Communications Coordinator, University Relations

Communications Coordinator, University Relations Summary: The communications coordinator supports the strategic communication efforts of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) by assisting in the development, coordination and dissemination of internal and external communications. The role involves creating and distributing a wide range of content including newsletters, news releases, website updates and social media to engage internal and external audiences. This position helps provide consistent messaging, brand alignment and timely delivery of content across various platforms. The communications coordinator works collaboratively with communications professionals, faculty, staff, students and external partners to help promote events, programs and achievements through storytelling and campaign support. The role is part of a larger team of embedded college communicators across the university and reports to the Manager, College Communications and Marketing. The position’s primary goal is to help build and maintain a positive reputation for the college’s internal and external audiences. This position will serve as a communications resource for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for WCVM faculty and staff. In addition to providing communications expertise, community outreach and engagement with key WCVM audiences is an important part of the role. Nature of the work: The communications coordinator is part of the WCVM communications team and supports all aspects of the college’s communications program including external and internal college communications; communications strategy development and planning; media relations; event planning, volunteer management and outreach; social media management and marketing; communications training, mentorship and support; and website development and maintenance. The communications coordinator must understand the college’s unique regional nature and the important role of communications in building relationships with a broad range of stakeholders on campus and across Canada. Consequence of error is significant to the reputation and profile of the university. Storytelling is a fundamental part of this role. The position requires strong writing skills for various formats including news writing and science communications as well as print and digital communications for internal and external audiences. The communications coordinator is responsible for creating promotional materials and identifying innovative veterinary and One Health research, education, outreach and human-interest stories that enhance the profile of the WCVM and the university. The communications coordinator also supports some event planning and development-related communications as well as community outreach programs. In addition, the individual will have the opportunity to work on a variety of institutional and college-based projects as part of a dynamic team. The work environment is face-paced and rapidly changing. The employee is based at the WCVM and is responsible for managing multiple competing deadlines and priorities. The job requires some evening and weekend work as well as travel in and out of province multiple times a year to engage with stakeholders across the western Canadian provinces as part of the college’s outreach and engagement activities. Duties and Responsibilities: Contributes to the development and execution of integrated communications and marketing plans aligned with the WCVM’s priorities Drafts, edits and distributes content to support communications and marketing plans such as newsletters, press releases, website updates, social media, and internal and external communications Coordinates the production and scheduling of social media posts and monitors engagement metrics Supports the execution of campaigns and storytelling initiatives that highlight student success, faculty achievements and institutional milestones Gathers information and promotes events, programs and services in collaboration with stakeholders across campus Tracks media coverage and compiles regular reports on communication efforts and outcomes Assists in managing photo and video assets, including organizing archives and coordinating photo/video shoots Adheres to branding and style guidelines in all communications Provides logistical and administrative support for communications projects Maintains stewardship of the WCVM and University of Saskatchewan brands and visual identity and ensures consistency across all mediums Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others, and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect and non-judgment Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism or a related field Minimum of three years of experience in communications, journalism, marketing or public relations Strong interviewing, writing, editing and proofreading skills Familiarity with social media platforms and content management systems Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment Proven knowledge of marketing and communications best practices and ethics Excellent interpersonal skills Ability to think creatively Strong attention to detail, critical thinking and analytical skills Effective organizational skills Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team Cultural awareness and professionalism in all communications Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and communications software tools such as Canva and Adobe Creative Suite Ability to travel occasionally in and out of the province and work outside regular hours as required throughout the year Previous experience working in agriculture, animal health, research or health care is an asset In addition to a cover letter and resume, applicants are asked to include the following: 1-3 samples of published stories1-3 three samples of video content/stories