Purpose:
The Graduate Communications & Engagement Specialist provides essential support to both, the Office of the Dean and graduate programs, ensuring effective, accessible, and consistent communications across various communication platforms. Reporting to the Associate Director, Communications & Digital Engagement, the role maintains and updates graduate program websites, social media accounts, and various other digital channels while adhering to Faculty of Graduate Studies's and York University's branding and accessibility standards and guidelines.The role is responsible for creating compelling storytelling that will engage a variety of demographics and with a focus on graduate students' engagement. Initiatives are varied and include communication to current and prospective graduate students in Canada and internationally as well as to general public to engage, educate and inform. Content includes promotional activities and various events with an emphasis on marketing Faculty of Graduate Studies and various graduate programs at York University to public.The Graduate Communications & Engagement Specialist supports the vision, mission, values and strategic direction of the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) and York University, and contributes to a positive, supporting, inclusive, and graduate student-focused team environment of high performance, respect, trust, collaboration and continuous improvement, embracing diversity, decolonization, and fostering inclusion. The role is a critical resource for both the Office of the Dean and graduate programs in the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Education:
University degree in communications, digital media, marketing, or related field or an equivalent of four (4) years recent experience (defined as within the last five years) working at York University and performing the same or similar tasks. This education equivalency is in addition to the minimum required years of experience outlined below.
Experience:
Two (2) years recent related experience in the areas of communication, digital media, web navigational design, content development, marketing, and social media management tools. Experience working on content-driven (vs graphics-driven) communication. Experience creating newsletters or compiling written materials such as community stories, handbooks, or procedural documents. Experience with event communications support, including promotion and digital signage. Experience supporting online student communities and digital engagement initiatives. Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, specifically Dynamics 365 and Salesforce.
Skills:
Effective communication skills.
Ability to create clear, engaging, and accurate content for digital platforms.
Effective attention to detail and accuracy in all communications and digital content.
Ability to gather, organize, and synthesize information using multiple tools, including online research.
Effective customer service skills, with the ability to respond professionally to inquiries from students, faculty, and team members.
Effective organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, calendars, and deadlines.
Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to escalate complex inquiries appropriately.
Effective team player with a commitment to providing quality customer service in a timely manner.
Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to assist faculty and team members with design and digital resource creation.
Commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative team environment.
Intermediate level with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), including the ability to use digital collaboration tools, shared inboxes.
Ability to use reporting/analytics tools such as Excel, Google Sheets.
Ability to use paid digital advertisement platforms (Google Ads, LinkedIn Ads, Meta Ads, YouTube Ads).
Ability to manage and update websites using web content tools (CMS), specifically WordPress (Gutenberg Editor).
Ability to use analytics tools, including Google Analytics and Sprout Social, for monitoring website and social media performance.
Ability to use Photoshop, Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (FireFly, Premiere Pro, Audition, Lightroom, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver).
Ability to use Acrobat Pro and Macromedia Flash.
Ability to use social media management tools, such as Meta Business Suite, and email campaign platforms like Mailchimp.
Ability to produce multimedia content, including photography, video capture, and basic video editing.
Knowledge of content management principles, procedures, software and web back end and IT structure.
Knowledge of accessibility standards, including the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Knowledge of branding, accessibility, and communication standards.
Knowledge of social media trends, engagement strategies, and content optimization.
Knowledge of additional CMS or website platforms (e.g., Drupal) and HTML/CSS for minor edits.
Additional Notes:
This position requires the candidate to produce a verification of degree(s), credentials(s), or equivalencies from accredited institutions and/or international equivalents at the time of interview.
If you are a current York University employee in the YUSA-1 bargaining unit and/or are using your job posting rights under the collective agreement to view and apply for jobs, you must apply through the Employee Career Portal - YU Hire to be considered an internal applicant.
As per Article 12.02(f) of the YUSA-1 Collective Agreement, to be considered an internal applicant, employees in the YUSA-1 bargaining unit must submit the application 5 working days following the first day of posting. This is referred to as the 'Posted Date' on the job posting. Please refer to the 'Posting Intent' on the job posting.
The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities (racialized), Indigenous Peoples and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation. York University is committed to a positive, supportive and inclusive environment.
York University offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you are contacted by York University regarding a job opportunity or testing, please advise if you require accommodation.
We are committed to enhancing our environmentally and socially responsible practices for the benefit of all members of the York community. Our long term perspective recognizes our responsibility to be innovators and to continually work as a community to reduce our ecological impact.
York University employees must apply to jobs through the Employee Career Portal - YU Hire. If you are a current York University employee and/or are using your rights under a collective agreement to view and/or apply to jobs, you MUST log into YU Hire to access the York University Employee Career Portal.
PLEASE NOTE: This job posting is for an existing vacancy. Applications must be received by 11:55 pm EST on the posted deadline date, if applicable. Posting deadlines can be updated, or modified, at any time based on hiring needs. Please refer to the York U Career Portal when confirming posting deadlines.
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