Planning Strategist

Reporting to the Director, Media Relations, the incumbent plays a pivotal role in strengthening the University’s reputation and presence in key local, national and global media markets by being a strategic advisor and resource to key senior stakeholders at the University; and by actively implementing a media relations strategy through managing media relations officers and direct engagement with relevant journalists and influencers. and other senior leaders, the incumbent will be responsible for:

Managing the Media Relations Officers and strategic media planning in key areas of priority, in consultation with the Director, Media Relations; and other media-savvy academic leaders across the University, and implementing those plans.
Leveraging relationships with targeted journalists in desired local, national and global media, knowing at any time what those journalists are working on, working to build base knowledge among reporters about U of T’s key areas of research and teaching strength, and advancing stories in a way that garners media coverage of strategic value to the University.

The incumbent will be privy to confidential information, discussions and reports prepared by various vice-presidential portfolios as they relate to a range of sensitive issues and how they translate to or impact media relations.

University degree in communications or journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum of 8 years’ experience in communications, public relations and proactive media relations (including global media).
Advising senior leaders on media relations strategies, and developing story pitches that raise the public profile of an organization.
Demonstrated success pitching stories to media on a range of topics.
Solid knowledge of the University of Toronto and/or post-secondary institutions.
Experience writing news stories in a public relations or newsroom setting would be an asset.
Strong relationships with both local and national industry media outlets an asset.

Extensive media relations acumen, including a demonstrated ability to formulate and execute media strategies to advance the goals of the organization
Demonstrated success building relationships with reporters in key outlets in Canada and globally
Superior writing and editing skills and familiarity with Canadian Press style.
Ability to digest and translate complex information for a general audience, and advance stories that touch on a range of academic disciplines
Outstanding news judgment
Demonstrated ability to formulate earned-media strategies, and demonstrated ability to execute those ideas effectively
Demonstrated skill in advising senior stakeholders
Strong time management skills, ability to prioritize effectively and undertake multiple projects simultaneously

Ability to work closely with – and gain the confidence of – senior members of an organization
high attention to detail and ensuring high levels of accuracy and consistent quality
Persistence in gaining access to experts in support of media relations goals
Good understanding of social media, and awareness of how reporters engage through channels such as Twitter.

Schedule: Full-Time
Administrative / Managerial