Communications Specialist, Offices of the President, Provost and VP Academic

Primary Purpose:
To provide leadership in the development and implementation of innovative, effective, and reliable communication strategies to advance the reputation, priorities and goals of University President and the Provost and Vice-President Academic portfolios in alignment with the university’s integrated plan and priorities.

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 and Provost’s offices and University Relations 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 and advancement 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 portfolios 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 directions of the President, Provost and Vice-President portfolios 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
• Gather information and write reports for faculty council and other governance bodies
• Manage the portfolio websites and social media channels.
• Ensure communications messaging is consistent for the portfolios and university.
• Act as a communications liaison for the Office of the Vice Provost Indigenous Engagement, Strategic Finance Office and Sustainability Office
• 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 degree, preferably a degree in communications, journalism or marketing is preferred. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience: Five years of directly related experience with a demonstrated progression in level of responsibility. An understanding of alumni relations and marketing and some experience in photography and experience with Adobe InDesign would be considered 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.

Department: University Relations

Status: Permanent

Employment Group: Exempt
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $67,830.00 – 112,200.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable):
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 3

Posted Date: 3/4/2024

Closing Date: 3/17/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where ‘Yes’ is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver’s License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

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.