Communications Specialist II

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Job Requisition ID: 2026-02803 Time Type: Full time Employee Group: Staff Job Category: Communications Employment Type: Temporary Department: Advancement and External Relations
- Science Communications Hiring Range: $73,695.42
- $92,119.28 Posting Information: This posting is for an existing vacancy. Term: 14 months This position is being offered as a Secondment or contract opportunity. The internal posting deadline for this position is Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 11:59PM.

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, to game-changing research and technology, and to an unmatched entrepreneurial culture. Together, these create partnerships and solutions to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. At the university, 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, Faculty 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. Working within established communications strategy, governance and standards, the role ensures communications activities are coordinated, audience-focused and aligned with institutional priorities, messaging frameworks and business objectives. Within Faculty, the role supports communications that build awareness, engagement and visibility for faculty programs, academic initiatives, research, teaching excellence, student experiences, events and community impact. The role develops audience-focused content and coordinated communications that showcase faculty achievements, expertise and priorities while supporting recruitment, engagement and reputation goals. The role works closely with faculty leaders, academic departments, schools, centres, researchers and campus partners to deliver communications across web, social media, email, publications and other channels. The Faculty of Science communications team brings Waterloo's scientific discovery, education and impact to audiences within and beyond the University. Within the team, this position will specialize in alumni and advancement communications, helping strengthen lifelong connections between the Faculty and its alumni, donors and supporters. Working closely with Advancement, faculty leaders, researchers and campus partners, the role helps share the stories of the people behind Waterloo Science's success, from accomplished alumni and award recipients to researchers advancing solutions to global challenges. Through strategic communications and storytelling, this position contributes to alumni engagement, philanthropic priorities, and initiatives that support the Faculty's long-term growth and impact.

Key Accountabilities

Faculty Communications Plans, develops and delivers communications supporting faculty priorities, strategic initiatives, academic programs, events, research activities and engagement objectives. Develops audience-focused content highlighting faculty achievements, research impact, academic excellence, student experiences, partnerships and community contributions. Coordinates faculty communications across multiple channels including web, social media, newsletters, email, publications, presentations and promotional materials. Collaborates with faculty leaders, departments, schools, centres, researchers and campus partners to ensure communications are accurate, timely, consistent and aligned with institutional priorities. Adapts content, messaging and communications approaches for diverse audiences including prospective and current students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, partners and community stakeholders. Evaluates audience engagement, content performance and stakeholder feedback to identify opportunities to strengthen faculty communications outcomes and reputation.

Communications Planning and Delivery

Plans, coordinates and de