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McGill University is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Communication Officer to lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communication strategy for the recently launched Nkabom Collaborative program in Ghana.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Director of the Secretariat, the Communication Officer will be responsible for ensuring effective and engaging communication with a diverse range of stakeholders, including researchers, academics, policymakers, practitioners, community members, donors, and the public in both Canada and Ghana. This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent writing, digital, and interpersonal skills, as well as a passion for translating information into accessible and compelling narratives.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Create and execute a comprehensive multi-year communication strategy aligned with the Collaborative's goals and objectives, encompassing internal and external communication.
- Develop engaging and informative content across various platforms, including website content, newsletters, social media updates, press releases, reports, presentations, videos, and infographics.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of the Collaborative's website and other digital platforms, ensuring content is up-to-date, user-friendly, and reflects the initiative's brand.
- Develop and implement communication plans for engaging diverse stakeholders, including organizing events, workshops, and webinars, and preparing tailored communication materials.
- Facilitate effective internal communication among the Collaborative's research teams, partners, and stakeholders at McGill and local partners in Ghana.
- Ensure consistent messaging across all communication materials, adhering to the guidelines of both McGill and the Foundation.
- Demonstrate sensitivity and adaptability in communicating across cultural contexts.
- Willingness to travel to Ghana and other African Countries periodically (as needed and when feasible).
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in communication roles, preferably within an academic, research, non-profit, or international development context.
- Proven experience in developing and implementing successful communication strategies.
- Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging content for diverse audiences.
- Strong digital communication skills, including website management (e.g., WordPress), social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp), and email marketing tools.
- Experience with visual communication tools (e.g., Canva) and multimedia content creation (e.g., basic video editing) is an asset.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative and cross-cultural environment.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative and cross-cultural environment.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Experience working in or with organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa is an asset.
Skills and Competencies:
- Ability to develop long-term communication plans aligned with organizational goals.
- Clear, concise, and persuasive written and oral communication across various media.
- Expertise in managing online platforms and utilizing digital communication tools.
- Ability to build strong relationships and work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Sensitivity and adaptability in communicating across different cultural contexts.
- Ability to plan, organize, and execute communication projects effectively.
- Ability to identify and address communication challenges creatively.
- Ability to work independently and proactively.
- Proficiency in both French and English
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Proven sense of priority and urgency.
- Ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines on multiple dossiers, in the context of changing priorities.
- Knowledge of commonly used project management software and technical tools.
- Must be able and willing to travel to Ghana and other African Countries periodically (as needed and when feasible).
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, , Information Technology, Web Development, Public Relations, Marketing, International Development, or a related field, preferred.
- A master’s degree is an asset.
As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:
- Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
- Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
- Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
- Competitive vacation policy
- Two (2) personal days
- Two (2) floating holidays
- Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
- Paid time off over the December holiday period
- Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
- Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree 3 Years Related Experience /
(MPEX Grade 04) $64,770.00 - $80,960.00 - $97,150.00
Job Profile:
MPEX-COM2A - Internal External Relations - Professional 2
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Director to the Secretariat of the Nutrition and Sustainable Agri-food Collaborative
Position End Date (If applicable):
2025-07-11
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.
