Communications Specialist

Location

Waterloo, ON | Canada

Job description

Term: 14 Months

Two contract roles are availible 

At the University of Waterloo (Waterloo) and within the Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) unit’s Communications, Engagement and Digital Experience (CEDE) team, the Communications Specialist plays a key role in the development and implementation of all activities associated with a strategic and integrated CEE communications plan. The incumbent produces communications in a wide array of formats to meet various stakeholder requirements to a number of audiences such as students, employers, faculty, staff, prospective students, prospective employers, industry association professionals and campus visitors.

The Communications Specialist will play a key role in providing communications support to units within the CEE portfolio (Brand and Strategic Initiatives, Co-operative Education, Centre for Career Action, WorkLearn Institute, and International).

This role involves unsual hours or schedules such as attendance/participation in occasional evening events, high volumes and/or tight deadlines beyond one's control. 

• Develop and execute annual communications plan in alignment with the strategic marketing and communications plan and priorities and assess success with key metrics
• Develop, research and write stories, scripts, and key messages for all communication materials in all media formats – print, web, social media, videos and presentations
• Interview employers, industry experts and students to research, develop, write, edits and publish engaging stories for web, print, video, social and other formats
• Develop creative direction within overall Waterloo branding guidelines to create communication materials consistent with CEE and Waterloo overall branding for both employers and students, as well as Waterloo and the general public
• Co-ordinate and liaise with external vendors, media and other university departments such as University Relations when required
• Develop, manage and distribute core employment process-based communications to employers and students
• Develop, write and distribute internal communications to CEE staff and university departments
• Organize, write and manage CEE website content targeted to employers, students and general public
• Lead and manage direct reports (co-op students) and ensure the delivery of results in support of CEE mission, vision and guiding principles
• Represent CEE at internal and external events

• University undergraduate degree, preferably with a specialization in communications, digital communications, journalism or a related discipline
• 5-10 years of experience as a communications professional with examples of a solid and diverse writing portfolio
• Experience working with senior executives and diverse stakeholders is critical
• Strong knowledge of co-operative education, work-integrated learning, post-secondary education, or a similar organization and its mandate
• Excellent writing, editing, research and oral communications skills
• Advanced knowledge of social media communications
• Strong knowledge of branding and its application to various communications
• Full functional ability to use the features of Microsoft Word with no training
• The ability to create and coach others on the preparation of branded presentations utilizing the full functionality and features of PowerPoint such as animation and embedded media files
• Strong web content management system knowledge (i.e., HTML, Drupal,)

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations .

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at  [email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

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Salary