City : Waterloo, ON

Category : Temporary

Industry : Education

Employer : University of Waterloo

Term: 1 year

Reporting to the Managing Director of the Waterloo Climate Institute, the Communications Officer is responsible for: (1) content creation and management of Climate Institute branding, messaging, and communications materials, (2) project management and implementation of communications activities to support the Climate Institute’s communication and strategic objectives, and (3) Advancing the profile and reputation of the Climate Institute and its members through collaborative knowledge mobilization and public relations.

This position is contingent on funding.

Content Creation and Management:

• Acts as lead contributor for Climate Institute web and social media sites, including writing and maintaining content, and ensuring relevance, timeliness, and effective alignment with Climate Institute strategic goals
• Leads the execution of Climate Institute communication and outreach activities and provides strategic communications expertise to Climate Institute Executive and Managing Directors, and faculty members
• Applies industry best practices for the web and ensures compliance with UW branding and accessibility standards
• Creates and maintains an active presence on social media, primarily through Twitter, to promote Climate Institute activities, and amplify member social media activity
• Develops, writes and edits content for a variety of internal and external communications materials, including emails to Climate Institute members, brochures, news releases, newsletters, research stories, educational, and other specialized knowledge mobilization materials for stakeholders
• Works with faculties, central communications, and other units to identify, leverage and amplify relevant content, including web and social media content, as well as related media advisories and press releases
• Ensures accuracy, effective messaging and brand compliance across Climate Institute communications platforms and with internal and external partners
• Edits copy produced by other staff and colleagues
• Develops, monitors, and reports on metrics for website and social media performance, as aligned with the communications strategy
• Prepares content for and manages development of the Climate Institute annual report

Project Management and Implementation of Communications Activities:

• Contributes to, and coordinates the development of communication strategies that support internal projects, campaigns and other initiatives aligned with Climate Institute strategic objectives
• Executes Climate Institute communication strategies by developing and implementing communication action plans, including the development of core communications objectives, and associated metrics and evaluations
• Manages relationships with vendors related to Climate Institute communications, marketing and advertising activities, including procurement, selection and contractual agreements
• Manages the annual UWaterloo delegation to the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP), including communications, travel and event logistics for delegates, student delegate competitions, and other administrative support
• As required, manages relationships with vendors related to communications, marketing and outreach activities
• Conducts environmental scans, bibliometric scans, and other research to support Climate Institute projects, communication initiatives, and performance reporting
• Maintains up-to-date Climate Institute member directory and profiles, and stakeholder mailing lists
• Supervises communications-related tasks of co-op students and interns
• Assists in developing and tracking communications project budgets, schedules and outcomes
• Provides additional administrative support duties, as assigned 

Collaboration, Outreach, Public Relations and Administration:

• Plans and executes Climate Institute events for both internal and external audiences, including managing event promotion and advertising
• Works closely and collaboratively with marketing and communications colleagues, Climate Institute members, staff, and faculty members from across campus to support Climate Institute events, programming, research projects, grant proposals, and operations
• Supports knowledge mobilization of Climate Institute member research, working collaboratively with researchers to prepare stories on the implications of research results (e.g. op-eds, policy briefs, press releases)
• Participates as a member of marketing and communications and knowledge mobilization-related groups across campus
• Works closely with the Climate Students group to support the group’s events, programming and governance
• Conducts administrative duties for events, meetings, workshops, and conferences, and coordinates office space allocations for the Climate Institute

• Bachelor’s Degree (Masters preferred) in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations or related field, or equivalent work experience
• Background in sustainability and climate change is considered an asset
• 7-10 years of experience in a relevant communications and marketing role with a proven track record of writing and project coordination, preferably with experience in the university or research sector
• Experience with academic knowledge mobilization activities and strategies
• Experience in design of marketing/promotional materials, and successful event planning
• Demonstrated experience interacting with diverse partners and/or senior administration within the University or other organizations
• Proven experience using social media and networking platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
• Demonstrated experience with Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, infographics programs, web design and programming
• Demonstrated experience with web design, content management systems and online analytics
• Strong knowledge of web applications, social media, and marketing, preferably in a university or research organization setting
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Exceptional technical and creative writing skills
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to enable assessment of complex higher education issues of concern to stakeholders, including the media, the public, employers, recruiters, academics and funders
• Strong verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, clients and diverse external stakeholders, including the media, and senior university leaders
• Strong organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines
• Demonstrated ability in web design and management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Excel and Word
• Existing knowledge about climate change and sustainability (or strong interest in learning) issues
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently
• Bilingualism is an asset

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 our 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 hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.