Director, Public Relations & Communications

The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education is globally recognized for developing and advancing knowledge about the interactions of physical activity and health through outstanding undergraduate and graduate education programs, cutting-edge research and the delivery of sport, recreation and high performance athletic opportunities for students, staff, faculty and community members across the three campuses. In achieving this vision, the Faculty is guided by values of integrity, respect, equity and diversity https://kpe.utoronto.ca/.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategic Communications, Marketing and Stakeholder Engagement, the Director provides senior leadership and direct operational expertise for public relations and communications. The Director is responsible for developing, implementing and executing comprehensive communications strategies by which to enhance the Faculty’s image and visibility locally, nationally, and internationally as among the top Kinesiology faculties worldwide.

The Director leads and personally delivers a range of public relations and communications activities, including media and social media, digital and event-related content development, publications and academic recruitment materials. Specifically, the Director provides senior counsel, budget oversight and as well, is required to write, edit, manage creative production, including vendors, and project evaluations. The Director is also responsible for providing senior media relations and communications expertise and will prepare press releases and pitch reporters on important Faculty research and achievements.

The Director participates in senior-level decision-making and is responsible for working closely with senior management on media relations, events, publications, newsletters, institutional statements and issue management, ensuring appropriate consultation and process.

The Director manages a staff of 3 high-caliber professionals and assumes responsibility for human resources, labour relations and financial management, including dispute resolution and compliance of collective agreements.

The incumbent will have a strong ability to do the technical work necessary for impactful strategies and their successful execution.

EDUCATION:

• • University degree in public relations, communications, related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENCE:

1. • A minimum of 10 years of relevant, progressive experience in public relations and communications. Experience in academic environment required and experience in health recreation or sport environments an asset.
   • 5+ years experience managing and leading staff, preferably in a unionized environment.
   • 5+ years experience managing media relations strategies and high quality publications.
   • 5+ years experience developing and managing budgets and negotiating contracts.
   • 5+ years experience using web content management systems.
   • 5+ years experience working in a highly complex organization.

SKILLS:

2. • Outstanding written communication skills a must; excellent oral and presentation skills
   • Strong in negotiation, persuasion and ability to deal professionally with tension and conflict.
   • Tact, mature judgement, political acumen, diplomatic
   • Excellent critical thinking and problem solving
   • Creative and strategic leadership skills
   • Supervisory skills and ability to set priorities and foster a strong team environment including the ability to inspire staff and colleagues toward the achievement of a goal
   • Strong time management, administrative and organization skills
   • Highly developed organization, communication and relationship management skills.
   • Ability to maintain professional decorum and make sound judgements under pressure.
   • Ability to interact with senior members of the University and the business community.
   • Highly customer service oriented with sensitivity to various levels of expectation from a diverse community of stakeholders, including students, community members, staff, faculty and alumni.