Job ID

76116

Job Title

Communications Assistant (ESSI)

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Location

HSC- Central Campus

Open Date

2026/05/15

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

2026/05/24

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

FHS Evidence Synth & Supp Inst

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 6

Salary Range

$26.99 - $38.03 (hourly)

Job Code

JD1142

Existing Vacancy

Yes - Backfilling as Existing

Contract Duration

24.3 Months

Target Number of Openings

1

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, Hybrid

Education Level

3-year Community College Diploma in Communications or Multimedia Design.

Career Level

Requires 2 years of related experience.

Anticipated Start Date

As soon as possible.

Job Description

Job Title: Communications Assistant
Job Description: JD1142
Department: Evidence Synthesis and Support Institute (ESSI)
Job Family: Administrative
Pay Grade: 6
Employee Group: UNIFOR Local 5555, Unit 1
Terms: 35 hours per week, 24-month term, start date as soon as possible

About the Evidence Synthesis and Support Institute at McMaster University

The Evidence Synthesis and Support Institute (ESSI), which is in development, advances evidence-informed decision-making by conducting cutting-edge synthesis, translation, and knowledge mobilization activities. Through partnerships with stakeholders locally, nationally, and globally, ESSI ensures that research excellence translates into meaningful impact for practitioners, policymakers, and communities.

The Opportunity

The Institute is seeking a Communications Assistant who will play a vital role in executing marketing and communications strategies that increase awareness of the Institute, strengthen brand positioning, and foster strong stakeholder engagement and client relationships. Reporting to the Operations Director, this position will contribute to the visibility and impact of ESSI through innovative communications, digital marketing, and event promotion. The incumbent will work closely with the Marketing and Communication Manager in the department of HEI to design multimedia content and reports for print, web, photo, and video in accordance with university brand guidelines, promote a variety of events, and collaborate with other communicators within the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Key Responsibilities

• Design multimedia content (print, digital, social media, photo, video) that aligns with University and ESSI branding.
• Support the development and delivery of marketing plans to enhance recognition of ESSI’s expertise, services, and initiatives.
• Ensure brand consistency and positioning across all communication channels.
• Liaise with internal and external partners to promote ESSI’s activities and strengthen collaborations.
• Develop communications that highlight the Institute’s value to clients, stakeholders, and the broader community.
• Contribute to stakeholder communications such as newsletters, press releases, and updates.
• Plan and coordinate campaigns and activities that showcase ESSI’s work and build engagement.
• Promote events through social media, web content, and digital campaigns.
• Monitor communications spending and prepare estimates of required resources.
• Collect data on communications and marketing impact.
• Maintain and update ESSI websites and social media channels to ensure timely, accurate, and engaging information.
• Prepare estimates of time and resources required for various events, conferences and activities.
• Update and maintain information and content on websites and social networks.
• Resolve marketing, communications, IT issues relating to events, committees and activities.
• Take detailed notes and prepare meeting minutes for relevant meetings.
• Create a variety of documents including, but not limited to, partner outreach, correspondence, donor progress reports, data reports, annual progress reports, and procedure manuals.
• Update and maintain confidential files and records in accordance with established policies.

Qualifications

• Completion of a 3-year Community College Diploma in Communications, Marketing, or Multimedia Design.
• A minimum of 2 years of related experience, preferably in communications, marketing, or stakeholder engagement.
• Experience with multimedia design and content creation for web, print, and video.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work collaboratively with diverse internal and external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, competing deadlines, and fast-paced project demands.

Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.