Purpose The Division of Finance and Administration (DFA) is committed to providing professional, value-added services that enable and support York University's mission and vision. It strives to be recognized for service excellence by working collaboratively with community partners and creating a positive pan-university community experience in the pursuit of the University's goals and objectives. We recognize that people are our greatest enablers in delivering impactful services and in order to maximize our impact on the University, effective communications are the cornerstone to our success. With a focus on innovation, creativity and data-based decision making, the Director, Communications is responsible for providing strategic communications leadership and vision for the Division in support of the strategic priorities for the Division and in support of the priorities of York University. The Director will report directly to the Senior Executive Officer (SEO), and indirectly to the Chief Communications & Marketing Officer (CCMO) in Communications & Public Affairs (C&PA;) to enable strategic, University-wide collaboration, strategy development and ensure units are aligned and integrated. The Director leads and bolsters their team in the proactive development, enhancement and successful execution of communications and culture initiatives, events, and tactics, and promotes ongoing communication with students, faculty and instructors, staff, and other key audiences. The Director champions the development and promotion of a solid, cohesive, and effective Divisional narrative and identity.



The incumbent ensures that DFA communications and marketing are aligned and support both the University's and DFA's goals and objectives and are developed and executed in collaboration with campus stakeholders including the President's Office, Communications & Public Affairs (C&PA;), other central communicators, Faculties and units. The Director is a member of the DFA senior leadership team and as such is involved in ongoing often confidential executive level discussions to gain a full understanding and to stay abreast of business objectives, academic priorities and major issues facing DFA. The Director is accountable for developing and implementing a strategic communications plan for DFA that is consistent with and reflective of the Division's Strategic direction and culture. The Director, leading a communications shared service, supporting divisional operating units as well as the Divisional office provides relevant strategic communications advice and counsel and synthesizes qualitative and quantitative data from relevant sources to identify potential communication opportunities, challenges, implications, and solutions for the Division. The Director writes, edits, and produces communications materials that generate awareness, understanding and support for the Division's key initiatives contributing to enhancing institutional reputation.

Education University degree (preferably a Master's degree) in communications, journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience plus specialized training in project management and change management is strongly preferred.





Experience

Minimum 6 years experience in progressively responsible and related positions with demonstrated experience in strategic communications.

Experience working in large complex organizations, preferable in the Post Secondary Education Sector.

Demonstrated experience in website management, reputation and brand management, and overall success in profile building and the creation of innovative, successful, communications strategies.

Skills

Thorough knowledge and understanding of strategic communications planning including social and digital media.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate with partner groups to influence and provide strategic communications advice, counsel, and support.

Demonstrated experience in developing communication plans.

Demonstrated leadership.

Strong strategic planning and project management skill.

Professional demeanor and ability to exercise tact, judgement, confidentiality, discretion, and a high degree of political acuity.

Excellent oral and written communication skills to communicate effectively with a variety of diverse audiences and topics including Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and organizational culture.

Excellent editing and copy-writing skills with the ability to streamline and standardize communications written by a variety of authors.

Must be able to use communication skills to produce a wide range of materials to reach targeted internal and external audiences.

Must be service-oriented and high energy, with demonstrated initiative and analytical skill.

Ability to proactively manage a large and constantly fluctuating workload and to meet tight and unpredictable deadlines.

📌 Director, Communications (Toronto)
🏢 York University
📍 Toronto