Job ID

76220

Job Title

Communications Assistant

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

2026/05/14

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

2026/05/28

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

Surgery

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 6

Salary Range

$26.99 - $38.03 (hourly)

Job Code

JD1142

Existing Vacancy

Yes - Newly Created Position

Contract Duration

12.3 Months

Target Number of Openings

1

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Education Level

3 year Community College Diploma in Communications or Multimedia Design.

Career Level

Requires 2 years of related experience.

Anticipated Fill Date

ASAP

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.

JD #

JD01142

Pay Grade:

6

Title:

Communications Assistant

Unit/Project Description:

The Communications Assistant is a key member of the Department of Surgery responsible for developing, curating, and sharing engaging

content that highlights departmental news, events, achievements, and strategic initiatives across the website, weekly newsletter, and social media

platforms to expand the Department’s presence within the Faculty of Health Sciences. Working closely with faculty, staff, and departmental stakeholders,

the role involves gathering stories on site, producing accessible AODA-compliant materials, and ensuring all communications and marketing collateral

align with McMaster University’s brand standards. The role will also support branding oversight, create presentation and promotional materials,

and complete basic video editing for digital content. In addition, the role contributes to planning and delivering departmental events and maintains close

collaboration with the Faculty of Health Sciences Communications team as part of a community of practice. This position reports directly to the Director

of Administration.

This is a one-year contract position with a hybrid work arrangement that offers some flexibility for remote work. The role requires regular travel to hospital

sites across Hamilton and may occasionally involve work outside of standard business hours to support scheduled events and departmental activities.

About the Department of Surgery

Over its 50+ year history, the McMaster Department of Surgery has maintained a steadfast commitment towards thinking big and making it possible. We

are a Department with 11 surgical divisions and Royal College residency training programs; together, we are poised to unleash a future fueled by a

creative mindset and powered by our people.

The successful candidate will be bring a positive, solutions-focused mindset, as we collectively work towards achieving the Department Vision.

This Vision is based on 6 core tenets:

C.R.E.A.T.E.

Culture that includes

Research that impacts

Education that inspires

Advancement for all

Transformation through innovation & entrepreneurship

Excellence in patient care

About McMaster University

At McMaster University, our people are our most valuable asset. We strive to attract, develop, and retain the talented faculty and staff, and to foster

inclusive excellence which values the strengths, perspectives, and contributions of each individual. McMaster is recognized as one of the top employers

in the Hamilton/Niagara region and has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Diversity employers.

Working at McMaster University brings a robust total rewards package, which is more than just a salary. The elements and structure of the total rewards

packages vary by employee group but include:

• Employer Paid benefits including Extended Health, Dental, Emergency Out-of-Country Travel Coverage & Basic Life Insurance;
• Pension Plan Options & Post-Retirement Benefits;
• Training, coaching and professional development opportunities;
• Employee tuition assistance for development and education
• Opportunity to be a part of an academic environment working alongside professionals who share a passion for learning;
• Progressive paid annual vacation plan

Please see Total Rewards Overview for Unifor, Local 5555, Unit 1 for more Information.

https://hr.mcmaster.ca/resources/unifor-unit-1-total-rewards-overview/

Job Summary:

Organize and perform a full range of administrative duties that require a thorough understanding of established functions, policies, and procedures. Design multimedia content for print, web, social media and video in accordance with University brand guidelines. Plan and coordinate a variety of events. Responsible for providing direction to others in how to carry out work tasks.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Design multimedia content for print, web, social media and video in accordance with University brand guidelines.

• Collect and develop content for a variety of communications including but not limited to, newsletters, social media and press releases.

• Liaise with a variety of stakeholders to promote department in print and online, in cooperation with internal departments.

• Collect, analyze, assess and summarize information relevant to the decision making process and developing recommendations for final approval and implementation.

• Plan and coordinate a variety of events, conferences and activities.

• Prepare estimates of time and resources required for various events, conferences and activities.

• Greet visitors, answer or redirect general inquiries in person, by telephone and via email and respond independently to inquiries that are specific in nature and require a thorough knowledge of established policies and procedures.

• Complete travel expense reports, electronic cheque requisitions and purchase orders.

• Create a variety of documents including, but not limited to, correspondence, reports and procedure manuals.

• Monitor budgets, verify data and reconcile event accounts.

• Update and maintain information and content on websites and social networks.

• Resolve issues relating to events, committees and activities.

• Take meeting minutes for committee meetings.

• Apply standard mathematical skills such as calculations, formulas, and equations to perform a variety of calculations.

• Update and maintain confidential files and records.

• Handle sensitive material in accordance with established policies.

Supervision:

• Provide direction to others in how to carry out work tasks

• Ensures adherence to quality standards and procedures for short-term staff and volunteers

Requirements:

• 3 year Community College Diploma in Communications or Multimedia Design.
• Requires 2 years of related experience.

Assets:

• Website - experience/familiarity with content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress

• Ecomms - experience developing ecommunications and/or email marketing content using platforms such as Mailchimp or customer relationship management (CRM) platforms.

• Design - some graphic design experience in the adobe creative suite and Canva

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.

Vaccination Mandate - FHS

This position is located in a host hospital or other healthcare site that has an active vaccination mandate in place. Successful applicants will need to comply with these and any other health and safety measures necessary as part of their appointment.

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.