Manager, Communications - Renew Program Office

at  Queens University

Manager, Communications - Renew Program Office
About Queen’s University
Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.
We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.
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Job Summary
Queen’s University has launched the Renew Program, a multi-year university-wide initiative aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of Queen’s professional services in supporting the academic mission. This initiative includes equipping and supporting professional services staff with the necessary tools, systems, and processes. The Renew Program Office collaborates closely with leaders and professional service teams to implement positive changes in service delivery, fostering an environment that aligns with the university’s academic goals.
The Manager Communications, Renew Program Office will oversee the development and delivery of strategic internal communications for the Renew Program. As a member of the University Relations (UR) team, the incumbent will report to the Director of Communications, and collaborate closely with the Executive Director of the Renew Program as the embedded communications expert for Renew. The incumbent will develop a communications strategy and create comprehensive communications plans in support of various Renew initiatives across the university. The incumbent will have a proven ability to work with a high-performing team, motivated, and fully engaged team of professionals, and prioritize elements of equity , diversity, and inclusivity (ED&I) in all communications.
Job Description

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Undergraduate degree combined with several years of progressive communication experience, including development of change management communications.
• Proven ability to independently develop high-quality communication strategies and plans and materials from origination/concept through to publication.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects at the same time and maintain deadlines, prioritize work, while simultaneously able to make quick schedule adjustments when unexpected issues arise.
• Due to the internal communications focus of this role, the incumbent must be able to work on campus at least three days per week.
• Experience in the post-secondary sector is considered an asset.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Superior communications and interpersonal skills for both verbal and written communication with creative and concise writing and editing skills and effective interactions with a wide variety of individuals including staff, faculty, and students.
• Strong project management expertise with the ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Comfortable as a change champion supporting leaders across the University in developing communication strategies and materials regarding the Renew Program.
• Strong judgment in addressing complex and sensitive issues.
• Ability to work as part of a team with demonstrated flexibility and willingness to adapt or do what is necessary to further communications goals, including accountability for decision making.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in reputation and issues management.
• Ability to build strong relationships across units to facilitate cross-organizational collaboration on communications; responsive and accountable problem solver with ability to work in a consensus-driven environment.
• Knowledge of university structure, policy, and administrative systems at Queen’s University is an asset.

• Develop and execute communication plans to enhance the visibility and support the success of the Renew Program and related initiatives to internal audiences.
• Provide expert internal communication advice to portfolio leaders to facilitate effective change management, based on key analytics and data. Write, research, edit and update a broad range of communications collateral. Manage employee-facing communication platforms such as announcements, emails, and events.
• Serve as a key liaison between the Renew Program Office and University Relations (UR) facilitating alignment between program communications and broader university strategy, communications and key performance indicators (KPIs). Coordinate with central UR teams (digital, brand, communications) to enhance effectiveness.
• Guide the development of communication strategies for Renew announcements, program events, milestones, and related initiatives.
• Prepare reports on the effectiveness of communications efforts and initiatives for the Renew Program Office and develop recommendations for change, using data-based insights.
• Stay informed of industry trends and best practices in strategic communication (including regulatory compliance regarding accessibility, privacy and security), applying innovative approaches to achieve Renew Program goals.
• Promote a culture of inclusion, with a commitment to the university’s equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization initiatives designed to foster an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming work environment for individuals with diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Renew Program and associated initiatives will be the priority for the incumbent. As a member of the UR and Renew program teams, the incumbent may support other communication activities when appropriate.