Job Description

Overview

Term: 1 year

The Communications and Media Relations Specialist will execute, support, and monitor the organization\xe2\x80\x99s overall communication strategy. They will be responsible for creating engaging communication pieces that educate our members on WUSA\xe2\x80\x99s core services and activities.

The incumbent will support WUSA media and public relations efforts and broader outreach agenda, as well as supporting issues/crisis management activities, working both proactively and reactively, to ensure a positive reputation and outcome for the organization.

Responsibilities

Executes and evaluates communication initiatives

• Under the direction of the Director, Communications and Stakeholder Relations, helps execute the yearly communications plan that reflects and supports the strategic goals of the organization
• Integrates communications strategies into all media, including web and printed pieces
• Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of communications plans by using tools such as evaluation forms, questionnaires, surveys, focus groups, and by leading virtual and face-to-face feedback forums
• Collaborates with the Manager, Marketing and Communications Specialist to ensure digital communications efforts meet the goals of the strategic communications plan
• Recommends progressive improvements and initiatives to keep communications strategies fresh and competitive
• Works closely with Marketing Specialists to develop key messages for marketing communication materials
• Ensures that WUSA\xe2\x80\x99s brand identity, messaging and style guidelines are consistent in all organizational marketing and communication materials
• Develops key messaging for use in all online and print media communications
• Writes, edits and proofreads communications aimed at students including email, web and other informative and promotional content
• Writes, edits and produces high-quality and engaging print materials and web communications that reflect well on the organization and encourage readership
• Reviews and provides edits to web pages, both existing and proposed

Guards WUSA\xe2\x80\x99s reputation and identifies opportunities for media engagement in alignment with stated goals, the communications calendar and WUSA priorities

• Supports day-to-day media relations activities including providing excellence and responsive service to the media with a full understanding of deadline pressures
• Creates, develops, and executes training sessions for staff and students on how to work with the media
• Recommends appropriate organizational spokesperson for emerging media opportunities
• Drafts key messaging and provides training support to student representatives who respond to media requests and speak on behalf of the organization
• Write press releases and pitch stories to media outlets
• Performs media outreach by initiating, developing and maintaining superior working relationships with media reporters, editors and producers
• Collaborates on media relations activities with a broad range of internal university partners when required
• Responsible for supporting image and issues/crisis management, in conjunction with the Director, Communications and Stakeholder Relations, to enhance the profile, image and reputation of WUSA in the media, with students and among the general public

Collaborates with internal marketing staff, key campus partners, students, and other key stakeholders

• Responsible for establishing strong professional working relationships with all WUSA staff, service coordinators, and other on and off-campus partners to maximize effectiveness of communication efforts and identify PR opportunities
• Works collaboratively with the Manager, Marketing and Communications and Communications Specialist role to ensure the strategic scheduling and creation of engaging digital content to maximize online efforts to connect with students
• Works with the Marketing Specialists to ensure integration of their overall marketing and promotional plans with communication efforts
• Partners with other on campus departments to develop communications plans for joint efforts and support other on-campus initiatives
• Collaborates with other marketing professionals on and off campus to ensure best practice development, which includes attending regular Communications Council meetings
• Communicates organizational updates and initiatives to departments across campus to ensure shared content re: WUSA is accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date

Support management with internal communications

• Conducts outreach and provides feedback on channels for effective internal communications
• Develops regular internal communications to update staff on organizational priorities and departmental efforts in conjunction with management
• Suggests strategy and messaging parameters for key internal communication efforts
• Drafts and provides feedback on email communications being sent out organization wide by management

Provide communications support

• Actively provides communications support, as required, to all WUSA departments
• Works with Board of Director\xe2\x80\x99s and student-run services to support their student outreach goals
• Proofreads all external communications
• Works closely with peers to ensure an integrated and consolidated approach to content development and delivery, as well as alignment within the department

Qualifications

• Completion of a Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, Marketing or related post-secondary degree with equivalent experience

Minimum of 2 years\xe2\x80\x99 experience within a communications role * Minimum 2 years\xe2\x80\x99 experience working with the media

• Project management experience
• Experience building strong relationships with internal and external parties
• Experience writing and curating content for web

Advanced: MS Office suite of products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Mac equivalent * Advanced written and verbal communication skills; excellent editing skills

• Intermediate: email marketing campaign and distribution platforms (MailChimp)
• Knowledge of Canadian Press Style
• Critical thinking and excellent analytical skills to enable immediate and appropriate assessment of complex issues of concern to stakeholders including among others, the media, the public, and funders
• A service mind-set and a team approach to working with colleagues and media partners
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and meet strict deadlines
• Experience within a student environment is an asset

Equity Statement

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 our .

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, M\xc3\xa9tis 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 or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

University of Waterloo