Overview:
Term: 2 Years
The Specialist, Communications is responsible for all communications to both current and prospective students in residence at University of Waterloo. The incumbent identifies, develops and recommends the communications plans and initiatives for all units within Campus Housing in support of its strategic goals and objectives.
Responsibilities:
Plan, develop, and evaluate communication plans
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Develops communication initiatives that align with Campus Housing and university goals
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Integrates communications strategies into all media, including web and printed pieces
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Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of communications plans by using tools such as evaluation forms, questionnaires, surveys, focus groups, and by leading virtual and face-to-face feedback forums
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Recommends progressive improvements and initiatives to keep communications strategies fresh and competitive
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Works closely with marketing to develop key messages for marketing communication materials in all media formats – print, web, and social media – to promote residence
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Oversees content and design strategies to guide print, digital, and content marketing and communications projects
Develop effective and innovative communication copy and materials
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Writes, edits and proofreads communications aimed at students living in residence
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Develops on-going communications with current residence students ensuring they feel they are receiving accurate and timely information
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Collaborates with partners on the monthly digital newsletter and ensuring it continues to provide valuable and useful information
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Regularly performs a department communication audit. Initiates recommendations from the audit, and re- evaluates and performs a new audit, as needed
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Writes, edits and produces high-quality and engaging print materials and web communications that reflect well on the Department and encourage readership
Provide communications support
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Builds and fosters collaborative partnerships with Campus Housing team members to better understand communications needs across the department
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Actively provides communications support, as required, to all of Campus Housing
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Works closely with peers to ensure an integrated and consolidated approach to content development and delivery, as well as alignment within the department
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Oversees and organizes student communications in Campus Housing emergency and crisis situations
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Participates in all University of Waterloo recruitment initiatives and events including all special visit days, Ontario Universities Fair and specialized recruitment events
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Participates in customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of student satisfaction
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Updates and maintains communication templates in Campus Housing application system
Content management
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Creates content and design strategies to guide print, digital and content marketing and communications projects
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Develops and maintains an editorial calendar that aligns with department goals and events
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Creates, writes, edits and updates content for Housing & Residences’ communications (web, social, digital, print), while complying with best practice guidelines as set out by the University
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Provides regular content updates by continually monitoring and refreshing content, as required
Qualifications:
- Post-secondary degree or diploma in Business, Marketing, Communications or equivalent post secondary education and experience
Minimum of 2 years of experience in a communications role is preferred, ideally in an educational setting or in the hotel/hospitality industry -
Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, including writing for web/print
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Proven creativity through written and/or visual representation
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Experience with social media trends, digital analytics tools and maintenance of content for digital communications
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Critical-thinking and analytical skills to enable the execution and assessment of communications plans
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Strong organizational and project management skills
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Demonstrated ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, set and meet deadlines and adjust to changing needs
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Proven ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment
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Ability to be positive, collaborative and work effectively with colleagues and on-campus partners
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Flexible and adaptive to changing needs
Advanced knowledge of processing, presentation and spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel) -
Experience with digital and social media channels
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Intermediate web/online competence
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Knowledge and experience using digital communications platforms
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Working knowledge of analytics software to analyze trends
Equity Statement:
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at
[email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.
