Communications Specialist, VP Communications & Community Engagement

Description

VP Communications & Community Engagement is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Communications Specialist.

Reporting to the Senate Operations Manager, the Communications Specialist will work closely with members of the Office of Communications and Community Engagement team to provide efficient and effective communication and event coordination support for the Office of the Chancellor and Senate.
Primary tasks include the development of communication plans for various initiatives, the coordination and planning of event communications, providing communications recommendations to clients and leaders, the development of communication materials, updates for website and social media channels to boost awareness of the university and enhance its overall reputation. The Communications Specialist will interact with a diverse population within the university and may include interactions with external organizations and stakeholders.

The position requires the ability to use discretion, maintain professionalism, confidentiality and composure under pressure, demonstrate adaptability and flexibility and provide efficient, quality service often requiring multi-tasking simultaneous priorities. High volume and variety of work demands, much of which are driven by internally and externally imposed deadlines and requirements, can be expected.

The Communications Specialist supports the communications needs of the Office of the Chancellor and Senate. This role reports to the Senate Operations Manager, with strong links to the Office of Communications and Community Engagement.

The Communications Specialist is responsible for the development of communication plans for strategic initiatives and for the day-to-day implementation of communication activities, including coordination with various clients, departments or units, creating and executing comprehensive communications plans, writing of articles and stories, generating creative content and developing and maintaining website and social media content.

The Communications Specialist will take a lead role in coordinating and delivering on the Office of the Chancellor and Senate (OCS) needs by:

• Meeting with clients to identify communications needs.
• Developing comprehensive multi-channel communication plans, coordinating tactics, scheduling deployment and tracking communications outcomes for OCS initiatives.
• Leading event communications including writing invitations, promoting through website and e-marketing systems, creating PowerPoint slides, preparing speaking notes and event briefs.
• Maintaining the OCS website including updating webpages, writing for web, making basic webpage edits and accessing analytics.
• Writing stories for website and/or e-newsletters and deploying stories through existing channels.
• Creating content and posting on OCS social media channels.
• Ensuring adherence to the university's Communications Protocol including brand and identity guidelines in the interest of protecting the professional reputation and distinct positioning of the institution.

As a member of the Office of the Chancellor and Senate team, the Communications Specialist works closely with other members of the team and supporting departments to ensure materials are prepared in a timely manner. The successful applicant will have experience in variety of aspects of general communications and a proven collaborative approach to project management.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• In coordination with the Office of the Chancellor and Senate, effectively plans, organizes and facilitates a wide variety of events and internal/external activities for departments.
• Work with the members of the Office of Communications and Community Engagement team to support the implementation of strategic initiatives through communications that meet desired outcomes.
• Develop communication plans with clients for strategic initiatives, and coordinate their implementation.
• Assist in the logistical and strategic requirements of events such as promotional material development and delivery, facility booking/coordination and stakeholder collaboration/organization.
• Coordinate photography, graphic design, audio/video production, and social media activities for events as required.
• In consultation with Office of the Chancellor and Senate (OCS), gathers and compiles information related to various initiatives for distribution through websites, articles, and other communications materials.
• Write articles, website and social media copy, print collateral, and other communications products.
• Develop and execute website and email marketing campaigns.
• Update and maintain various website content.
• Maintain OCS social media channels including posting content and channel monitoring.
• Maintain group mailing lists and manages updates.
• Track analytics for clients and report on outcome of communications activities.
• Create print and digital collateral, in alignment with university brand standards.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with university contacts and external stakeholders; communicate within and outside the university in a professional and proficient manner.
• Work independently on specific communication activities and assignments.
• Work strategically with members of the OCS team to coordinate and plan schedules to ensure successful alignment with priorities.
• Maintain awareness and compliance of university communications standards, processes and best practices as defined by the Communications Protocol and Communications Process Committee.
• Provide general communications support as needed to the Office of Communications and Community Engagement team.
• Use initiative and good judgment, and work in a cooperative, timely and efficient manner.
• Work effectively within the framework of the University of Calgary's policies and procedures.
• Effectively time manage to prioritize workflow and meet deadlines.
• Maintain current and timely communication among colleagues and collaborators.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, design or demonstrable skills and experience.
• 2-4 years of related working experience.
• Proven experience in producing a variety of communication materials, including web-based communications, aimed at various audiences.
• Proven experience in event planning/management, public relations or general communications.
• A strong writer and editor, able to produce high-quality content on short deadlines.
• Ability to train and mentor more junior communicators in communications best practices.
• Experience with web-based applications such as Drupal, Sprout Social and Marketo.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative.
• Suite/Cloud, Knowledge of university environment and core university systems is an asset.
• Strong communication, consultative and problem-solving skills, and ability to work with cross- functional teams effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships and facilitate collaboration between diverse groups.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality as it applies to communications.
• High level of tact and professionalism.
• Proven copy-editing skills.
• Attention to detail a must.
• A proven ability to work under stressful and tight deadlines while working with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders.

Application Deadline:  September 18, 2024.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist / Advisor Job Family, Phase 2.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.