Senior Communications Coordinator

at  Queens University

Senior Communications Coordinator
About Queen’s University
Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.
We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.
Come work with us!
Job Summary
Reporting to the Director, Research Promotion and Strategic Initiatives (Director), the Senior Communications Coordinator (Coordinator), supports the development, implementation, and measurement of strategic communications (print, digital, and web) and activities, including institutional rankings and events, designed to advance Queen’s reputation as a globally ranked, research-intensive university.
The Coordinator is a member of the Integrated Communications team in the University Relations portfolio, but will collaborate closely with colleagues across the faculties and other central units. This role requires an experienced and enthusiastic communications professional who has a passion for storytelling, and is a planner, self-starter, and strategic thinker who can implement initiatives and achieve results.
Job Description

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• University degree, preferably in Marketing or Communications, combined with 5 years demonstrated experience in a marketing or communications role. Experience in research communications considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience writing for various audiences (internal and external) on various platforms, including web and social media.
• Knowledge of website and social media best practices for usability, accessibility and content delivery.
• Exceptional organizational skills, project management experience, and the ability to coordinate large and complex projects.
• Experience with web development considered an asset.
• Experience in a university setting with extensive knowledge of university procedures, policies, regulations considered a strong asset.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Exceptional interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written) to professionally interact effectively with people at all levels of the university, including deans and vice-principals, with the highest professional standards of conduct and with acute sensitivity to the political and diverse environment.
• Is familiar with and applies best practices in diversity and inclusion practices, strategies, systems, policies, and is a role model for inclusive and culturally competent behaviour.
• Excellent report writing, minute-taking, and presentation-preparation capabilities with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to think and act strategically, creatively, and dynamically in a high-pressure, fast paced work environment.
• Ability to effectively manage and prioritize multiple tasks and to stay focused on high impact initiatives. Results-oriented: must be able to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Excellent computer skills and able to readily learn new applications, including new social media platforms. Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint.

• Under the leadership of the Director, and in close collaboration with other team members, support the development, implementation, and measurement of various institution-wide communications initiatives.
• Draft, edit, evaluate, and lead the production of content for various communications vehicles (print and digital) designed to promote Queen’s communications priorities to various audiences in a digital first environment. Products include communications plans, Gazette stories, social media content, website content, media pitches, press releases, profiles, and features. Products must adhere to the Queen’s Visual Identity and Brand Standards.
• Participate in competitive submission development for the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. Play a key role in planning for the Project Team, Working Group, and Steering Committee meetings and working with units across campus to develop, update, and collect evidence for the annual submission. Support evidence development and coordination of the annual Advancing Social Impact: Queen’s Contributions to the SDGs report.
• Plan, develop, and upload content for websites and social media channels, levering best practices for SEO and digital performance-based insights.
• Collaborate with the Director and the Media Relations team to proactively identify opportunities to pitch faculty experts to media, The Conversation Canada, etc. Identify opportunities to recruit, train, and provide support for new and existing thought leaders and experts.
• Collect, analyze, and synthesize data to support the Director in the development of documents, including briefings, speaking notes, presentations, reports, and strategic plans for various communications activities and strategic initiatives.
• Work as part of a team to lead the logistics and other details around events such as high-profile visits, public lectures, webinars, and special events.
• Build productive working relationships with staff, faculty, communications and marketing staff in other parts of the university, agencies and external vendors.
• Undertake and implement special projects and other duties as assigned.