Senior Content Specialist

Integrated Strategy and Planning (ISP) creates strategic communications and marketing plans to engage McGill’s stakeholders and raise the University’s overall visibility.

Working with units within and outside Communications and External Relations, we ensure communication reinforces McGill’s brand positioning and focuses on its priorities. We align communications strategy to support the objectives of Government Relations and Community Relations.

Position Summary:
This role, reporting to the Senior Director, Integrated Strategy and Planning, creates and oversees the creation of engaging and effective communications content related to key strategic priorities of the University.

You will have expert knowledge of how to effectively engage with audiences in a variety of formats and platforms while delivering communications that are strategic and on point with key messages. Working closely with teams within Communications and External Relations (CER) and units across McGill, you will play a vital role in ensuring that communications content aligns with the strategic goals of both CER and the University as a whole.

Primary Responsibilities:

In collaboration with the Senior Director, Integrated Strategy and Planning, develop strategic communication plans, short-term communication goals and refine messaging for key institutional priorities.
Create, or oversee the creation of, engaging content across a wide variety of formats and platforms to bring to life the University’s strategic priorities and messaging, including those of the Principal.
Brief, influence, coach, guide and provide senior professional expertise to content creators within Communication and External Relations (CER) and across McGill, as well as freelancers, as to how to illustrate strategic priorities and messaging through engaging and creative communications materials.
Work with faculties and units, as well as colleagues within CER, to find creative initiatives and examples that best illustrate strategic priorities and messaging; develop effective positioning for those stories.
Conduct background research to develop an in-depth understanding of the priorities and concerns of key audiences, working with external consultants as necessary.
Research, fact-check, write and edit materials (such as articles, reports, presentations, op-eds, online content, etc.) as required.
Provide senior professional expertise to production teams to ensure the creation of high-quality strategic content, and the consistency of messaging and tone across all platforms.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree.
5 years related experience.
Excellent understanding of communications strategy combined with a strong creative approach to storytelling, writing and content strategy.
Excellent knowledge of internal and external communications platforms and channels in a University environment.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and plan effectively.
Demonstrated ability to craft relevant, compelling, persuasive English-language copy and communications materials.
Experience in managing communications, graphic design and/or video projects a significant asset.
Familiarity with office software.
Fluency in English (written and spoken) and French (spoken). Written French a strong asset.