Marketing and Communications Specialist, Huskies

at  University of Saskatchewan

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, HUSKIES

Primary Purpose: The Marketing and Communications Specialist provides support in the development and implementation of innovative, effective and reliable internal and external marketing and communication strategies in support of the reputation, promotion and priorities of the Huskies, with a clear connection and to also support the University of Saskatchewan (USask) integrated plan and strategic directions.
This role focuses on elevating Huskies and USask’s profile and refining key development content to secure partnerships, leveraging strengths in crafting compelling content and a deep understanding of the Huskies priorities to ensure communications are strategic and impactful.
The incumbent will develop a comprehensive understanding of the Huskies and USask’s mandate, programs, culture, stakeholders, and strategic goals, employing strategic, collaborative, consultative, and creative skills to effectively promote Huskies’ mission and achievements.
Nature of Work: Reporting to the Executive Officer of the Huskies, with functional leadership from the office of the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) and Associate Vice-President (AVP), Strategic Communications, this position is integral to both the Huskies and the University Relations’ Strategic Communications team, requiring collaboration with professionals across various campus departments.
The role demands high standards for quality and timely task completion, managing a project-driven workload that ranges from straightforward to highly complex, often resulting in a fast-paced environment. Exceptional communication skills across written, verbal, and virtual modalities are essential to handle constant deadlines, continuous change, and shifting priorities effectively.
One of the absolute priorities of this role is to support both the CCO and AVP Strategic Communications and Associate Athletics Officer, Development & Marketing for the Huskies as they seek to create solid purchased-media strategy and buys in the province and the country.
Another priority of this role is to work collaboratively and strategically with Huskie staff and various internal stakeholders to fully engage USask students creating strategies to inform and drive them to Huskie sporting events.
The position involves considerable judgment and discretionary decision-making especially when dealing with stressful or sensitive situations. Errors can significantly impact the reputations of both the Huskies and the university, making discretion essential as the specialist handles sensitive and confidential information. The specialist is responsible for enhancing the Huskies reputation and keeping the external community informed about its activities.
Through collaboration they will garner an in-depth understanding of the Huskies stakeholders, including faculty, students, industry clients, policy makers and the public. The incumbent will work both independently and collaboratively with a cross-section of communications, marketing and alumni relations specialists, university administration and key stakeholders to meet strategic goals; establishing and maintaining positive relationships is essential. The environment is dynamic and fast-paced. The position may require some travel and occasional work in the evenings and on weekends.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Act as a liaison for paid marketing campaigns for both the Huskies and University Relations, ensuring assets are delivered and overseeing project management of buys with media partners
• Explore and encourage “cause” marketing strategies to attract student engagement, ticket buyers and corporate partners,
• Supporting the Executive Officer of the Huskies efforts in community partnerships
• Work with central media relations and other strategists to ensure “cause” storytelling is created and is shared on appropriate platforms
• Responsible for influencer marketing strategy for the Huskies, working in conjunction with both Huskie marketing staff and central social media specialists
• In collaboration with the Huskie marketing team, act as a co-lead for student-engagement, working with central and student-focused communicators for increased student attendance at sporting events
• Regularly attend USask marketing and communications meetings and events, actively sharing new strategies with other professionals
• Other duties as assigned.
  Education: An undergraduate university degree, preferably a degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field, is required. An equivalent level of education and experience may be considered. A professional designation from International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) would be considered an asset.
  Experience: Five years of directly related experience with a demonstrated progression in level of responsibility, including a breadth of experience developing, leading, and implementing all areas of strategic communications plans. Knowledge of the University of Saskatchewan academic environment and Huskie Athletics would be an asset. Knowledge of communication and marketing for revenue-generating business would be an asset. Knowledge of communications/writing in support of alumni relations and development/fundraising, and experience working with First Nation and Metis communities or environments would be considered assets.

SKILLS:

• thorough understanding of communications principles and strategies, and proven experience in applying them and achieving results in a complex environment;
• 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;
• building relationships within a diverse post-secondary setting to foster a community of accessibility, equity, and inclusion.
• experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders in an organizational setting;
• ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team setting, showcasing the ability to manage tasks autonomously while contributing to collective goals;
• strong writing skills are necessary;
• effective interpersonal communications and the capacity to build consensus and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, exercising diplomacy, judgment and tact, creativity, self-motivation, reliability, and enthusiastic professionalism in dealing with people;
• demonstrated strong leadership, analytical and organizational skills, including the effective planning and management of multiple projects;
• ability to problem-solve, think and act strategically, creatively, and demonstrating keen attention to detail, discernment in work priorities, and the ability to meet deadlines;
• excellent communication skills, both written and public speaking;
• self-motivated, self-aware, and willing to receive and offer feedback
• respectful and reliable;
• high level of proficiency in computer applications, social media, web communication and platforms and emerging information technologies;
• photography skills would be an asset.
  Department: Huskie Athletics
  Status: Permanent
  Employment Group: ASPA
  Shift: Evening/weekend work required on occasion.
  Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
  Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $67,681.00 - 105,753.00 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: 9/27/2024
  Closing Date: 10/3/2024 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