Job Description

Position Information

Position Title

Communications Specialist

Department/Unit

Psychiatry

Research Project

Unifying Networks to InnovaTE (UNITE): A Whole of System Approach for Youth Mental Health

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number

GP43-25

Employee Group

Grant-Paid

Position Type

Term

Duration of Contract (if applicable)

1 year with possibility of extension

Employment Type

Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE)

1.0

Salary

$59,555 - $79,673 per annum (for 35 hours/ week)

About the Organization

The Unifying Networks to InnovaTE (UNITE) project will mobilize an unprecedented team of multidisciplinary scientists, decision-makers, youth and community advocates to improve youth mental health outcomes, because doing so has the capacity to generate greater personal, social and economic benefits than interventions offered at any other time in the lifespan. There can be no health without mental health, making UNITE the best method for broad societal impact. It consists of three critical and interrelated projects on the pathway to societal impact:
Optimized Navigation Pathways

Increased Data-driven Insights

Strengthened Whole-of-System Capacity

Job Summary

Reporting to the Principal Investigators, the Communications Specialist is responsible for developing world-class communications strategies and content that support project priorities while stewarding the reputation of the UNITE goals and mandate. The Communication Specialist oversees all aspects of internal and external communications, media relations, online presence, brand management, event promotion, visual identity, social media, website, and liaising with communications teams from partner organizations. This position helps build and support a culture of internal and external communications and stakeholder engagement that is time and politically sensitive, consistent, and reflective of the goals and objectives of UNITE.

Key Responsibilities

Leads the development, implementation and evaluation of strategic communications and engagement plan, work with internal and external system partners on new communications and engagement programs to support strategic goals. Create, manage & disseminate a range of communication materials, including newsletters, press releases, blog posts, website content, social media updates, multimedia (e.g., videos, infographics), reports and academic articles, and monitor the effectiveness of communication activities, using analytics to evaluate and adjust strategies. Supports document management (e.g., website, other online platforms) to support achievement of communications objectives and establishes standards, guidelines and protocols for effective communication within the UNITE team. Identify and onboard new partners to the UNITE ecosystem, its key messages and its key activities, cultivate ongoing relationships with external partners: research organizations, community groups, and other relevant interest holders. Works with the leadership team and system stakeholders to identify and develop communication materials within budget, develops POs, requests for proposals, and follows relevant procurement processes in the engagement of external consultants and for branding, content creation etc.

Note

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field with 3-5 years of professional experience in communication or public relations, ideally in research, academic, or nonprofit settings. Experience in managing communication campaigns for large projects or organizations with a strong understanding of social media platforms and digital content creation. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and strong organizational and project management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign), and/or other content management tools. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. Attention to detail and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Assets

Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism or a related field. Experience in working with academic researchers or in a research environment.

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans and an employee and family assistance program.

Application Consideration

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from: Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi'kmaq), Persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.


In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit

www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

1

Open Date

06/18/2025

Close Date

07/03/2025

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/19027