• Job Description

  Req#: req12844

  Marketing and Communications Specialist, College of Engineering

  Primary Purpose: The Marketing and Communications Specialist provides leadership in the development and implementation of innovative, effective and reliable internal and external marketing and communication strategies in support of the reputation, promotion and priorities of the College of Engineering, in alignment with the USask and unit integrated plan and strategic directions.

  This role focuses on elevating the College’s profile and refining key development content to secure partnerships, leveraging strengths in crafting compelling content and a deep understanding of the College’s priorities to ensure communications are strategic and impactful. By supporting the Advancement team and aligning with broader marketing and communications priorities aimed at external audiences, the specialist plays a crucial role in enhancing awareness and building the reputation of the college and the university on regional, national, and international levels.

  The incumbent will develop a comprehensive understanding of the college’s mandate, programs, culture, stakeholders, and strategic goals, employing strategic, collaborative, consultative, and creative skills to effectively promote the college's mission and achievements.

  Nature of Work: Reporting directly to the Dean of the College of Engineering, with functional leadership from the office of the Chief Communications Officer/AVP Strategic Communications, this position is integral to both the college's External Relations team and the University Relations' Strategic Communications team, requiring collaboration with professionals across various campus departments. Seamless coordination between college-based and central communication channels is essential to maximize benefits for both the college and the university. The specialist is responsible for supporting the marketing and communication goals of the college and executing the communications and marketing strategies of the university. The role demands high standards for quality and timely task completion, managing a project-driven workload that ranges from straightforward to highly complex, often resulting in a high-stress environment. Exceptional communication skills across written, verbal, and virtual modalities are essential to handle constant deadlines, continuous change, and shifting priorities effectively. The position will produce high-quality drafts and finished documents, with approval of the dean, for purposes such as reporting of activities and impacts, feature articles, media releases, website content and social media. The position involves considerable judgment and discretionary decision-making especially when dealing with stressful or sensitive situations. Errors can significantly impact the reputations of both the college and the university, making discretion essential as the officer handles sensitive and confidential information. The specialist is responsible for enhancing the college’s reputation and keeping the external community informed about its activities.

  Through collaboration they will garner an in-depth understanding of the college’s stakeholders, including faculty, students, industry clients, policy makers and the public. The incumbent will work both independently and collaboratively with a cross-section of communications and alumni relations specialists, university administration and key stakeholders to meet strategic goals; establishing and maintaining positive relationships is essential. The environment is dynamic and fast-paced. The position may require some travel and occasional work in the evenings and on weekends.

  Accountabilities:

  • Lead the communications function that will enhance the reputation and visual identity of the USask College of Engineering internal and external stakeholders. This includes developing, implement and evaluate strategic marketing and communications plans that support major college initiatives and enhance the college's reputation. Craft compelling messaging and content that reflect the work of the college, as well as communications to alumni, external partners, faculty, staff, students, and community outreach initiatives. Ensure the language is accessible and suitable for diverse mediums. Produce effective audience-centric digital and print marketing materials that align with and promote the college’s priorities and objectives and other communications work as required. Media relations and issues management will happen in conjunction with the central communications/marketing teams under the direction of the Chief Communications Officer
  • Elevate engagement, brand awareness and university priorities by telling compelling stories through various platforms and channels, including but not limited to social media, written copy, website content, photography, video and more
  • Provide sound and strategic communications advice and expertise including speaking notes, briefing documents, media interview preparation, and communications materials as required
  • Manage digital presence through the college’s social media channels, ensuring content is accurate, current, and engaging for target audiences
  • Manage the college’s website and ensure they up-to-date, informative and are designed with the needs of the users in mind and consistently maintains a positive external reputation. This includes directing the content and working with responsible staff members and faculty to ensure all public information on the website is consistent and is up to date
  • Follow guidelines and ensure consistent messaging and branding across all channels
  • Work with faculty to understand their research to provide accessible stories to be highlighted on USask channels, in the media or in research publications and reports. Research projects should happen in conjunction with the Research, Profile and Impact unit of the Office of the Vice-President Research
  • Manage budgetary requirements of communication initiatives and ensure effective use of resources.

  Education: An undergraduate university degree, preferably a degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field, is required. An equivalent level of education and experience may be considered. A professional designation from International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) would be considered an asset.

  Experience: Five years of directly related experience with a demonstrated progression in level of responsibility, including a breadth of experience developing, leading, and implementing all areas of strategic communications plans. Knowledge of the University of Saskatchewan academic environment and/or the engineering discipline/profession would be an asset. Knowledge of communication and marketing for revenue-generating business would be an asset. Knowledge of communications/writing in support of alumni relations and development/fundraising, and experience working with First Nation and Metis communities or environments would be considered assets.

  Skills:

  • thorough understanding of communications principles and strategies, and proven experience in applying them and achieving results in a complex environment
  • knowledge and understanding of issues, including cultural, socioeconomic, and other factors affecting Indigenous Peoples and an awareness that Indigenous engagement is a strategic priority at the university
  • building relationships within a diverse post-secondary setting to foster a community of accessibility, equity, and inclusion.
  • experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders in an organizational setting
  • ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team setting, showcasing the ability to manage tasks autonomously while contributing to collective goals
  • strong writing skills are necessary
  • effective interpersonal communications and the capacity to build consensus and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, exercising diplomacy, judgment and tact, creativity, self-motivation, reliability, and enthusiastic professionalism in dealing with people
  • demonstrated strong leadership, analytical and organizational skills, including the effective planning and management of multiple projects
  • ability to problem-solve, think and act strategically, creatively, and demonstrating keen attention to detail, discernment in work priorities, and the ability to meet deadlines
  • excellent communication skills, both written and public speaking
  • self-motivated, self-aware, and willing to receive and offer feedback
  • respectful and reliable
  • high level of proficiency in computer applications, social media, web communication and platforms and emerging information technologies
  • photography skills would be an asset.

  Department: College of Engineering-DnOffce
  Status: Permanent
  Employment Group: ASPA
  Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm
  Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1
  Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $67,681.00 - 105,753.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
  Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
  Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
  Posted Date: 7/31/2024
  Closing Date: 8/13/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
  Number of Openings: 1
  Work Location: On Campus
  

  The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.
  

• About the company

  The University of Saskatchewan is a Canadian public research university, founded on March 19, 1907, and located on the east side of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

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