Communications Team Lead, Internal Communications,  University Relations en University of Saskatchewan

Reporting to the Director of University Communications, the team lead will provide coordination, support and mentorship to a team of communications professionals in operational and strategic matters. This role offers guidance, manages project workflows, allocates resources, and ensures the successful delivery of internal/external communications initiatives. The team lead supports professional development and employee engagement. 

The team lead will exercise judgement and discretionary decision-making on sensitive or confidential issues. This position will work closely with a variety of university stakeholders and cross-campus communications staff to support the mission of the university by promoting and celebrating its people, activities and success stories with key internal and external audiences. 

Duties and 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 which 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 
• Ensure 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 to promote 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-judgement 
• Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.   

Qualifications: 

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing or a related field 
• A graduate degree is an asset 
• 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 
• Experience and knowledge of post-secondary or academic communications support is preferred 
• 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.