Communications Specialist I - Digital Communications

University of Waterloo•Waterloo, ON

6h•CA$67,689 - CA$84,611•Onsite

About The Position

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. University of Waterloo is a leading global innovation hub that drives economic and social prosperity for Canada and the world. With more than 41,000 students, we are home to the world's largest co-op education talent pipeline, to game-changing research and technology, and to an unmatched entrepreneurial culture. Together, these create partnerships and solutions to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) is one of the world's leading centres for quantum research. Working alongside internationally recognized researchers, the communications team translates complex scientific advances into compelling stories that showcase the institute's impact to audiences across Canada and around the globe. At the university, the Marketing and Communications function is responsible for enhancing and protecting the university’s reputation. The communications function specifically leads by helping the university communicate with clarity, credibility and purpose, while developing governance, standards and protocols to uphold consistent, coordinated and effective communications across campus. The Communications Specialist, Digital Communications is a role responsible for creating, delivering, and evaluating all aspects of digital communication in support of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC). This role will develop IQC’s digital communications strategy and execution, with a focus on increasing, informing, and engaging our communities. In this role, you’ll be the person shaping how IQC tells its story online, creating engaging digital content, managing key channels, and using analytics to grow awareness and engagement for one of the world’s leading quantum research institutes. This position is responsible for establishing, monitoring, and evaluating digital communications channels. They will be a storyteller and editor, responsible for creating compelling media content, including graphics and videos, and will provide leadership and guidance on digital best practices, including digital analytics.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree or post-secondary diploma in communications, public relations, journalism, English, marketing or a related field.
2–4 years of related communications experience.
Experience developing communications content and supporting communications initiatives, projects or campaigns.
Experience working with multiple stakeholders, priorities and communications channels.
Strong writing, editing and content-development skills.
Working knowledge of communications planning, storytelling, audience engagement and channel delivery practices.
Ability to independently coordinate and deliver communications activities within established plans, frameworks and timelines.
Strong organizational and project-coordination skills.
Ability to compile, analyze and summarize communications performance information and audience feedback.
Strong communication, stakeholder-coordination and relationship-building skills.
Ability to assess communications issues, recommend practical solutions and implement appropriate actions within defined scope.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality, accuracy and service expectations.
Working knowledge of communications standards, accessibility requirements and content-development best practices.
Working knowledge of communications, digital, reporting, and collaboration tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience in higher education, the public sector or another complex multi-stakeholder environment is an asset.

Responsibilities

Oversee IQC’s digital presence by developing and delivering digital communications to enhance, visibility and awareness of a world-class research institute
Create content for internal channels (intranet, newsletters, leadership messaging)
Applies research-based decision making to improve digital and online content to meet user and organizational needs.
Ensure consistency, clarity, and accessibility of internal and external messaging across audiences with expertise in WCMS to support engagement and UW best practices
Develops and delivers communications activities and materials supporting defined objectives and priorities.
Creates and adapts communications content for digital, print and other channels as required.
Produces communications materials such as articles, web content, newsletters, presentations, social media content, promotional materials and related communications products.
Researches, analyzes and synthesizes information to support accurate, audience-focused communications.
Applies communications standards, editorial practices and audience considerations to support effective delivery.
Contributes to communications planning and coordinates implementation of communications activities within established priorities, frameworks and timelines.
Coordinates communications activities, timelines, deliverables and approvals for assigned projects and initiatives.
Maintains project documentation, monitors progress and facilitates input from contributors and stakeholders.
Identifies implementation challenges and recommends practical solutions to support communications objectives.
Works with internal partners to ensure communications activities are delivered effectively and on schedule.
Collaborates with stakeholders, subject-matter experts and communications colleagues to support communications initiatives.
Provides practical advice and recommendations regarding communications approaches, messaging, audience considerations and implementation requirements within defined scope.
Builds productive working relationships with clients, partners and project contributors.
Coordinates stakeholder review and approval processes.
Communicates project updates, requirements and timelines clearly to stakeholders.
Assesses and addresses communications-related issues and stakeholder concerns within established frameworks and delegated authority.
Supports management and maintenance of communications channels, platforms and content.
Applies institutional brand standards, accessibility requirements, editorial guidelines and communications practices.
Compiles, analyzes and summarizes communications performance information, audience feedback and channel metrics to support evaluation and continuous improvement.
Identifies trends, opportunities and areas for improvement based on audience, channel and performance information.
Contributes recommendations to improve communications effectiveness, audience engagement and content performance.
Identifies opportunities to improve communications processes, tools and delivery approaches.
Contributes to development and adoption of communications templates, resources and best practices.
Maintains awareness of communications trends, technologies and emerging practices.
Contributes to continuous improvement of communications services and outcomes.