Communications Officer

**Classification & Regular Hours**: Hours per Week: 35 Salary Grade: 13 **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**: The Academic Programs portfolio includes: the Office of the Registrar, the Centre for Teaching and Learning, and Western Continuing Studies. We strive to provide the best student experience to students from the initial point of contact though their stay at Western, Convocation and beyond. **Responsibilities**: The Communications Officer is responsible for a variety of initiatives that support the goals and mandate of Communications within the Office of the Registrar and the wider Academic Programs portfolio. The role will work with leaders and staff on communications, publications (internal), content development, website management and design, graphic design, social media, digital communications, strategic communications planning and project management. The role will also work in collaboration to support the implementation of strategic communication plans and related projects, with a focus on positioning Western as one of Canada's leading research-intensive Universities. The Communications Officer will protect, promote, and enhance the reputation of the University and its people while ensuring adherence with University policies and guidelines. The Communications Officer also trains new interns and work-study students on website work, graphic design and other communications-related functions. **Qualifications**: - Education: - Undergraduate Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism/Media or Related Program - Certificate or Diploma in Communications or Marketing is preferred - Experience: - 3 years’ experience in a communications and/or graphic design related field - Experience in an academic setting and knowledge of PeopleSoft would be an asset - Experience implementing communications plans, marketing and/or journalism, with responsibility for managing projects and developing communications would be an asset - Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: - Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Lightroom, PowerPoint, Word, Excel) - In-depth knowledge of e-communication tools including website (Cascade) and graphic design principles and knowledge of social media platforms relevant to student populations - Knowledge of theory and best practices in media relations and public affairs and of marketing trends and best practices - Strong attention to detail and proofreading and editing abilities with an excellent command of the English language - Compelling and persuasive communication skills to engage individuals and teams inside and outside the University - Ability to analyze metrics and consider past communications to craft engaging written communications using social media or other appropriate channels - Critical thinking and analytical skills to assess complex higher education issues of concern to stakeholders, including the media, the public, and prospective donors - Ability to produce high-quality results and workable solutions that meet client needs - Demonstrated intercultural competency and knowledge of cross-cultural research and work practices - Ability to quickly re-allocate resources and adjust priorities in response to unexpected events or changing circumstances - Results-oriented with the ability to motivate and coach employees to meet high performance standards, while working effectively as a member of the leadership team - Project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines - Team player with the ability to work collaboratively and actively contribute in meetings and in team settings **Western Values Diversity**: **Please Note**: Effective September 7, 2021, all employees and visitors to campus are required to comply with Western's COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.