Senior Communications Strategist

Date Posted: 11/02/2026
Req ID: 50887
Faculty/Division: Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Department: Dept of Family & Community Medicine
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00033821
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

About us:

Home to over 40 departments and institutes, the University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine lies at the heart of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network and is a global leader in ground-breaking research and education, spanning clinical medicine, basic science and the rehabilitation sciences sectors.

Your opportunity:

The Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) is recognized internationally for its clinical, educational and research excellence. Our faculty are clinical and academic leaders who are breaking new ground on issues ranging from inner city health, addiction medicine, global health, palliative care, immigrant and indigenous health, and far more.

As Senior Communications Strategist, you will manage our communications and web presence by developing multi-channel communications strategies that are aligned with our department’s overall educational, research and administrative objectives and goals. You will be accountable for developing strategies to manage relationships effectively, engage with a diverse set of internal and external communities and solicit input from faculty and stakeholders. You will deliver engaging andempowering narratives through social, digital and print media that promote various initiatives and programs within DFCM. As the communications lead, you will also serve as the primary resource to faculty supporting with news, feature stories, announcements and leading educational workshops and seminars on branding and strategic marketing. You will be an action-oriented, strategic thinker with exemplary writing skills and an ability to build trusting relationships and deliver world class communications content.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing strategic communication plans to promote DFCM programs, events and strategic initiatives
• Creating and editing original, published content and materials (i.e. producing DFCM’s reports and external newsletters)
• Researching, writing and pitching news and feature stories for various publication, presentations and events of strategic value to others
• Advising on best practices and strategies for web development and developing and maintaining guidelines and procedures for web and digital media standards, content and visual and interface design of digital platforms
• Analyzing and recommending the use of new technologies that support publication objectives
• Developing and leading educational workshops and/or seminars
• Creating and maintaining presence on social media platforms and developing and implementing social media operational procedures andbest practices that support strategic objectives

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing or a related field or an acceptable combination of equivalent experience
• Minimum five (5) years related experience in a strategic communications role, developing and implementing communication strategies and plans
• Proven experience identifying and pitching good story opportunities and writing concise, creative and engaging communication pieces (i.e. news and feature stories) including editing, researching, print/design and reporting; proven experience translating complex scientific material for the purpose of communication pieces
• Experience managing social media platforms including building active engagement, expanding reach and using analytics and strategy to report on social media effectiveness
• Experience maintaining and updating websites, and in the design and product development of website and communications services
• Experience tracking and reporting on metrics and overseeing the production of annual reports
• Experience providing strategic and innovative online and print communications recommendations
• Experience developing and delivering presentations and leading workshops
• Experience fostering and sustaining relationships with internal and external vendors
• Experience directing and supervising staff
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, content management systems and experience with new/emerging media and information technology
• Proven design capabilities and experience with web and graphic design software ( InDesign, Photoshop Illustrator)
• Proven ability in promoting equitable practices which value inclusiveness and diversity
• Superb communication skills and the ability to foster positive relations in a decentralized environment
• Exceptional storytelling and presentation skills
• Excellent attention to detail and solid copyediting and proofreading skills
• Previous achievement in understanding the needs and sensitivities of different audiences and adapting appropriate writing style and content
• Must show capacity for innovation, idea generation, strategic thinking and business acumen
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workload, work effectively under pressure, and meet deadlines
• Strong team player who values collaboration

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Communicator
• Meticulous
• Multi-tasker
• Organized
• Problem solver
• Team player

This is a term position until January 2028.

Closing Date: 11/10/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 13 -- $89,794 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $114,832. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations
Divisional HR Office Email: [email protected]

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

Job descriptions are available upon request for internal applicants.