Communication Specialist

Located in the heart of the Niagara Region - just minutes from one of the world’s most well-known tourism destinations - Niagara College offers more than 130 innovative programs between our campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Since opening its doors in 1967, Niagara College has grown to become a leader in education and training and one of the most enterprising colleges in Canada.

Applications are invited for the position of Communications Specialist in the Research & Innovation Division, located at the Welland Campus.

The Communications Specialist is responsible for creating, writing and editing internal and external communication pieces (including gathering facts, planning and research). This includes submission to various divisional publications as well as proactively pitching stories to the media. The position represents the division to the media and facilitates meetings between the appropriate spokesperson and the media when required. The incumbent builds and maintains relationships with the divisional managers to support a proactive approach to (RER) communications, liaising with stakeholders in the RER portfolio to provide communications services as needed.

**Responsibilities include, but are not limited to**:

- Works in conjunction with the Associate Director, R&I, on the development and implementation of strategic internal and external communication plans
- Produces a wide variety of writing and editing projects to support divisional initiatives while promoting and raising the profile of the college. This includes: communications for internal and external stakeholders and to prospective and current students; promotional materials, including internal and external web messages, news releases, text for award nominations, targeted newspaper, magazine or trade publication articles, submissions and reports to government and presentations and/or speeches/remarks for senior staff.
- Develops and writes quality and timely communication materials, both print and online/digital
- Plans and creates campaign messaging by audience segment for implementation through various communication channels including social media. Helps to create unique audience profiles by assessing current data, conducting gap analyses; addresses gaps with additional research
- Working with Niagara College Corporate Communications, helps plan and implement media communications strategies that support the college’s overall goals and strategic directions
- Works with the Associate Director to coordinate spokespersons and continue to build relationships with media to execute the divisional media relations plans.
- Researches, writes and distributes news stories and media materials; proactively pitches stories to media and submits to various appropriate sector/trade publications
- Attends events representing Research & Innovation/Niagara College as required

**Qualifications**:

- A minimum of a 3-year degree/diploma in Journalism, Public Relations or related field with an emphasis on creating, writing and editing external communications
- A minimum of 5 years’ progressive experience in this field; experience in post-secondary education or a large, complex organization an asset
- Media relations skills
- Outstanding communication skills (verbal and written), organizational, report writing and presentation skills
- Excellent research and interview skills
- Basic videography skills; ability to use digital SLR camera and multimedia communications (photographs, podcasts, social networking technologies) would be strong assets

While we thank all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

If requested, accommodations will be made to support applicants with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process.