Communications Specialist, President's Office bei University of Saskatchewan

Nature of Work:
Reporting to the Director, University Communications with a dotted line to the president’s chief of staff, the communications specialist will work collaboratively with the President’s office to ensure strategic messaging and university/office initiatives are met. The position involves considerable judgement and discretionary decision-making in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of multiple communications plans.  The position will be working with sensitive and confidential information on a regular basis, which may have impacts to institutional, academic and/or operational strategies and outcomes.  The individual will need to use discretion and confidentiality in the handling of this information and in developing communication related to the issues.

The individual will garner an in-depth understanding of the office and its stakeholders. The incumbent will work both independently and collaboratively with other members in the portfolio, University Relations, University administration and key stakeholders to meet strategic goals, and establishing and maintaining positive relationships is essential. The environment is dynamic and fast-paced. The position requires occasional work in evenings and on weekends.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Prepare and implement annual and long and short-term internal and external communications strategies to support and advance the strategic priorities of the President’s Office as well as raising the profile and advancing the reputation locally, nationally, and internationally
• Conceptualize, seek out and develop engaging, newsworthy stories that support the university’s brand platform and strategic plan, which may include feature articles, short stories, speaking notes, news briefs, reports, media releases, photos, and other types of content about a broad range of topics across the campus
• Prepare speeches, correspondence, all-campus messages and event invitations as required
• Gather information and write reports for faculty council and other governance bodies
• Manage the portfolio websites and social media channels
• Protect and enhance the reputation of the university through proactive and strategic communications planning
• As needed, work with other communications professionals to facilitate effective communication and partnership between the Office of the Vice Provost Indigenous Engagement, Strategic Finance Office, and Sustainability Office
• Ensure communications messaging is consistent for the portfolio and university
• Stewardship of the university’s and portfolios’ reputation and visual identities
• Participate in University Relations meetings, team planning and other activities that contribute to achieving University-wide goals in communications
• Collaboratively work with other members within the portfolio to promote and communicate the portfolio on a variety of projects
• Other projects as assigned

Education: An undergraduate university degree, preferably in communications, marketing, journalism or related field.  An equivalent level of education and experience may be considered. Credentials and professional designations through IABC or 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. Knowledge of the University of Saskatchewan, the academic and the research environments would be an asset.

Skills: A thorough understanding of communication strategies and principles and proven experience in applying them and achieving results in a complex environment; ability to work independently and collaboratively; demonstrated leadership and consensus building skills; proven ability to develop written content for a variety of communication vehicles; highly organized with polish presentation and interpersonal skills; demonstrated exceptional writing skills; strong problem solving and creative thinking skills; high level of proficiency in computer applications, web communication and emerging information technologies; photography skills are desired; manage multiple and competing tasks and projects; demonstrated ability to exercise diplomacy, confidentiality, judgement and tact.