Communications Specialist (Interdisciplinary Research)

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 Research provides strategic and administrative support to foster a culture of research excellence that enhances Western University’s profile on the global stage. We support our scholars through collaboration, communication, and service. Western Research supports a broad definition of research, including discovery, innovation, creativity, and artistic works.

Responsibilities

The Communications Specialist (Interdisciplinary Research) will be responsible for the development and implementation of a communication and marketing strategic plan to help raise the profile of Western Interdisciplinary Research Initiatives locally, nationally, and internationally. The role will lead collaborative efforts with Western Research and Interdisciplinary Research Organizations (e.g. Research Institutes, Western Academy for Advanced Research) to create engaging and audience-centered multimedia content (e.g., promotional narratives, graphics, website content, images, videos) to strategically highlight institute work (e.g. initiatives, research projects, events, and any other relevant activities). This will include developing public-facing reports that demonstrate impact and provide training to build communication capacity within the research organizations. The role will serve as a liaison between Western Research, Western Communications, and other relevant units on campus to ensure alignment, branding consistency, high quality, and the use of best practices. The role will support existing and potential partner engagement by building communication strategies to improve content and platform performance. This includes dedicated coordination of content development to align with and accelerate efforts by the University Advancement Team.

Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing or other related field
• International Association of Business Communicators Designation completed or in progress
• Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing or other related field is preferred 
• Project management certificate and/or experience would be an asset

Experience:

• 5 years’ experience developing and implementing communications and/or marketing plans and projects
• Experience with social media in a professional environment
• Experience supervising staff in a unionized environment
• Experience with communication strategies in a research focused environment is preferred
• Experience in knowledge exchange and/or working with knowledge users/partners from different sectors would be an asset

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of and ability to manage communication platforms relevant to students, researcher and general populations, as well as engagement strategies for internal and external audiences
• Ability to effectively present information, and support training sessions and workshops related to communications for a variety of stakeholders (e.g., researcher, faculty, general public, industry)
• Compelling and persuasive communication skills to engage individuals and teams inside and outside the University
• Ability to analyze metrics and consider past communications to craft engaging written communications using social media or other appropriate channels
• Ability to organize, plan and manage events of various sizes; familiarity with the logistics required for large scale events 
• Project management skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and perform well under pressure
• Communication skills to clearly express ideas in an objective manner, and adapt communication style to suit the situation and audience
• Ability to understand customer needs and expectations and provide excellent customer service to directly and indirectly satisfy expectations
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the University’s events and activities
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail, accuracy, and proofreading abilities
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve goals
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite and Communication/Graphic/Web Design Software
• Demonstrated resourcefulness with a strong sense of accountability and initiative
• Proven ability to establish and build healthy working relations and partnerships with clients, peers and external stakeholders

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:

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


Learn more and Apply