Job Description

Communications Officer

PRIMARY PURPOSE: To assist the college by implementing innovative, effective and reliable communications strategies in support of its strategic plan, including student recruitment and retention, college advancement, key milestones, college accomplishments, and research, scholarly and artistic work activities, for internal and external audiences. This work will help build an outstanding local and national reputation for the college in support of the university's strategic goals.

NATURE OF WORK: Reporting to the Director of Planning and Communications, the Communications Officer provides tactical communications support to the College of Arts and Science, including research, writing, editing, design, visual identity, oral communications, relationship building, and media relations. This position will implement appropriate strategies and coordinate the development and production of online and print communications materials. The success of this position depends upon the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and to maintain professional relationships that support exceptional collaboration with stakeholders. The position is project driven and will require the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced and changing environment, balancing competing deadlines and multiple tasks. The work requires meticulous attention to detail and a high quality of work.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Implement comprehensive communications programs and initiatives to enhance the college's profile within the global academic and research community and the general public
• Assist the director and college advancement team to develop and maintain nimble and strategic perspectives - based on marketplace and constituent needs and satisfaction - in the organizational direction, programs and services, and decision-making
• Facilitate college marketing, communications and public relations activities and materials (including writing for and editing various college publications, media advisories/releases, memos, speeches, briefings, social media and website content)
• Ensure key college messages are effectively and consistently communicated to local and national audiences via digital and print materials and effective placement of advertising, all according to best practices
• Leadership in the writing, design, production and distribution of relevant, significant and timely content through multiple media channels: news stories; posters/brochures; web content; advertising; presentation tools; memos; speeches; media releases and announcements; student recruitment materials, LCD screens, social media and videos
• Measure results of communications activity
• Seek out and maintain an awareness of current college-related news and events and use this information to help the college operate with initiative and innovation in its communications
• Provide counsel to college faculty and departments on marketing, communications and public relations
• Work closely with university and research communications to generate media interest in the college, facilitate regular contact with target media and provide appropriate responses to media requests
• Keep informed of developments and best practices in the fields of marketing, communications and public relations, research and other institutional accomplishments

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or related discipline. A combination of education and experience may be considered. Additional training in social media/ graphic/web design would be an asset.

Experience: 5 years of directly related experience in communications design, planning, editing and writing. Knowledge of the University of Saskatchewan and academic environments, and an understanding of communication strategies and principles with proven experience in applying them in a complex environment and achieving results are assets.

Skills: Superior written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and evaluating public relations/communication materials, policies and procedures; effective organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to take initiative and work collaboratively; excellent interpersonal skills, both verbal and written; demonstrated ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality with regard to files and sensitive issues; ability to exercise diplomacy, judgment and tact; ability to liaise with suppliers and sponsors to ensure deadlines are met; demonstrated ability to balance a demanding workload, multitask and adjust to changing priorities; creativity and a good sense of design with a keen attention to detail; and proficiency with web-based applications, word processing and Adobe Creative Cloud software. Knowledge of and skills in social media platforms is required. Photography and videography skills would be an asset.

THIS POSITION IS IN SCOPE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL ASSOCIATION.

Department: College of Arts&Science-DnOffc
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $64,107.00 - 100,169.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 9/13/2022
Closing Date: 9/26/2022
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at:

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

Please review the University of Saskatchewan's for faculty, staff and students in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan's main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Metis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Metis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.