Posting Summary

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Purpose:
With a focus on innovation, creativity and data-based decision making, the Director, Communications is responsible for providing strategic communications leadership and vision for the Division in support of the strategic priorities for the Division and in support of the priorities of York University. The Director will report directly to the Senior Executive Officer (SEO), and indirectly to the Chief Communications & Marketing Officer (CCMO) in Communications & Public Affairs (C&PA) to enable strategic, University-wide collaboration, strategy development and ensure units are aligned and integrated. The Director leads and bolsters their team in the proactive development, enhancement and successful execution of communications and culture initiatives, events, and tactics, and promotes ongoing communication with students, faculty and instructors, staff, and other key audiences. The Director champions the development and promotion of a strong, cohesive, and effective Divisional narrative and identity. The incumbent ensures that DFA communications and marketing are aligned and support both the University's and DFA's goals and objectives and are developed and executed in collaboration with campus stakeholders including the President's Office, Communications & Public Affairs (C&PA), other central communicators, Faculties and units. The Director is a member of the DFA senior leadership team and as such is involved in ongoing often confidential executive level discussions to gain a full understanding and to stay abreast of business objectives, academic priorities and major issues facing DFA. The Director is accountable for developing and implementing a strategic communications plan for DFA that is consistent with and reflective of the Division's Strategic direction and culture. The Director, leading a communications shared service, supporting divisional operating units as well as the Divisional office provides relevant strategic communications advice and counsel and synthesizes qualitative and quantitative data from relevant sources to identify potential communication opportunities, challenges, implications, and solutions for the Division. The Director writes, edits, and produces communications materials that generate awareness, understanding and support for the Division's key initiatives contributing to enhancing institutional reputation.

Education:
University degree (preferably a Master's degree) in communications, journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience plus specialized training in project management and change management is strongly preferred.

Experience:
Minimum 6 years experience in progressively responsible and related positions with demonstrated experience in strategic communications. Experience working in large complex organizations, preferable in the Post Secondary Education Sector. Demonstrated experience in website management, reputation and brand management, and overall success in profile building and the creation of innovative, successful, communications strategies.

Skills:
Thorough knowledge and understanding of strategic communications planning including social and digital media.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with partner groups to influence and provide strategic communications advice, counsel, and support.
Demonstrated experience in developing communication plans.
Demonstrated leadership.
Strong strategic planning and project management skill.
Professional demeanor 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 and topics including Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and organizational culture.
Excellent editing and copy-writing skills with the ability to streamline and standardize communications written by a variety of authors.
Must be able to use communication skills to produce a wide range of materials to reach targeted internal and external audiences.
Must be service-oriented and 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.
Proven ability to handle politically sensitive issues and difficult situations in a calm, tactful, confidential, and diplomatic manner.
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 strong leadership, coaching, influencing and team building skills in order to foster, motivate and support an environment of high performance, trust and collaboration.
Proven financial management skills.
Proven competency in managing teams/people and achieving results.
Flexible and adaptable with excellent organizational, planning and project management skills.
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 importance 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:
Work is performed in an office setting (or remotely) with extended periods working on a computer and telephone.
Responds to adversarial/emotionally charged confrontations that are directed towards the incumbent personally because of their role in representing the interests of the department, and institution.
Work involves continuous restrictive and unpredictable deadline pressures and conflicting priorities Work pace cannot be controlled or predicted.
May work extended hours as a result of required deadlines and unpredictability of role (which can include evenings and weekends).

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*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.