Communications Coordinator

**Communications Coordinator**:
**Primary Purpose**: The communications officer provides communications support to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). The position helps to build and maintain a positive reputation for the college across diverse audiences internally as well as across a broad range of external stakeholders and the public. This position is also a communications resource for undergraduate and graduate students and for WCVM faculty and staff.

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 in the WCVM Dean’s Office. The communications officer works closely with the Dean and WCVM leadership team as well as college staff to ensure that 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, and the Director, University Communications, and the Director, Advancement Communications.

**Nature of Work**: Reporting to the COFO, the communications officer is a member of the WCVM’s communications team that is responsible for 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 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.

Storytelling is a fundamental part of this role, and the position requires strong writing and editing skills for various formats including news writing and science communications as well as print and digital communications for internal and external audiences. The communications officer 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 its Veterinary Medical Centre. The communications officer also supports some event planning and development-related communications as well as community outreach programs. In addition, the individual works on various institutional and college-based projects as part of a dynamic team.

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.

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

**Experience**: one to three years of directly-related experience in interviewing, writing/editing and storytelling — particularly science communications; media relations; social media development and management; and photography/videography. Previous experience working in communications related to veterinary medicine, agriculture or animal health is an asset to this role.

**Skills**:

- Superior written communication skills with the ability to write for various styles and formats including news, storytelling, science communications, promotional materials and internal reports.
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex scientific or technical information into lay language for stories, presentations and demonstrations. Copy editing, fact checking and verbal communication skills are critical. Knowledge of Canadian Press (CP) style and other style guides is an asset.
- Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organization, time management and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and engage in long-term planning.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a flexible and changing work environment. Must be highly reliable and display self-motivation and leadership skills.
- Knowledge of the design and execution of communications and public relations activities (including crisis communications) and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
- Demonstrated experience with photography and video production/editing.

This position, which is based in Saskatoon, SK., may be eligible for hybrid work arrangements consistent with the WCVM hybrid work guidelines.

**Department**: College of Vet Medicine-DnOffc
**Status**: Term 12 months with the possibility of extension
**Employment Group**: ASPA
**Full Time Equivalent (FTE)**: 1
**Salary**: The sal