Media Relations Officer

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade 14

The base salary will be $66,350 - $78,080 per annum. Starting salary will be aligned with the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and demonstrated qualifications.

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.

Unit overview

The Western Communications team provides strategic advice to university senior leadership, faculty, staff and teams of internal and external communications staff across Western in order to build the university’s brand on a local, national and global scale.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Media Relations, the Media Relations Officer will develop and execute proactive media relations strategies that elevate Western’s reputation and increase its share of earned media coverage. The Officer will identify newsworthy topics and compelling stories to pitch Western experts and research to journalists. The Officer will also build strong relationships with media across Canada and internationally.

The role will advise faculty and staff on media opportunities, prepare key messages, and coordinate media training in collaboration with internal and external partners. The Officer will monitor news trends, respond to media inquiries, and ensure timely, accurate, and strategic communication that reflects Western’s priorities. The individual will also produce a range of media-focused content, including stories, Q&As, expert commentaries, and digital assets that support outreach efforts

Ideal candidate

The ideal candidate will have an undergraduate degree in journalism, public relations, corporate communications, or a related field, along with a minimum of three years’ experience in media relations or strategic communications.

The candidate will bring strong news judgment, excellent writing and editing skills, and a deep understanding of media relations best practices. They will be comfortable advising faculty members and leaders, collaborating across campus, and building relationships with journalists. Highly organized and resourceful, the ideal candidate will be able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and apply creativity to advance Western’s stories. Experience in a postsecondary setting or as a journalist is considered an asset.

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, Aboriginal 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. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.


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