The DeGroote Heersink Hub is a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialization at McMaster University. Building on our strong foundation in healthcare innovation, we are expanding our impact by supporting innovators across all faculties , helping students, researchers, faculty members and entrepreneurs transform ideas into meaningful solutions with real-world impact.
Through our diverse portfolio of programs—including The Clinic , the Master of Biomedical Innovation (MBI) , ACE Bootcamps , Masterclass , innovation workshops and experiential learning opportunities—we foster collaboration, accelerate innovation and support the commercialization of discoveries that improve lives and strengthen communities.
We're looking for a creative, collaborative and adaptable Communications Coordinator to help tell these stories. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled communicator to create compelling content, elevate the DeGroote Heersink Hub brand, and showcase the people, programs and partnerships driving innovation across McMaster University.
Learn more about the DeGroote Heersink Hub and our programs at https://healthinnovation.mcmaster.ca
General Description: Responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating the strategic communications plan to enhance the overall profile of the department. This plan will include strategic marketing initiatives and incorporating new infrastructure to support communications activities within the department.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Develops, implements and evaluates the communications strategic plan for the department. Develops the infrastructure to support the communications strategy on an ongoing basis.
- Authors and designs communications materials such as annual reports and newsletters. Drafts press releases for review by relevant stakeholders prior to their release. Proofreads and edits various publications authored by other staff members.
- Conducts needs assessments and develops strategies to collect necessary information within the department to develop appropriate internal and external communications.
- Evaluates departmental website and makes necessary changes regarding graphic layout and content to reflect the needs assessment results.
- Plans and guides the development of an interactive departmental website.
- Plans the production and graphic design layouts of departmental publications and other communication tools.
- Deals with a wide variety of individuals inside and outside the organization, including responding to national and international inquiries received by the department.
- Coordinates media inquiries and connects media with relevant persons in the department.
- Provides support to fundraising efforts and event planning for corporate events through the creation of appropriate marketing materials.
- Assists with the development of departmental presentations for diverse audiences.
- Stays abreast of new technologies and developments in the field to ensure the communications plan is current and relevant.
Supervision:
Qualifications:
- 3 year Community College diploma in Marketing or related field.
- Requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
Assets:
The following skills and experience would be considered assets:
- Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills
- Storytelling and content development
- Social media platforms and content creation
- Website content management systems (CMS)
- Adobe Creative Suite and/or Canva
- Photography and videography
- Email marketing platforms
- Graphic design and visual communications
- Digital communications analytics
- Media relations
- Event communications
- Strong interpersonal and interviewing skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
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