Graduate Communications and Engagement Specialist
The specialist provides communication support to the Office of the Dean and graduate programs by managing digital channels, websites, and social media. They are responsible for creating compelling storytelling and promotional content to engage current and prospective graduate students.
- On-site
- Toronto, ON
- Posted Jul 20, 2026
- Apply by Aug 19, 2026
- 1 position
Job summary
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. Access Full Position Posting
What you’ll do
The specialist provides communication support to the Office of the Dean and graduate programs by managing digital channels, websites, and social media. They are responsible for creating compelling storytelling and promotional content to engage current and prospective graduate students.
Requirements
Candidates must have a university degree in communications, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience. At least two years of recent experience in digital media, content development, and social media management is required.
Listed skills
- Project managementPreferred
Other relevant skills
Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.
- Digital Media Management
- Content Development
- Social Media Management
- Web Navigational Design
- CRM (Dynamics 365, Salesforce)
- WordPress
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Google Analytics
- Sprout Social
- Mailchimp
- Multimedia Production
- AODA/WCAG Accessibility Standards
- Digital Advertising
- Email Marketing
- HTML/CSS
- Project Management
Job areas
- Marketing
- Creative & Media
- Education
- Art & Design
Additional details
- Minimum education
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum experience
- 2+ years
- Apply by
- Aug 19, 2026
- Posting language
- English
- Working hours
- 40 hours per week
- Seniority
- Not Applicable
