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Communications Specialist, PICCABR and ECI Initiatives

Department: Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI)
Start date: ASAP
End date: Up to 8 months
Hours of work per week: 36.25 hours/week
Position type: Full time
Rate of pay: $42 per hour
Work location: Hybrid (2 to 3 days per week required on campus)

About Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)

At the intersection of mind and action, TMU is on a transformative path to becoming Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous Peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

As an employer, we’re working towards a people first culture and are proud that in 2023, Forbes ranked TMU the top Canadian employer for diversity. To learn more about our work environment and innovative educational environment, visit the TMU website; @TorontoMet (external link)  on Twitter; and visit TMU’s LinkedIn page (external link) .

About the Presidential Implementation Committee to Confront Anti-Black Racism (PICCABR)

Toronto is home to dynamic Black, African, Caribbean, and African Canadian communities. We believe that increased representation of and by these communities will be a positive contribution to our university and student body. In response to the Anti-Black Racism Campus Climate Review Report launched in 2020, the Presidential Committee to Confront Anti-Black Racism (PICCABR) was appointed and tasked with developing outcomes-based action plans to drive the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report, and by extension, create the conditions necessary to foster inclusive excellence and Black flourishing across the university.

The university and PICCABR is committed to acting on the recommendations of the report to address historical imbalances in Black student, faculty and staff representation at the university. Moreover, the university has committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment to recruit, retain, engage, and support Black faculty and staff. To that end, we particularly welcome applications from members of the community who identify as Black.

The work of the PICCABR is led by three Executive Co-Chairs who are supported by a project management team, three working groups, and a student advisory body. PICCABR also works closely with the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI). The OVPECI works to ensure that equity, diversity, and inclusion are a central focal point for the University community through strategic initiatives, programs, reports and partnerships. Since its creation in 2012, the OVPECI has fostered dialogue and established a strong campus presence that provides a range of consultation services, educational events and resources. To learn more about us visit the OVPECI website and Confronting Anti-Black Racism website.

We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, and that intersect with those who identify as Black and other racialized communities including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples, Indigenous Peoples of North America, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

The opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Communications Specialist, PICCABR and ECI Initiatives to fill a short-term contract on our team. Under the direction of the Manager, Communications, OVPECI and the Program Manager, PICCABR, as well as with guidance from University Relations and Central Communications, the Communications Specialist provides communications support to the PICCABR and OVPECI. The candidate will write, edit and create a wide range of communications materials, including online and print creative, ensuring responsibility for consistency in voice and messaging, accuracy and clarity in writing and alignment with university branding standards. The position also supports the development and implementation of the unique PICCABR and OVPECI brand and voice.

This position reports directly to the Communications Manager, OVPECI with a dotted line to the PICCABR Program Manager, who will act as a secondary supervisor on specific projects. This position also receives work direction from the Co-Chairs of the PICCABR.  

Responsibilities

  • Creates communications that are aligned to key milestones for PICCABR and OVPECI, including web content, HTML emails, newsletter articles, speaking notes, presentations, brochures, social media content and other electronic and print materials.
  • Ensures consistency with key messages, university branding and accessibility best practices.
  • Gathers and verifies information and research to produce communications.
  • Develops, edits and produces drafts and final copy in consultation with key stakeholders and coordination with clients.
  • Creates graphic designs and collaborates with graphic designers and photographers.
  • Builds communication plans and campaigns that are aligned to key milestones and provides communications support and strategic communications advice to the PICCABR and OVPECI’s projects, initiatives, brand, etc, and works closely with Central Communications and University Relations to ensure alignment.
  • Prepares strategies and content for social media platforms using evaluation metrics (e.g. Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, etc.). 
  • Assists in developing and maintaining the content of the PICCABR and OVPECI website and provides web support through the content management system and email system.
  • Assists in developing key messages, remarks, media briefings, presentations for senior administrators or co-chairs, or other internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ensures consistency of messages in PICCABR and OVPECI communications and alignment with the university communications strategies and messaging.
  • Supports with communication and event planning and execution for key OVPECI events
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications 

Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

  • Successful completion of a post-secondary degree in Communications, Journalism, Professional Writing, Marketing or a related discipline.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience in communications-related roles including: 
    • Planning and executing tactical communications plans, involving channels like social media, news media, newsletters and email marketing tools, with a proven track record of creativity and innovative thinking.
    • Creating inspiring, creative and cohesive communication strategies and plans that illustrate the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, like inclusive excellence and Black flourishing.
    • Lived experience in areas that encompass PICCABR/OVPECI with a proven ability to work sensitively with people of diverse backgrounds who experience discrimination, marginalization and oppression.
  • Experience working and/or volunteering in an advocacy, social-justice environment, organization, group, non-profit whose priorities and objectives are aligned with the practice and principles of anti-oppression, anti-racism, social justice and equity.
  • Passion and commitment to life-long learning, challenging the status quo and change management.
  • Experience and/or knowledge of historically marginalized groups and organizations, including but not limited to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada; people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions; people with disabilities; newcomers and immigrants, are an asset. 
  • Ability to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the ever-changing current and emerging issues, especially those related to anti-Black racism.
  • Superior oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write and edit materials including reports, FAQs, memos, speaking notes, quickly, accurately, and with flair to synthesize key messages.
  • Proficient skills working with Google Workspace (e.g. Docs, Sheets, Slides, Keep, Forms, Jamboard, etc); management and scheduling tools; and web content management systems.
  • Proficient graphic design skills and working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud applications including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop.
  • Excellent research and project coordination skills.
  • Knowledge and understanding of social media platforms and social media management platforms and trends.
  • Proactive, flexible and collaborative approach to work; tact and diplomacy; sound judgment; and strong interpersonal skills.
  • Strong attention to detail with an ability to prioritize, multitask and work to deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

How to apply

Please send applications (cover letter, resume and work samples or a portfolio) to Melissa Yu Vanti (Communications Manager, Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion) at melyuvanti@torontomu.ca. Please include the job title “Communications Specialist, PICCABR and ECI Initiatives'' in the subject line.

Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

  • We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at james13@torontomu.ca.
  • Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
  • We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process,please reach out to Human Resources: 
  • All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.