Communications Manager, Office of the Provost

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 40

Salary Grade 16

The base salary will be $74,990 - $107,050 per annum. Starting salary will be aligned with the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and demonstrated qualifications.

Applications will be reviewed on July 13, and on an ongoing basis afterward until the position is filled.

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

Western creates, disseminates and applies knowledge for the benefit of society through excellence in teaching, research and scholarship. Our graduates will be global citizens whose education and leadership will serve the public good.

The Provost has the oversight of the academic mission of the university. The Provost is responsible for establishing institutional priorities and goals, overseeing the development and execution of strategic plans and budgets to achieve those goals, and monitoring the institution’s progress against those strategies.

The Office of the Provost seeks to enhance, promote and protect the reputation of the university.

Responsibilities

Western has an impressive track record of success, with achievements that have paved a road towards an even brighter, bolder future. The Communications Manager will support communications planning and execution within the Office of the Provost by developing executive communications materials and initiatives that advance the Provost’s priorities locally, nationally and internationally. The role will prepare presentations, briefing materials and other strategic communications that translate complex institutional priorities, financial information and policy frameworks into clear and visually compelling materials aligned with Western’s brand standards. Working closely with senior leadership, the Communications Manager will deliver high-quality communications products that support governance processes, decision-making and institutional initiatives.

Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree with a major in English, Creative Writing, Communications, Public Affairs, Journalism/ or related program
• Masters Degree completed or in progress is preferred

Experience:

• 4 years’ experience writing public facing and/or strategic communications, preferably for senior leaders, including the preparation of presentations, briefing materials and executive communications
• Experience working within a post-secondary, public sector or similarly complex organizational environment is preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Working knowledge of e-communication tools and digital platforms, with an understanding of website and basic design principles
• Knowledge of theory and best practices in public affairs 
• Compelling and persuasive communication skills to engage individuals and teams inside and outside the University
• Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit
• Ability to establish and build respectful working relations with senior leaders, academic and administrative staff, as well as community members
• Communication skills with solid judgment to present and package information to maximize interest
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to analyze metrics and consider past communications to craft engaging written communications using social or other appropriate channels
• Ability to deal confidentially with information that has financial, political, regulatory and reputational implications
• Ability to think creatively and use a non-prescriptive approach in raising profile and communications initiatives
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to assess complex higher education issues of concern to stakeholders, and the public
• Ability to draw on diversity of skills, backgrounds and knowledge of people to achieve more effective results
• Computer skills with the ability to learn and use relevant software that achieves required outcomes and is in line with best practices; advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.


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