Content Specialist

at  McMaster University

CONTENT SPECIALIST - MCMASTER JOB POSTING

Do you have a way with words? Do you love creating stories that bring brands to life? Are you interested in creating a Brighter World through storytelling that shows how McMaster University is making an impact Join the Communications team at McMaster University as a Content Specialist. Our team works closely with the Marketing team to write compelling stories and other content for a variety of external audiences across our news site and marketing channels. From brand awareness and reputation to international recruitment, the need to share authentic stories about our university has never been greater. We are looking for an experienced content creator who enjoys generating new ideas within a dynamic team environment.
Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs (CMPA) is a central team responsible for McMaster’s communications (including, media relations, issues management, internal communications, neighbourhood relations), marketing and branding, and public affairs with all three levels of government. It is a dynamic group of professionals who support each other’s success and development.
McMaster University fuels curiosity, inquiry and discovery. Every day, we push the boundaries of knowledge through our world-class, interdisciplinary research and our ground-breaking approaches to teaching and learning. Our students, researchers and staff are among the best and brightest in the world.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Content Specialist role supports the ideation, writing and creation of multimedia stories with the Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs team. In addition to storytelling, the role is responsible for the planning and execution of content marketing strategies. Activities include writing longform stories, drafting ad copy, crafting audience-specific newsletters, emails and social media messages as well as updating websites and landing pages, and measuring performance with data analytics.
Reporting to the Associate Director, Communications, this role will be responsible for supporting the development, implementation and execution of content marketing plans and project management and evaluation efforts that enhance the profile of the university.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Create engaging stories for McMaster’s news site and landing pages to support marketing campaigns that have clearly defined goals, target audiences and performance metrics.
• Consult with key stakeholders – faculty, students, program managers and campus partners - to assist in the development of content needed to support comprehensive marketing plans that align with university priorities.
• Coordinate campaigns by supporting the creative direction for stories, videos, copywriting and communications while ensuring compliance with university brand standards.
• Liaise with internal and external partners to draft copy for digital and print marketing materials, including, but not limited to: digital and print ads, website copy, banners, long form stories, and email campaigns.
• Draft video scripts and storyboards for key projects.
• Coordinate and communicate content requirements and production deadlines to key stakeholders to ensure that deadlines and objectives are met.
• Contribute to website management and ensure website optimization by applying best practices in content development, user experience and search engine marketing.
• Develop content for multiple digital and print platforms including editorial articles, ads, emails, social media, and education and business publications to segmented and diverse audiences.
• Develop, organize and track posts and communications across all social media communities.
• Provide recommendations for future approaches, campaign structures, and activities to further the university’s strategic priorities.
• Support research that includes competitive reviews, focus groups, trend analysis, and campaign testing across multiple market segments.
• Remain current with developments in social media best practices, and trends in the content marketing field.
• Provide recommendations on the future development of content strategy, structure, function, and activity.
• Review and source graphics and images as needed for campaigns.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or related field of study

Experience:

• Requires 3 years of relevant experience

Knowledge/Skills:

• Superior communication skills (e.g. written and verbal)
• Ability to think creatively and problem solve
• Strong organizational skills and integrated approach
• Engagement with stakeholders and strong service orientation
• Time-management, efficiency, and multi-tasking abilities
• Knowledgeable about McMaster University policies and guidelines

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY STATEMENT

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Please refer the Job description for details