Communications Writer

Date Posted: 01/09/2024
Req ID: 34922
Faculty/Division: Library
Department: Ofc of Chief Librarian
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

About Us:

The University of Toronto Libraries system is the largest academic library in Canada and is consistently ranked in the top ten among academic research libraries in North America. The system consists of 40 libraries located on three university campuses: St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough. This array of college libraries, special collections, and specialized libraries and information centres supports the teaching and research requirements of over 300 graduate programs, more than 70 professional programs, and about 700 undergraduate degree programs. In addition to more than 15 million volumes in 341 languages, the library system currently provides access to millions of electronic resources in various forms and over 31,000 linear metres of archival material. More than 150,000 new print volumes are acquired each year. The Libraries' data centre houses more than 500 servers with a storage capacity of 1.5 petabytes

Your Opportunity:

Reporting to the Director, Library Communications, with a dotted line to the Supervisor, Information Commons Help Desk, the Communications Writer will be responsible for producing a range of compelling and engaging content for the University of Toronto Libraries.  The Communications Writer will produce content for various channels that support the needs of UTL users, including UTL publications, technology knowledge bases, and the UTL webspace. The Writer will work closely with diverse stakeholders ranging from service managers to library executives and with other libraries and units to ensure alignment, consistency, and efficient use of resources.

Duties and Responsibilities

Library Communications:

• Writes content for UTL publications such as the Noteworthy magazine and UTL’s Annual Report.
• Creates and edits marketing and promotional content, such as blog posts, social media updates, and email campaigns.
• Writes and edits internal communications, including memos, In the Loop newsletter, and library system wide announcements.
• Works with colleagues across the 40 libraries in the UTL system to identify and draft stories that fit with the university’s strategic communications priorities.
• Researches and recommends story ideas that advance priorities and initiatives. Gathers relevant and newsworthy content.
• Drafts speeches and/or talking points for the University Chief Librarian.
• Works with communications staff or other senior staff during the review, editing and approval process to produce high quality final products.
• Maintains a comprehensive electronic archive of communications materials such as communiques, key messages, speeches, remarks, and presentations.
• Works closely with UTL design team to ensure that all written materials are visually appealing and easy to read. Edits content for brochures, newsletters, websites and/or handbooks.
• In collaboration with Director of Communications, Curator of Digital Experience, and the Web Advisory Committee, supports the style guides, toolkits, templates, and staff producing UTL webspace content to ensure consistent voice and tone in alignment with the U of T institutional brand and style guide.
• Reviews UTL web content for currency, consistency, and readability.
• Recommends new UTL web content to address gaps, suggesting compelling copy that will capture the attention of library web users.
• May engage in limited direct content production as time allows

Technology knowledge bases: 

• Creates and maintains content for comprehensive user- and staff-facing knowledge bases documenting University and Library technology services
• Develops and maintains technical documentation for UTL products and services, including user manuals, installation guides, and release notes.
• Evaluates current content and employ innovative and iterative approaches for improvement.
• Uses user-centred perspective to identify knowledge gaps to create new materials
• Develops and maintains standards for end-user documentation.
• Collaborates with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity of technical information.

Qualifications (Minimum):

Formal Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, professional writing or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of four years related experience required.
• Advanced knowledge of digital imaging and print and web publishing software required;
• Working knowledge of professional equipment (e.g., scanners, digital cameras) required;
• Working knowledge of office equipment required.

Other Skills:          

• Tact and good judgment in dealing with clients
• Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and e-mail software required.
• Experience preparing communications and promotional materials for undergraduate students
• Experience developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders at the university (students, student leaders, and librarians).
• Knowledge of accessibility / AODA compliance requirements for websites/digital and print
• Strong organizational and, project management, with the ability to manage competing priorities and duties effectively.
• Advanced experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Zoom.
• Effective and clear oral and written communications skills.
• Demonstrates strong commitment to values of equity, diversity and inclusion and integrates these values throughout communications activities.

Closing Date: 01/19/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: CUPE 1230
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule:
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: CUPE 1230 (3U) - Step 1: $75,722 - Step 2: $79,077 - Step 3: $82,597
Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations