Communications Specialist II in Kitchener

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise.

University of Waterloo is a leading global innovation hub that drives economic and social prosperity for Canada and the world. With more than 41,000 students, we are home to the world's largest co-op education talent pipeline, game-changing research, and technology, and an unmatched entrepreneurial culture. Together, these create partnerships and solutions to tackle today's and tomorrow’s challenges.

The Marketing and Communications function is responsible for enhancing and protecting the university’s reputation. The communications function specifically leads by helping the university communicate with clarity, credibility, and purpose, while developing governance, standards, and protocols to uphold consistent, coordinated, and effective communications across campus.

The Communications Specialist is responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating communications initiatives that support institutional priorities. The role applies communications knowledge and professional judgment to develop, implement and refine communications activities across content, channels, campaigns, projects, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

Key Accountabilities

• Communications Planning and Delivery: Plans, coordinates and delivers communications initiatives, projects and activities aligned with operational and strategic priorities.
• Content Development and Execution: Develops and delivers communications content, messaging, and materials across a variety of channels and formats.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Collaborates with stakeholders, subject-matter experts, and communications colleagues to support communications initiatives.
• Communications Measurement and Effectiveness: Leads the day-to-day delivery of assigned communications initiatives, ensuring activities, deliverables and stakeholder inputs are aligned to achieve intended outcomes.
• Continuous Improvement and Communications Practices: Recommends improvements to communications processes, tools, templates, and delivery approaches based on audience insight, stakeholder feedback, and emerging practices.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Undergraduate degree or post-secondary diploma in communications, public relations, journalism, English, marketing, or a related field.
• Experience: 2-4 years of related communications experience.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Strong knowledge of communications planning, writing, editing, message development, and content creation.

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.