Communications Specialist

University of Waterloo•Cambridge, ON

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Specialist is responsible for creating, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive communication plan to further strategic goals and raise the profile of the School of Architecture across campus and externally. This role involves writing and producing compelling communication materials (marketing, digital, social, photography/videography) for multiple channels and audiences. The Specialist will collaborate closely with the Director and Advancement Manager, providing creative and design expertise in executing marketing and communication strategies.

Requirements

University degree in communications, communication design, fine arts, marketing, graphic design or equivalent combination of education and experience.
3-5 years’ experience in communications, creative or graphic design or marketing role, preferably in education or not-for-profit sector with a proven record of writing, editing and developing creative communications in print, web and digital platforms for multiple audiences.
Excellent writing and oral communication skills, with solid knowledge of both English grammar and the specialized requirements associated with writing for the web and other digital media is required.
Experience developing compelling, integrated communication programs and creating persuasive content for different audiences, including proposals, letters, web content, articles, profiles, video, social media and publications is required.
Experience in brand development strategies and implementation.
Thorough command of the social media and digital world – from evolving social, web, to mobile tools and trends – sophisticated client service and digital communication skills; high level interest with respect to this area of rapid change and innovation.
Demonstrated understanding of best practices in information architecture, navigation, user interfaces, usability, accessibility standards (i.e. AODA, Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation [CASL]), and testing.
Demonstrated design skills and ability, creativity and understanding of effective design, graphic balance, and impact of layout and messaging on communication materials.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills coupled with the ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and excel in a fast-paced environment characterized by changing priorities.
Possess strong interpersonal skills, passionate about communications and high-quality work, and deliver creative and consistent work in demanding environment with multiple stakeholders, projects and deadlines.
Must have advanced to intermediate knowledge of HTML, CSS, Office365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word (mail merge), Drupal, Social Media applications (eg. Twitter, SnapChat, Instagram, Discord, Slack, Facebook), Adobe Creative Suite.
Must have excellent working knowledge of: HooteSuite, Photoshop or GIMP; InDesign, InkScape, Illustrator or Corel Draw; Premiere, KDENLIVE, OpenShot, Shotcut or OBS Studio; Audacity, Ableton, Cubase, Logic, GarageBand, FL Studio, Reaper.

Responsibilities

Proactively writes, edits, creates content, project coordinates, executes and evaluates School of Architecture communications which may include: web content, social media content, print publications, proposals, letters, video storyboarding and scripting writing, video creation, invitations, media releases, newsletters.
Develops and executes project strategies and integrated communication plans across all channels to successfully engage audience and various stakeholders; works to strengthen identity of School’s value, vision and mission within the University and beyond.
Ensures all communication strategies and content aligns and supports the needs of the school.
Works with and supports the Director to develop high-level, customized writing for targeted audiences.
Looks for opportunities to integrate communications, reduce duplication and streamline communications processes.
Conducts research, proactively explores and suggests creative ways to tell our story and expand our audience reach and engagement.
Develops theme, sources content and graphics; builds and maintains a digital archive of photos and videos for publications and digital communications.
Contributes to the development and management of the school’s brand and visual identity and ensures consistency of this identity in logos, graphic elements, and in all aspects of communication medias.
Researches, writes and edits compelling copy for marketing material that supports strategic initiatives.
Acts as the point of contact for all marketing projects (e.g. Annual brochures, promotional videos and photography), driven by the University and Faculty, and works collaboratively with internal partners eg. Creative Services, Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment etc. for content and graphics representation of the School of Architecture identity and strategic vision.
Supports and executes communication and marketing materials for undergraduate and graduate program recruitment, School of Architecture events and supports the Advancement Manager in Alumni and Advancement initiatives.
Proactively writes, manages, curates, copy edits and updates content for School of Architecture websites and social media channels.
Creates and manages digital communications strategies and sets tactical plans to deliver on objectives.
Manages the School of Architecture websites and establishes a content strategy, including day-to-day content creation and maintenance, regular content audits and supporting web maintainers via editing support and best practices.
Acts as the School’s point of contact for the Waterloo Content Management System (WCMS).
Looks for ways to improve the online user experience, working collaboratively with colleagues on web best practices, information architecture, usability etc.
Creates a School social media strategy, and develops and executes compelling social media plans and creative content that promotes School initiatives; using analytics and reporting to inform content strategy.
Develops guidelines and best practices that students and employees can follow for social media sharing anywhere.
Identifies and develops targeted and creative approaches for the integration of print, digital and video strategies across various audiences.
Remains current on issues, trends, technologies, demands and approaches in digital marketing communications.
Has a thorough understanding of digital dissemination tools to ensure communication projects align with end requirements.
Lead the development and implementation of an effective internal communications program to foster increased information sharing among the school community.
Build relationships with faculty and staff in order to maintain awareness of all teaching and research activities within the school and enhance stakeholder participation in internal communications.
Ensure relevant external communications are shared internally with key stakeholders through appropriate channels.
Own and manage the day-to-day activities of ad hoc internal communications, including acting as an advisor to departments and colleagues on best practices.
Provides creative support to the Advancement Manager for alumni and advancement initiatives.
Expands audiences by responding to our public, disciplinary and global communities’ needs and crafts a centralized, complete, ongoing and accessible database of these audiences.
Establishes Quality Improvement (QI) committee to review metrics, establish goals and measure progress of communication strategies.