The Department of Strategic Communications within University Relations is currently seeking a Fulltime, Regular Senior Communications Specialist.
A senior communications specialist leads the development and implementation of both long- and short-term
communications plans to build and protect the reputation of the University of Calgary, employing the full range of
communications tactics, from media relations, digital communications and social media, to writing for publications,
speeches and face-to-face communications. This often involves an integrated approach, working closely with
colleagues in Marketing, Community Engagement, Government Relations, Alumni Relations and Strategic
Communications, as well as cross-functionally with partners across faculties and administrative units. Senior
communications specialists most often report to Managers or Directors of Communications.
Senior communications specialists understand how to achieve business and institutional objectives through internal
and external communications plans that proactively engage students, faculty, staff, alumni, visitors, and guests -implementing those plans with communications expertise, measuring success and looking for ways to continually
improve communications processes and approaches. A senior communications specialist often works directly with
clients and is a proactive professional who makes recommendations that may have significant impact on the
reputation of the university. The position is responsible for sometimes high-profile / high-risk communications projects
where the impact of errors is high and expert communications judgement is essential. The position frequently deals
with complex issues and requires strong analytical skills to synthesize information in order to propose effective
communications strategies that meet the unique needs of client groups.
In so doing, senior communications specialists help ensure the university is positioned with important stakeholders in
ways that accurately reflect the University of Calgary's values and positions, leading to greater community
engagement, understanding and support for the university's long-term goals and objectives.
Such positions often work directly with leadership teams and other client groups and are responsible for developing
communications related processes and procedures for these clients with minimal supervision. A high level of
discretionary decision making and judgment, especially in the event of urgent communications, is required.
Senior communications specialists are responsible for coordinating various projects and writing and editing
communication pieces across a broad range of focus areas and target audiences. The positions are required to meet
multiple, simultaneous deadlines throughout the year and requires management of competing interests.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
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PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Effectively manages projects on time, on budget and aligned with strategic communication goals
Effective multi-tasking skills are used to juggle and prioritize multiple projects
Results oriented. Takes initiative to identify areas for improvement and potential solutions
Special projects as assigned
COMMUNICATION/RELATIONSHIPS
Develop comprehensive and robust communications plans that identify objectives, audiences, key messages,
communications channels and tactics, evaluation metrics and communications processes
Write communications materials to inform, engage and seek feedback from university stakeholders
Identify, research, write and proactively pitch stories for media and other university channels
Write media plans, news releases, media advisories and website stories. Organize news conferences and coordinates interactions with media as required
Ensure alignment of communications efforts to enhance pride among the all members of the university community
Work with University Relations on the development and implementation of strategic, internal and external
communication plans. Plans reflect institutional key messages and brand to support the university's strategic
objectives
Frequently act as a first point of contact for media seeking information or writing stories related to portfolio areas they
are managing
Manage relationships with journalists, editors and producers to identify opportunities for proactive story pitching and
potential issues
Build additional media contacts with specialist and trade journalists
Help develop comprehensive databases of university expertise for the purpose of quickly handling media requests
and to identify opportunities to provide proactive expert commentary opportunities
Assist with the management of issues and crises, working with the Strategic Communications team
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ADVISING AND LEADERSHIP
Prepare media spokespeople with an emphasis on transparency, openness and timeliness. Coaching and educating
faculty on communications best practices
Initiate and deliver media training session for senior administrators, faculty and research centre leads that
encourages and facilitates media exposure for client groups
Develop integrated communications strategies as the communications lead for high-level initiatives, programs and
events
Proactively develops and maintains excellent relationships with team members, students, faculty, staff, alumni,
donors, visitors, guests and other target audiences as required
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Delivers training for new communications staff and backfills for colleagues as required
Qualifications / Requirements:
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A related university degree and a minimum of five to seven years of experience in the communications or public
relations fields Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
Demonstrated excellence creating and executing effective communication plans and programs aimed at various
internal and external audiences
Experience in internal communications, media relations, public relations, social media, digital communications,
publications management and news and feature writing
Demonstrated success planning and implementing strategic communications plans and programs, including effective
creation and execution of large-scale projects and campaigns aimed at targeted audiences, with measurable
objectives tied to business goals
Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills
Demonstrated relationships with local and national media, including understanding of relationship building for both
traditional and new media platforms
Understanding of communications metrics, digital analytics and measurement best practices
Ability to speak and write clearly and succinctly in a variety of settings and styles; ability to distill complex information,
listen effectively and to deliver messages that have the desired effect
Confidence to lead initiatives and provide counsel to senior leaders and to work collaboratively with others
Copy writing experience and advance knowledge of Canadian Press style guidelines
Ability to provide leadership to junior roles
Excellent project management skills with demonstrated success in planning, organizing and managing projects.
Strong ability to work under pressure with competing deadlines and to handle numerous priorities at once.
Experience with project management systems/tools is strong asset
Excellent research and interviewing skills
Excellent oral communication skills and ability to handle diverse communications assignments with tact, courtesy and
discretion
Expertise in creating compelling communication pieces for a wide variety of audiences using multiple communication
styles and vehicles
Demonstrated ability to work with peers to enhance business process with cross-functional teams. Excellent
consultation, collaboration and influencing skills; proven ability to build and maintain relationships
Ability to lead and implement a broad range of public and media relations initiatives, campaigns, publications and
communication tools to promote a positive image and reputation for the University of Calgary
Ability to effectively collaborate and coordinate with the Strategic Communications team to ensure objectives,
strategies and campaigns are aligned with institutional strategies and positioning
Communications experience in a large and complex organizations is a strong asset
Knowledge of post-secondary educational issues is an asset
Ability to work collaboratively with leadership and staff at all levels
Proven ability to work to deadlines while managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with constantly shifting
priorities
Strong attention to detail
Application Deadline: October 20, 2015
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to
continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist Advisor Job Family, Phase III.
To find out more about our competitive salaries and benefits, and why we are a great place to work and learn, please
visit the Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a leading Canadian university located in the nation's most enterprising city. The
university has a clear strategic direction to become one of Canada's top five research universities by 2016, where
research and innovative teaching go hand in hand, and where we fully engage the communities we both serve and
lead. This strategy is called Eyes High, inspired by the university's Gaelic motto, which translates as 'I will lift up my
eyes'. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary believes that a respectful workplace, equal opportunity and building a diverse
workforce contribute to the richness of the environment for teaching, learning and research, and provide faculty, staff,
students and the public with a university that reflects the society it serves. We encourage all qualified applicants to
apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.