Communications Officer

**Communications Officer**:
**Primary purpose**:the communications officer is responsible for developing and implementing strategic communications at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). The primary goal of the position is to support the college’s goals and priorities with effective communications strategies. The communications officer helps to build and maintain a positive reputation for the college across diverse and numerous audiences internally as well as across a broad range of external stakeholders and the public.

**Reporting structure**:the communications officer reports directly to the WCVM’s Chief Operations and Finance Officer (COFO) and is a member of the college’s communications team. The communications officer works closely with the Dean and the college’s leadership team and college staff to ensure communications are consistent and appropriate. This position is a member of the university’s Strategic Communications portfolio. As such, the employee also works with the Associate Vice-President and CCO, Strategic Communications, as well as the Director, University Communications, and the Director, Advancement Communications.

**Nature of the work**

This position requires a significant amount of judgment and decision-making ability. Reporting to the COFO, the communications officer is a member of the WCVM communications team and is responsible for the following: external and internal college communications (including print publications, reports, memos, brochures and documents); communications strategy development and planning; media relations; event planning and volunteer management; social media and marketing; communications training, mentorship and support; and website development and maintenance. The individual in this role 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.

The work environment is face-paced and rapidly changing. The employee works both independently on site at the WCVM and as part of a remote team, and is responsible for managing multiple, competing deadlines and priorities. The job requires some evening and weekend work as well as travel.

**Accountabilities**
- Leads the strategic communications function for the college by working collaboratively with the WCVM communications team to create and implement communications plans that support major college initiatives and events.
- Serves as a communications resource to the college by:

- Providing sound and strategic advice, messaging, speaking notes, briefing documents, issues management and crisis communications for the dean/college leadership
- Providing communications advice and support within the college to senior leadership, faculty, students, research centres and groups, alumni and development, student services and the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre
- Working with the development team to provide communications strategy and support for various donor events and fundraising initiatives
- Delivering workshops and training in communications, social media and other areas of expertise
- Builds and maintains the profile and reputation of the college including:

- Managing the college’s social media channels and planning and executing a consistent online presence for the college
- Identifying, creating and sharing stories and other content for the college news site, print magazines and other external publications that help to build profile for the college’s research, faculty, staff, students, teaching, and community outreach initiatives
- Assisting with event planning and management, as determined by the needs of the college
- Updating the college’s website and working with department assistants to ensure content is accurate and up to date
- managing media relations
- Taking photos and videos, organizing photography and videography sessions, and working with photographers and other freelancers as appropriate.
- Engages in long-term planning for the communications team, the college and the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre.
- Maintains stewardship of the WCVM and University of Saskatchewan brands and visual identity and ensures consistency across all mediums.
- Keeps informed of and follows communications best practices, investigates new communications practices, learns from and shares with colleagues across campus, participates in training as appropriate, with guidance and support from the university’s Strategic Communications portfolio.

**Qualifications**

**Education**:an undergraduate university degree, preferably in journalism, communications, public relations or related area. An equivalent level of education and experience may be considered.

**Experience**:two to three years of directly related experience with demonstrated success and accomplishments, including a strong understan