Job ID

76205

Job Title

Manager, Strategic Communications

Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

2026/05/21

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

2026/06/05

Employee Group

TMG

Favorite Job

Department

UA Advancement Communications

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Salary Grade/Band

Band J

Salary Range

$69652.00 - $104478.00 (annual)

Job Code

004997

Hiring Range

$69652.00 - $91331.00

Existing Vacancy

Yes - Newly Created Position

Contract Duration

24.4 Months

Target Number of Openings

1

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm

Education Level

A university degree (A McMaster degree is a Asset)

Career Level

Management

Job Description

Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Campaign Communications, the Manager, Strategic Communications plays a key role in advancing the University’s comprehensive campaign by creating high-impact communications that support donor cultivation, campaign events and compelling campaign cases. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic, audience-focused communications that build momentum, deepen engagement and reinforce the University’s philanthropic priorities across digital and live platforms.

With a strong emphasis on event-related communications, this position leads the creation of written and digital content that supports cultivation and stewardship events, including invitations, remarks, event messaging, post-event follow-up, and storytelling assets. The Manager, Strategic Communications, works closely with development, donor relations and institutional partners to translate campaign priorities into clear, persuasive narratives that resonate with donors, alumni, and key stakeholders. The role will assist with the execution of campaign-related marketing initiatives.

The role will support social and digital communications, planning and delivering timely, engaging content across social media, web and email channels to amplify campaign milestones, showcase impact and highlight donor stories. In a highly confidential environment, this role requires strong judgment, excellent writing and the ability to manage multiple priorities while supporting long-term campaign goals and time-sensitive events and engagements.

Accountabilities:

• Accountable for developing, implementing and maintaining efficient and effective University communications strategies, specifically related to digital media
• Responsible for planning and evaluating McMaster's communications as it relates to digital media
• Develops and implements communication strategies that support University initiatives
• Works in a complex environment with multiple functions including examining, reviewing and assessing long-term goals as well as immediate needs for communications in digital media platforms
• Build effective communication projects by linking and working with other units, departments and leaders within the University
• Responsible for the creation of project budgets
• Supervise the editorial content of the Daily News website and the official University social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr)
• Identify emerging communication trends and tools and position the University for success in these appropriate channels
• Play a key role in supporting the University's digital communications to internal and external groups. Requiring sound judgement and decision making abilities and a high level of confidentiality.
• Plays a key role supporting planning for the University, planning and issuing digital communications to help build and preserve the University's reputation. Requiring a high level of confidentiality.

Qualifications:

Education:

A university degree (A McMaster degree is a Asset)

Experience:

Strategic Communicator with 3-5 years relevant experience

Knowledge/Skills:

• Computer knowledge, with proven technical experience managing digital tools including: WordPress, Cold Fusion, Social Media analytics and Social Media tools
• Demonstrated success in areas of media relations, strategic internal and external communications and in all social media platforms
• Understanding of new media and evolving media environment
• Demonstrated exceptional research and writing skills
• Knowledge of electronic media and media monitoring systems
• Proven ability to create budgets and understand financial documents
• Excellent oral communication skills
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality
• Sound judgment and independent decision-making abilities
• Ability to lead, supervise and direct staff
• Ability to lead project teams and/or effectively contribute to a team. Strong project management skills
• Strong time management skills

Working at McMaster University

At McMaster, you will find a community of talented individuals who are inspired by the University’s Mission and the sense of purpose this mission brings. It is through these talented individuals, their creativity and drive for results that McMaster University has earned its reputation as being Canada’s “most innovative” University.

McMaster University strives to embody the values of integrity, quality, inclusiveness and teamwork, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. Building an inclusive community with a shared purpose is something that McMaster University prioritizes. They believe it is important for their workforce to reflect the diversity of their students and community. The diversity of their workforce is at the core of their innovation and creativity and is a key area that strengthens their research capabilities and teaching excellence.

Compensation & Benefits

To learn more about the total rewards available to the successful candidate, please access McMaster’s interactive guide with a summary of the compensation, benefits, retirement income, work life, development and career opportunities, and performance and recognition provisions offered at McMaster. To further explore the extensive total rewards program, detailed information can be accessed through the links throughout the guide. The starting salary will depend on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market conditions along with an excellent benefits package.

Pay Transparency Statement

The posted hiring range represents McMaster's typical hiring range for this position. Actual starting salary will depend on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market conditions.

Individuals with extensive experience, deep specialized expertise, and/or those who can demonstrate exceptional past performance, as applicable, may be hired at a higher rate within the full range, in accordance with the University compensation policies.

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.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.