Media Specialist

**Classification & Regular Hours**: Hours per Week: 35 Salary Grade: Level P **About Western**: Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference. **About Us**: Western Research provides strategic and administrative support to foster a culture of research excellence that enhances Western University’s profile on the global stage. We support our scholars through collaboration, communication, and service. Western Research supports a broad definition of research, including discovery, innovation, creativity, and artistic works. **Responsibilities**: The Media Specialist will be responsible for translating scientific research produced by various research teams and transforming it into compelling, audience-tailored content across multiple channels to help raise the profile of Western Research Institutes. The role will work closely with the Communications Specialist (Interdisciplinary Research) and the Western Research Institutes teams (leadership, staff, members) to comprehend complex scientific research and distill it into clear, engaging content suitable for a variety of platforms. Content will include social media posts, website updates, newsletters, promotional narratives, graphics, short videos and event materials. The role will create and maintain digital properties and assets and develop and disseminate new content for digital channels related to the Research Institutes. The role will work with the Communications Specialist (Interdisciplinary Research) to ensure branding consistency, high quality, and the use of best practices to promote and market research and programming. The role will also support existing and potential partner engagement by monitoring and assessing content and platform performance as well as assisting with external events/meetings. **Qualifications**: **Education**: - 4 year undergraduate degree in a Science related discipline **Experience**: - 2 years’ experience in a media, communications, or content creation role, with a focus on scientific or technical content - Research experience is preferred - Experience with communications in a research-focused environment preferred - Experience in a post-secondary environment preferred - Experience in knowledge exchange and/or working with knowledge users/partners from different sectors is preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: - A solid understanding of scientific terminology and research methodologies - Ability to read and interpret complex research papers - Knowledge of communications and marketing best practices, processes, trends, and tools - Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite; Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator, Wondershare, Filmora, Canva; video editing skills - Knowledge of e-communication tools (e.g., Cascade), including website, social media platforms, and graphic design principles - Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management systems (e.g., Campaign Monitor) - Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics for a broad audience while maintaining scientific accuracy - Communication skills to clearly express ideas in an objective manner, and adapt communication style to suit the situation and audience - A natural curiosity about scientific research, with a passion for learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends and innovations - Ability to maintain a positive, outgoing attitude with genuine customer-service orientation - Ability to process information with a high degree of accuracy, and follow formal business practices with high attention to detail - Ability to create and modify written and visual content for use across a variety of platforms - Communication and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse audiences and individuals with different backgrounds and/or at all levels of an organization - Multi-tasking skills to prioritize and consistently produce high-quality work within deadlines - Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the University’s events and activities **Union Statement**: **Western Values Diversity**: Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194. **Please Note**: We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.