Job Description

Position Overview

The Office of the Vice-President Research (VPR) is hiring a Specialist, Communications and Engagement (Strategic Initiatives) to support UCalgary\'s One Child Every Child initiative. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The One Child Every Child (OCEC) initiative is set to rewrite Canada\'s narrative in child-health outcomes. This ambitious initiative is more than an investment in research; it\'s a profound commitment to every child\'s right to optimal health and the brightest possible future.

This ground-breaking initiative is backed by a robust $268-million investment, including the largest research grant ($125 million from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF)) in UCalgary\'s history. This funding, coupled with unprecedented contributions from partners and donors, amplifies the initiative\'s potential to dramatically enhance children\'s lives.

The Specialist, Communications and Engagement (Strategic Initiatives) will report to Director, Strategic Marketing & Communications in the Office of the Vice-President (Research) (VPR). The Specialist will work closely with the Vice-President (Research), the One Child Every Child team, research institutes and business units, and communicators in Advancement, Faculties, and Institutes, to promote the priorities and objectives of the VPR in relation to institutional strategic initiatives, with a focus on the One Child Every Child / CFREF initiative.

The Specialist will provide communications leadership for the One Child Every Child initiative to maximize the impact of research and innovation activities and outcomes. The Specialist will ensure that opportunities and activities are well-advertised, that resources for university researchers and community partners are well-designed and easily located, and events are well-planned and executed.

Strong leadership, technical, communication, and project management skills are required, with a high caliber of work to enhance the reputation of the UCalgary research and innovation ecosystem. The Specialist will be responsible for a variety of communications, engagement, and marketing tactics such as digital marketing (web, email, social media), stakeholder relations, and event planning.

This position will work primarily on Main Campus, but will spend time at Foothills Campus as required. The Specialist works as part of the Office of the Vice-President (Research) to support One Child Every Child and related research impact communications, in service of the University of Calgary\'s strategic research and innovation goals. The Specialist is a proactive leader and can recommend strategies and actions that have the potential to significantly impact the public profile and reputation of VPR team, One Child Every Child, priority strategic initiatives, and the university as a whole.

Position Description

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

• Lead and implement a broad range of campaigns, publications, community events and other communication and marketing initiatives to build a positive reputation for One Child Every Child, along with other priority strategic initiatives at UCalgary.
• Provide support on institutional research and innovation identity and positioning, enables a coherent narrative context within which UCalgary\'s research and innovation identity can be articulated.
• Create depth in UCalgary\'s science communication, storytelling content and institutional narrative, to put substantial weight behind broad marketing and advertising efforts, ensuring alignment with institutional research and innovation priorities.
• Identify and maximize opportunities to promote significant research outcomes and develop global visibility of our research and innovation experts, including regular media pitching to increase earned media coverage.
• Develop and implement high-quality and timely communication and marketing strategies, plans and content, including performance evaluation and status reporting.
• Develop and manage relationship with key university stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Work collaboratively with other university communicators to ensure alignment of communication efforts and to enhance strategic initiatives.
• Proactively seek out relevant research stories, develops storytelling that articulates the outcomes and impact of strategic initiatives for various audiences and contribute regularly to university publications.
• Responsible for the writing and editing (including gathering facts, planning, researching) of internal and external communication pieces.
• Produce high-quality communications materials, including reports, speaking notes, news releases, media advisories, media kits, web content, etc.
• Engage key stakeholders in the work, results and successes of research initiatives.
• Liaise with government relations, industry engagement, community engagement, and knowledge engagement teams.
• Maintain a knowledge and record of key university researchers, community partners, and government decision makers needed to advance the goals of select strategic initiatives.
• Plan, coordinate and execute events and networking opportunities, campus wide or on a smaller scale. This includes logistics, working with leaders to develop event content, communications and event promotion, and executing and facilitating during events.
• Develop resources to promote transdisciplinary collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and execute strategic plans to engage with the UCalgary community and external stakeholders on partnered projects.
• Lead communications projects for select strategic initiatives, including convening cross-functional teams, chairing meetings, and tracking work progress to completion.
• Lead content review/validation/user testing/refinement (as needed); secure approval for all collateral content and artwork prior to production/publication.
• Provide recommendations to establish or change procedures and best practices where required.
• Work with external vendors and suppliers as required to ensure project completion.
• Deal effectively with complex issues, using judgment, common sense and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A post-secondary degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or related fields as well as practical work experience.
• Five to eight years of experience working as a communications or marketing professional, preferably in an academic environment, community organization, or government setting.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing strategic communications and marketing programs, which include effective creation and execution of large-scale projects and campaigns aimed at targeted audiences.
• Demonstrated excellence in storytelling, science writing, and copyediting for general and specialized audiences.
• Strong skills in visual design and production management; proven experience in producing a variety of communication products, including digital channels, aimed at various audiences.
• Experience in event planning, including media, communications, public relations and outreach events.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships.
• Ability to speak and write clearly and succinctly in a variety of settings and styles; ability to distill complex information, listen effectively and to deliver messages that have the desired impact.
• Knowledge and expertise in formulating competitive strategies and practices, through an understanding of best practices and industry trends.
• Strong understanding of social media and how to leverage social media to strategic advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to handle working with staff at all levels, to work under pressure and to handle numerous priorities and competing deadlines.
• Strong organization and project management skills, excellent attention to detail and ability to work with design, and printing agencies.
• Confidence to lead initiatives and provide counsel to senior leaders, and to work collaboratively with others on campus.
• Understanding of and experience in academic research including procurement of research funding from external agencies is considered an asset.
• Experience with web-based applications such as Drupal and Marketo.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite/Cloud (Photoshop and InDesign required, other programs would be an asset).

Application Deadline: December 22, 2023.

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.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist / Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our .

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

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 . today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide 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 ( ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ( ).

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.

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