Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Job Title

Communications Officer (Hybrid) (8 month appointment)

Job ID

71100

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

07/30/2025

Job Type

Short Term Employee

Close Date

08/06/2025

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

DSB Marketing & Communications

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 9

Salary Range

$30.84 - $47.65 (hourly)

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm (Hybrid schedule)

Education Level

Bachelor’s degree Communications, Marketing, or related field.

Career Level

Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

Location

McMaster Main Campus, Hamilton

Anticipated Start Date

August 25, 2025

Employment Type

Short Term Employee (STE)

Union, Job Code

UNIFOR, Local No. 5555 (Unit 1), JD1253

Duration

8 Month Appointment

Job Description

Unit Description:

This role provides communications support for storytelling efforts across the DeGroote School of Business with a particular focus on research content

The DeGroote School of Business (DSB) has developed a reputation for innovative programs, and teaching and research excellence. DSB offers undergraduate, professional and research-focused graduate programs across two campuses (Hamilton and Burlington) to more than 4,000 students and includes several interdisciplinary programs.

DeGroote’s strategic plan prioritizes McMaster’s five strategic pillars of Inclusive Excellence, Teaching and Learning, Research Excellence, Community Engagement and Operational Excellence. The Faculty has placed a priority on fostering inclusive excellence in everything we do, across our community of stakeholders.

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for the planning, development and implementation of all communications to enhance the overall profile of a department, group, or academic unit. Completes analysis and reporting for all communication vehicles within the unit.

PURPOSE AND KEY FUNCTIONS:

• Completes annual needs assessments and writes business plans which includes the development of communication and strategic plans and objectives.
• Conducts in-depth interviews of project stakeholders and participants requiring awareness of the nuances of the answers received before proceeding to the next stage in the interview.
• Facilitates meetings with project stakeholders and participants.
• Develops project specific budgets for review and approval by management.
• Develops plans regarding statistical reporting of communication methods including setting timelines and recommending key performance indicators.
• Writes annual reports with quantitative data, key performance indicators, recommendations, and budgets for review and approval by management.
• Writes content of communication materials.
• Develops and maintains social media platforms as identified in the business plan.
• Provides recommendations on software and hardware needed to ensure efficient implementation of the plan, including associated budget requirements.
• Oversees the design and maintenance of the program website.
• Monitors and analyzes performance of interactive websites and recommends changes. Develops and maintains relationships with key stakeholders on campus.
• Liaises with internal and external colleagues and collaborators. Sources vendors and obtains pricing information.
• Provides training to other staff on communication platforms.
• Provides advice to staff regarding e-communication software and best practices. Attends and participates in a variety of meetings.
• Remains current with frequent developments in social media platforms and trends in the communication field.

SUPERVISION:

• Ongoing responsibility for supervising up to 9 casual employees at any one time.

ASSETS:

• Using social media for relationship building, outreach and promotion.

• Developing content for LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

• Marketing communications for a post-secondary institution.

• Working on website development with a variety of content management systems, including WordPress.

• Understanding and creating online content with a focus on the user experience.

• Liaising with media, advertising and professional print and web designers.

• Responding to media inquiries through various mediums.

• Participating on committees related to marketing, communications and branding within the organization.

• Kindly note that occasional travel as well as evening and weekend work will be required as part of this position.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.