Communications and Outreach Officer

University of Waterloo•Waterloo, ON

23d•$65,973 - $82,467

About The Position

The Communication and Outreach Officer (Officer) works to enhance the administration, recognition and reputation of the Systems Design Engineering department (SYDE) and its undergraduate and graduate programs through effective documentation, strategic communications and comprehensive outreach activities. The incumbent raises the profile of the programs among potential students, alumni, donors and prospects, the national and international research community, the local community and corporate sponsors through the production of professional, compelling and effective communications materials. They contribute to the recruitment of high-quality students and advances the department’s research agenda by positioning SYDE as a leader in research, teaching and academic excellence through participation in a variety of outreach activities.

Requirements

University degree in communications or relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Four years relevant experience in communications and web content management tools, including social media platforms preferably in an academic setting
Working understanding of content areas in the fields of systems and/or biomedical engineering
Demonstrated experience writing communication pieces, editing and proofreading short and long copy
Experience with content management systems (Drupal) and managing social media accounts
Intermediate experience with MS Office, SharePoint, Adobe, Waterloo Content Management System (WCMS), and editing software
Experience with publication software, video editing and photo editing software
Ability to work effectively and diplomatically with individuals and groups with diverse perspectives and backgrounds
Ability to communicate effectively and foster positive relations in a dispersed environment
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships
Proven ability in managing multiple-source projects that require leadership and integrity when dealing with a variety of stakeholder groups
Demonstrated ability to adapt writing styles for various purposes, excellent written communication skills, and ability to compose reports and other written materials
Ability to think critically and analytically, and distill complex information in a manner that facilitates understanding and brings research and teaching to life for different audiences
Ability to maintain confidentiality and deal with information of a sensitive nature with discretion
Demonstrated ability to work independently with a high level of initiative and flexibility to accomplish objectives in an environment with changing priorities and constant interruptions
High level of accuracy and attention to detail
Strong organizational and time management skills to manage multiple priorities, simultaneous or overlapping deadlines, and work effectively under pressure
Ability to learn new web tools and adapt to new technologies
Broad knowledge of the academic and research environment and sponsor funding guidelines

Responsibilities

Identifies and develops external communication plans that support the engagement of a wide range of stakeholders and audiences
Leads the development and implementation of an effective internal communications program to foster increased information sharing amongst the staff, faculty and other stakeholders
Ensures websites are current, with timely news, events lectures/symposia and announcements, and other content that highlights the department’s historical accomplishments
Conducts research and interviews, writes and edits compelling copy for marketing collateral that supports strategic initiatives
Writes and edits online content in alignment with digital content writing best practices and web accessibility legislative requirements and provides editorial support for web content as required
Establishes a strategy for a meaningful social media presence using a variety of platforms (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc.)
Provides strategic oversight on the use of digital communications to engage the internal and external community using a variety of tools such as web, social media, video, digital signage and emerging platforms
Implements and leverages the department’s websites, social media and digital signage to grow the department and program’s online presence, reach out to audiences and promote the work of faculty
Utilizes photography, video and other visual storytelling tools
Liaises with the Faculty of Engineering’s Advancement and Outreach to identify goals and strategies to ensure consistent messaging
Edits external research promotion material
Attends events to compose notes capturing key messages, take photographs and network with attendees to provide content for stories
Maintains an exceptional understanding of brand guidelines and promotes a unified look and feel for the department and BME program through the creation and maintenance of suites of promotional material
Encourages adherence to brand guidelines among faculty, staff and students by fielding questions and providing direction and expert counsel on best practices
Advances equity, diversity and inclusion in all materials and efforts in consultation and collaboration with the Equity Office
Takes a leadership role in developing communication materials of importance to the Department
Manages and performs the timely and accurate revision, dissemination, and storage of administrative documents
Works with program staff, department administration and stakeholders to support administrative functions
Works with Creative Services to update and develop new print and digital communications, including reports, brochures and posters
Organizes photoshoots as required
Builds relationships with faculty and staff to maintain awareness of teaching and research activities
Completes other duties as required by SYDE Chair and Administrative Officer
Supports the Chair, BME Program Director and Associate Chair on outreach as well as Faculty of Engineering’s (FoE) Advancement and Outreach to enhance undergraduate outreach activities
Collaborates on graduate recruitment efforts
Works with FoE’s Advancement and Outreach to support alumni engagement and raise funds
Coordinates special events
Maintains a running list of events, lectures and student-run projects to which alumni may be invited
Identifies awards of potential interest to faculty members and promotes awards for nomination purposes
Liaises with award agencies and other partners to garner honours and distinctions for faculty members. Alumni, staff, and students
Solicits reference letters from external sources, prepares drafts of nomination letters as needed, and coordinates information from nominators and award nominees, nomination letters, expert reviews, and other necessary materials for the files
Prepares award nomination and recognition packages and reviews nomination dossiers
Serves on the Department Awards Committee