Title: Manager, Communications

Department : Communications

Reports To: Executive Director

Classification: Full Time, Permanent

Hiring Range: $75,000 - $85,000

Location: Fennell Campus

This is an existing Vacancy. AI will not be used to screen, assess, or select applicants.

Role Overview

The Communications Manager leads the planning, execution, and evaluation of organization-wide communication strategies that support student engagement, strengthen brand awareness, and align with the MSA mission. The role provides strategic leadership to a diverse team, oversees digital and in-person communication channels, ensures compliance with legislative and policy requirements, manages budgets and vendor contracts, and advises on communication-related risks and crisis response.

Accountabilities

Leadership

• Lead a diverse team of Full Time and Student Staff through effective recruitment, performance management, and ongoing development, demonstrated by setting clear goals, providing regular coaching, and ensuring equitable, growth-focused leadership.
• Foster a collaborative, positive, and high-performing work environment throughout the organization to maximize morale and efficiency.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners to build trust, improve collaboration, and contribute to long-term organizational success.
• Support strategic planning and organizational change initiatives to ensure the MSA achieves its strategic outcomes.

Communications Strategy & Planning

• Drive an annual, student-focused communication strategy aligned to organizational mission and priorities to maximize engagement with and awareness of the MSA.
• Oversee organizational-level communication strategy and standards while supporting departments in executing localized or program-specific communications, public image, student engagement, and brand awareness.
• Oversee organizational digital, print, and in-person communication channels.
• Use data, research, and student feedback to evaluate impact and continuously improve the quality and inclusivity of communication strategies.
• Consult with departments to prioritize initiatives and assess communication effectiveness.

Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate communication-related risks, ensuring compliance with accessibility, privacy, copyright, and legislative requirements.
• Safeguard digital assets and student data through appropriate access and permissions.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, bylaws, and legislative requirements

Administration

• Develop and maintain departmental staffing plans, budgets, and expenses.
• Manage and maintains area systems and contracts
• Oversee brand management, creative production, and promotional materials.

Qualifications Needed :

• Completion of a post-secondary program related to Marketing, Public Relations, or Communications
• 5+ years' experience in a role related to communications or membership engagement.
• Management or supervisory experience is required, preferably in a post-secondary environment.
• Experience leading engagement initiatives and managing communications campaigns across multiple channels, including strategy development, content creation, community management, and analytics across platforms.
• Proven ability to manage multimedia content creation, including graphic design, video editing, and photography.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (AODA) and Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL).

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to craft compelling content for diverse student audiences.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with digital analytics tools to measure communication performance and optimize engagement.
• Strong knowledge of equity, diversity, inclusion, and culturally competent communication.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Standard Working Hours: 35 Hrs per week
• Onsite at Fennell Campus; Occasional travel to other campuses required.
• Work from Home capability aligned with accountabilities
• Evening/weekend coverage for key events as required
• Occasional lifting of promotional materials (up to 50 lbs)