This job offer is closed.

NOTE:  This posting represents a five (5) year full-time contract position.

SCOPE

Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the incumbent is responsible for enhancing the public profile of Concordia University by strategically positioning the institution through proactive PR as well as managing and protecting Concordia’s reputation and reputational risk. He/she provides mentorship and guidance to senior leadership, university communicators, faculty members and staff in their interactions with the media while acting daily as the University’s spokesperson and ensuring relationships with journalists locally, nationally and internationally are strong.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop and foster extensive contacts with news organizations, the student press, and other external groups that may have an impact on Concordia’s reputation and public profile.
  • Develop strategies to promote the university through the media and social media.
  • Develop crisis management strategies and tactics; monitor and anticipate potential crises and work with internal stakeholders to mitigate potentially negative issues and manage the media in crisis situations.
  • Identify, prepare and train appropriate individuals to speak on certain institutional issues and to the media.
  • Represent the university as official spokesperson in dealings with external media, the student media, and other external bodies.
  • Advise and support the members of the senior administration, as well as other university representatives (faculty, researchers and staff), on relations with the media and on appropriate communication strategies.
  • Prepare, edit and/or proofread official university statements and messaging on institutional/organizational issues.
  • Oversee and manage the team, establishing performance measurements, short and long-term strategies for enhancing visibility, and nimble tactics to ensure placement of stories.
  • Recognize and seize potential media relations opportunities and communicate them to the local, national and international media.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the primary responsibilities and at least seven years of experience in corporate or large institutional communications including experience as a spokesperson. Knowledge of the higher education sector highly desirable.
  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with proven managerial and team leadership skills.
  • Tact, courtesy, creativity, diplomacy and good judgment, with superior negotiation skills.
  • Flexible, creative thinker, open to new ideas and changing priorities within a fast-paced organization.
  • Sound organizational skills and organizational agility.
  • Strong leadership, interpersonal and team building skills in order to motivate and influence at all levels.
  • Experience working with and advising senior management.
  • Proven ability to set priorities and to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to meet client expectations.
  • Advanced knowledge and understanding of current and emerging requirements and practices in communications; Knowledge of strategic communications concepts, principles, methodology and techniques.
  • Ability to effectively work with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Hands-on knowledge of and experience with the social media landscape is essential.
  • Ability to use communication software and applications in a computerized, networked environment. Good knowledge (Intermediate level) of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Very good knowledge of spoken and written English and French (Level 5) in order to communicate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.

Please send your curriculum vitae with a covering letter by February 6, 2017.

IMPORTANT: The language and computer skills of short-listed candidates will be tested.

Concordia University is committed to Employment Equity and encourages applications from women, aboriginal peoples, visible minorities, ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities.

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