Communications Team Lead, Internal Communications, University Relations
About The Position
The Communications Team Lead, Internal Communications, University Relations provides leadership in developing and implementing innovative, effective, and reliable communication strategies to advance the university's reputation, priorities, and goals in alignment with the strategic plan. This role also supports a team of communications professionals by providing coordination, support, and mentorship in operational and strategic matters, as well as supporting professional development and engagement initiatives. Reporting to the Director of University Communications, the team lead will offer guidance, manage project workflows, allocate resources, and ensure the successful delivery of internal and external communications initiatives. The team lead will exercise judgment and discretionary decision-making on sensitive or confidential issues. This position will collaborate closely with various university stakeholders and cross-campus communications staff to support the university's mission by promoting and celebrating its people, activities, and success stories with key internal and external audiences.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related field.
- Minimum five years’ experience in communications or marketing with progression in level of responsibility, including a breadth of experience developing and implementing all areas of strategic communications plans, preferably in a post-secondary or similar setting.
- Advanced knowledge of communication principles.
- Strong writing skills to effectively communicate to diverse audiences across multiple platforms.
- Strong leadership and management skills.
- Demonstrated client service orientation.
- Strong problem-solving, strategic, and creative thinking skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and meet deadlines on multiple projects with competing demands.
- Knowledge, understanding, and/or openness to learn about issues (including cultural, socio-economic, and other factors) affecting Indigenous peoples.
- Ability to identify opportunities and analyze data to inform decisions.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a diverse environment and build relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to use and leverage technology effectively.
Nice To Haves
- A graduate degree is an asset.
- Experience and knowledge of post-secondary or academic communications support is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Leads the development, implementation, and delivery of effective and reliable communication strategies and plans, both annual and long-term, that enhance the reputation and visual identity of the university.
- Provides strategic advice, guidance, and innovative solutions that support the reputation, promotion, branding, priorities, and initiatives of the university.
- Works to identify areas of specific focus in which to provide communications support and development.
- Encourages appropriate engagement of internal stakeholders during the planning and implementation of communications strategies.
- Develops, builds, and maintains key relationships with internal stakeholders from across campus.
- Crafts compelling content that reflects the work of the university, as well as communications to alumni, external partners, faculty, staff, and students.
- Utilizes various internal and external platforms and channels, including but not limited to social media, written copy, website content, photography, video, and more.
- Follows guidelines and ensures consistent messaging and branding across all channels.
- Participates in team meetings, planning, and other activities that contribute to achieving university-wide goals in communications.
- Ensures communications are accessible and suitable for diverse audiences and diverse mediums.
- Complies with all relevant university policies, procedures, and processes.
- Mentors, coaches, and supports a team of communications professionals.
- Coordinates and facilitates regular meetings with the assigned team of communications professionals.
- Provides recommendations on team learning and professional development opportunities, assisting with planning as required.
- Shares learnings and encourages team knowledge transfer, including reporting on the effectiveness of communications or communications channels, to enhance the skills and understanding of the team and communications colleagues.
- Monitors team adherence to guidelines, policies, procedures, and promotes consistent messaging and branding across all channels.
- Liaises with leadership on emerging issues, team opportunities, and team complement planning.
- Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment.
- Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others, and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgment.
- Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.
Benefits
- May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
