Senior Manager, Integrated Communications

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. Learn more about our recruitment process.Job Requisition ID:2025-00945Time Type:Full timeEmployee Group:StaffJob Category:CommunicationsEmployment Type:TemporaryDepartment:Institute for Quantum Computing - CommunicationsHiring Range:$85,399.86 - $106,749.82Posting Information:Term: 2 years This position will be offered as an internal secondment or external contract positionInternal posting deadline is December 4, 2025Job Description:Primary PurposeThe Senior Manager, Integrated Communications will advance IQC’s image, profile and reputation in support of the Institute’s strategic objectives; act as a strategic communications expert for the Institute; and provide broad strategic and specific tactical leadership. The incumbent will be a storyteller and editor, providing leadership and guidance to IQC’s senior leadership and staff on content creation and management. Under the direction of the Director, Communications and Strategic Initiatives (CSI), this position will coordinate pan-university quantum planning and initiatives with campus partners. This position will collaborate with marketing and communications colleagues across the University to foster collaboration and shared goals with the broader community. The incumbent must be a highly skilled writer, with a superior understanding of both traditional and new communication technologies, and a strategic thinker with extensive experience. Key AccountabilitiesStrategic planning, budgeting and program evaluation• Leads communications (national and international) planning activities including development of communications goals, objectives, strategies and action plans• Identifies and makes recommendations on innovative approaches to disseminate content• Develops and manages the communications budget• Develops metrics and standards for program evaluation• Presents plans for approval• Contributes to the development of IQC’s strategic positioning• Reports on program effectiveness, and recommends and implements changes• Conducts and secures research to identify business needs and user needs to meet IQC’s strategic communications objectives via print web, digital and social channels• Conducts environmental scans and competitive analyseso Share of voice across peer institutions (domestic and international)o Share of voice across various media outlets (domestic and international)• Creates content strategies to guide communications and marketing design and development• Maintains an editorial calendar for integrated communications and internal/external relations initiativesQuantum liaison• Acts as IQC’s lead on the pan university quantum initiative and quantum liaison for communication and marketing colleagues across campus.• Partners with University Relations and works closely on planning, developing and implementing pan university quantum marketing and communications initiatives.• Represents IQC’s voice and position in communication material and facilitates conversations that enhance IQC’s reputation and value to key local, international and international audiences and stakeholders (internal and external)• Ensures consistency, accuracy and excellence in quality and content of messaging in all materials and works collaboratively with University colleagues• Conducts research and interviews to write, edit and fact-check a variety of communication materials• Develops multi-stakeholder communications plans to support significant content or events in support of IQC’s marketing and communications plans• Publishes strategic communications content on IQC’s websites, social media channels and a suite of central institutional print and digital collateral used to advance IQC’s reputation• Performs other duties of a comparable level/type as assignedBrand Management• Provides leadership and support in the development of IQC’s positioning, identity framework and key messaging• Provides leadership and support to create IQC’s identity principles and brand guidelines• Provides strategic guidance for the creative development processGenerating content• Sources new content and stories to promote IQC by communicating regularly with IQC faculty and monitoring publication databases for recently published research results• Takes the lead on generating content and writing stories to publicize and promote IQC• Takes the lead on promotion/pitching/writing/editing of stories on behalf of IQC to selected journalists. Works closely with researchers on media releases and inquires• Occasionally writes and edits multimedia web and online content in alignment with digital-content- writing best practices and web accessibility legislative requirements, and provides editorial support for web content as required (define content writing-and-editing workflows)• Occasionally creates content for executive leadership including thought pieces and presentationsProgram oversight and execution• Implements and provides day-to-day oversight for communications programs• Works in collaboration with vendors or Creative Services/Digital Communications to execute creative concepts, refinements and secures final approvals• Principal project manager for all integrated communicationsCollaboration, outreach and internal communications:• Works closely and collaboratively with communications colleagues across campus• Shares information regularly with marketing and communications colleagues in the faculties of science, math and engineering in regards to shared faculty• Participates as a key member of the Communications Working Group, Communications Council and other communications groups across campus• Manages internal communications for IQC by approving weekly announcements created by the CSI Administration Coordinator, working with the Outreach team to promote events, colloquiums and lectures on various channelsVendor selection and oversight• Leads the process for the assessment, review and selection of key external vendors following all University policies and procedures• Manages relationships with a wide number of vendors related to IQC’s communication goals• Develops and manages relationships with best-in-class media planning and buying agencies• Develops contractual agreements with key external vendors and manages the ongoing relationship• Responsible for (national and international) media buying and negotiations Required QualificationsEducation• University degree in strategic communications, marketing or a related field, or equivalent experience. English, Journalism degree preferredExperience• 7+ years of experience in a relevant integrated communications role, preferably with experience in the university sector• 5+ years of experience translating complicated ideas into easy to understand terms. Experience as a science writer considered an asset• Extensive experience using social media and new media tools, web-based interfaces, social networking sites, video sharing sites, blogs and Wiki• Experience in media relations considered an asset• 1+ year of agency experienceKnowledge/Skills/Abilities• Superior written and verbal communication skills• Persuasive and resilient in driving initiatives with multiple stakeholders• Proven ability to balance persistence with professionalism• Highly driven and achievement oriented• Excellent presentation skills• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning• Depth of experience:o In positioning and brand buildingo In development of creative strategieso Across both print, digital and social platforms§ Creative and campaign development§ Advertising planning§ Media planning and buying§ Measurement and evaluation• Demonstrated success in producing effective print publications• Critical thinking and analytical skills to enable assessment of complex higher education issues of concern to stakeholders including among others, the media, the public, employers, recruiters, academics and funders• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.• Able to lead within an integrated and collaborative team environment; a positive team approach to working with colleagues and media partners• Actively and skillfully engaged in social media• Advanced knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPointEquity StatementThe University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.