Date Posted: August 16, 2024

Posting Deadline: September 27, 2024

Department: External Affairs

Type of Employment: Permanent, Full-time

Group Affiliation: APC Group, Group 7 ($76,431 - $98,500 annually)

At Saint Mary's University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University's success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Communications Manager, Media Relations and Issues Management to join our External Affairs team.

What we offer

As a team member at Saint Mary's, we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Defined Contribution Pension plan
• Vacation
• Personal days
• Flexible Workplace
• Professional development
• Holiday closure
• Summer hour schedule
• Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit

Job Information and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Associate Vice President of External Affairs, the Manager of Media Relations and Issues Management will:

• Provide leadership, strategic direction, and execution in key areas of media relations, issues management and communications for Saint Mary's University.
• Serves as the principal contact for media enquiries to the university, and plays a "gatekeeper" role, assigning the task for responding to the most appropriate department, subject matter expert and at times referring media enquiries to senior administrators for input and guidance from the highest levels of the university
• Take lead role in growing the reputation of the university by seeking out, covering and promoting positive stories about faculty, staff and students, research and outreach activities.
• Devise special public relations initiatives and collaborations with external and internal partners, to promote aspects of the university that advance its reputation and highlight strategic priorities
• Manage all aspects of day-to-day media relations activities including providing and responding to the media with a full understanding of deadline pressures
• Establish a formal communication process for issues management at the university
• Chair and contribute to various communications sub-committees that are formed to promote strategic priorities of the university regarding entrepreneurship, research, and others as appropriate

Experience and Education Requirements

To be the successful Manager of Media Relations and Issues Management you will have:

• Undergraduate degrees, with concentration in Public Relations, Communications or Journalism
• Minimum seven (7) years directly related experience
• List additional job requirements here
• Experience leading, directing peers and chairing committees
• Ability to research, process, organize and present information interestingly, and convincingly
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential material
• Ability to multitask, prioritize work assignments and deliver by the appropriate deadlines
• Excellent proof-reading skills
• Ability to work evenings and weekends, as required
• Ability to work independently, and in a team setting
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, web editing skills considered definite asset and current on social media

Application Details

Apply for this opportunity online using our online application system through Career Beacon. Click on "Apply Now" and complete all required information fields. Qualified candidates should submit the following with their application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Late applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Mary's University, equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Black/African Nova Scotians, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities and women. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected].