Communications Officer

at  University of Saskatchewan

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Please note that a strong internal candidate has been identified.
The Service Team provides communications and marketing services (including graphic and web design) to units within the Teaching Learning and Student Experience (TLSE) portfolio. Units within TLSE champion and promote the success of USask students and encourage and support USask academic instructors.
Primary Purpose: As a member of the Service Team, this position supports and advances the strategic enrolment management goals and the student experience at the University of Saskatchewan. This position creates effective, timely and relevant communications that are primarily targeted to prospective and current students and the audiences influencing and supporting them. As part of the Service Team, they may develop other types of communications to meet the strategic needs of the TLSE.
Nature of Work: Reporting to the Director of the Service Team within University Relations, the Communications Officer will create strategically aligned communications materials, primarily focused on prospective and current student audiences, via multiple communication platforms including web, PAWS, print and social media. This is a high-volume position requiring the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment with competing deadlines.
Flexible hours may be required on an occasional basis outside of standard working hours.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Develop content for communications materials (including websites, newsletters, emails, videos, print and digital media), which are primarily targeted at current students, prospective students, applicants, newly admitted students and their key influencers;
• Develop communication plans and write content for news stories and other publications;
• Proof-read and edit materials to support the reputation of the campus and the effectiveness of communications;
• Work within our PAWS system to post messages and deliver emails (including newsletters);
• Work within a relationship management system to create and deliver communications;
• Support photo shoots with the goal of ensuring up-to-date photography is available for use in a variety of print and online materials;
• Support event planning teams to ensure the successful communication of event-related details;
• Utilize data from surveys, user testing and analytics to develop and implement recommendations for best practices and best user experience;
• Support the identification of timely, value-added technologies and ideas to improve communications opportunities;
• Ensure that all communications materials align with strategic directions related to the TLSE;
• Ensure that internal standards, procedures, policies and best practices are utilized in all communications materials in support of the visual identity of the university;
• Work with a variety of campus stakeholders within and beyond University Relations and the TLSE portfolio;
• Work in a highly collaborative team environment that is responsive to changing needs, multiple demands and tight timelines;
• Cultivate professional relationships that develop capacity across the TLSE and beyond, and support effective partnerships and collaborations;and
• Perform other duties in support of TLSE Service Team priorities, as required.
  Education: An undergraduate university degree is required, preferably in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, English or other related field. A combination of education and experience may be considered.
  Experience: A minimum of two years’ experience in communications, including writing for the web and social media. Experience in a post secondary environment is preferred.

SKILLS:

• Exceptional ability to write messages for a variety of prospective student audiences, along with: excellent oral and interpersonal skills;
• proven ability to write for web, proof read, and develop communications plans;
• a proven ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and as part of a team;
• strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• strong problem-solving and creative thinking skills;
• demonstrated customer service orientation;
• demonstrated responsiveness in addressing user needs and delivering service in a timely manner;
• ability to work independently and exercise effective self-management;
• strong time-management skills;
• project management skills;
• high level of proficiency in computer applications, web communication and emerging information technologies;
• knowledge and understanding of issues, including cultural, socioeconomic, and other factors affecting Indigenous Peoples and an awareness that Indigenous engagement is a strategic priority at the university.
  Department: University Relations
  Status: Term 1 year with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent
  Employment Group: ASPA
  Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
  Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $52,050.00 - 81,328.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
  Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
  Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1
  Posted Date: 10/31/2024
  Closing Date: 11/7/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
  Number of Openings: 1
  Work Location: On Campus
  The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. 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 to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis 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

Please refer the Job description for details