web updates.
Design skills to support visual storytelling using Canva or other platforms such as Indesign, Illustrator, Adobe Suite, etc.
Experience publishing newsletters and other print collateral including brochures, programs, posters and other promotional materials.
Knowledge of best practices and emerging trends in Communications and Marketing.
This position requires a strong sense of organization and an ability to work independently, exercising judgement and initiative in decision–making.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Project Management
Lead various long-term and short-term high impact communications and marketing projects such as website development, major internal change-management initiatives and capital redevelopment communications.
Lead cross functional initiatives that span digital, print, media and events to promote academic programs, research, student success and university priorities
Work with Director, Communications and Marketing and other senior leaders to develop effective communications strategies to support university changes (e.g. policy updates, structural changes, new technologies), expanding departmental capacity to address emerging needs.
Using advanced data analytics skills, measure, report and optimize communication and marketing channels across the organization.
Issues/Crisis Management
Identify internal and external developments that could escalate into reputational risks.
Collaborate with university leadership, legal counsel, and security or other key stakeholders to craft timely, accurate, and empathetic messaging to reinforce the university’s values and credibility. This may include social media monitoring and proposing a variety of response strategies.
Ensure clear, consistent communication with students, faculty, staff, librarians, alumni, media, and the public and tailor messages to each audience while maintaining transparency.
Serve as a media relations contact, managing inquiries from journalists around sensitive issues or crisis. Prepare press releases, talking points, and official statements. Work with member of management as required.
Participate in debriefs to evaluate communication effectiveness and update protocols for future incidents.
Communications Support for Emergency Preparedness
Develop and maintain emergency communication plans in coordination with the campus safety and emergency management team, including the creation of templates and protocols for alerts, warnings, and updates across multiple platforms (email, SMS, website, social media).
During emergencies, disseminate accurate, actionable information quickly, including status updates, safety instructions, and recovery guidance.
Ensure consistent messaging across all university communication channels, including internal systems and public-facing platforms.
Work with any incident commanders or authorities to ensure messaging is accurate, timely and appropriate. Messaging must be appropriate for the scope of the emergency and identification of relevant stakeholders is a key function of this role.
Ensure emergency communications are accessible to diverse audiences, including multilingual and disability-friendly formats.
Writing and Storytelling
Propel new ideas and tactics to strengthen Victoria University’s storytelling across its channels, including e-newsletters, print publications, social media and promotional materials.
Write compelling stories to be published across the University’s publications and channels.
Serve as Editor of the Vic Report, the University’s main print publication.
Serve as the main contact for Internal Communications including internal email and e-newsletter.
Review any material prepared by Divisions within Victoria University and provide input or recommend various approaches for marketing and/or communications to those seeking advice.
Pursue media relations opportunities to reinforce Victoria University’s position in thought-leadership.
Enhance the governance of Victoria University’s major shared communications vehicles such as website, and social media and e-communications software tools.
Mentorship and Team Building
Serve as a communications and marketing resource to members of the University.
Build and maintain a resource-rich message bank as a University-wide resource.
Provide editorial feedback and mentorship to members of the team as well as training to employees throughout the university to grow storytelling skills and opportunities.
TO APPLY:
Internal candidates are asked to submit their applications online by logging onto Dayforce. Please visit https://www.vicu.utoronto.ca/careers/ and click Internal Opportunities to login and apply.
External Candidates may proceed by clicking "Apply Now" above.
Victoria University thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
