Brand and Communications Specialist

Overview:
**Term: 2 years**

The Brand and Communications Specialist is a creative storyteller and trained thought leader who acts as the main steward of the WatSPEED brand voice. The Specialist is responsible for the strategic planning and successful development and execution of effective, high-quality communications and marketing content to keep key stakeholders informed while building the WatSPEED brand.

Working with the Associate Director, Marketing and Digital Sales and in collaboration with other Marketing colleagues, the Specialist plays a major role in helping WatSPEED connect with target audiences, both internal and external, through the strategic use of a variety of communication channels.

A highly-skilled writer and communicator, the Specialist crafts engaging messaging, develops essential brand resources, fosters a positive team culture, and positions WatSPEED as a thought leader in the lifelong learning industry.

**Responsibilities**:
Communications
- Develops and implements a comprehensive communications strategy to continually reach a diverse group of audiences
Leads WatSPEED’s internal communication initiatives on campus, to reach faculty, staff, and other key partners. Manages all campus outreach channels, including the WatSPEED Insider newsletter
- Interacts with marketing and communications professionals across the University to share best practices and research, and seek opportunities to integrate communications efforts
- Develops an integrated strategy and manages all internal communication activities targeted to the WatSPEED team, developing ongoing messages to keep the team up to date and foster a positive, vibrant team culture. This includes the development of a new internal newsletter and other communication tools
- Responsible for media relations for WatSPEED, through proactive planning and development of announcements and press releases, as well as responding to ad hoc inquiries. Acts as a strategist and liaison, advising senior leadership and supporting outreach efforts with key message development
- Maintains a strong understanding of current trends and best practices for communicating and engaging with our audiences (higher ed, government, industry, executives, learners)
- Acts as a steward for the WatSPEED brand both from a look and feel and tone perspective, shaping and governing the WatSPEED voice and maintaining brand consistency across all touchpoints
- Ensures all communications and branded materials safeguard the outstanding Waterloo reputation and position WatSPEED as an innovative, high-quality lifelong learning leader
- Applies an extremely high standard with regard to grammar, punctuation, and language usage. Adheres to Waterloo’s style guide, ensuring high-quality and error-free copy

Content marketing and thought leadership
- Plans, researches, and develops strategic thought leadership content, including interviews, blog posts, and website content, to position WatSPEED as a leading expert in lifelong learning and professional education, driving business development, brand building, and marketing activities
- Works with key internal role-players to brainstorm content ideas, in line with WatSPEED’s strategy and in support of various brand initiatives
- Strategically reviews scholarly research, industry news, and global news items to discern content of interest to WatSPEED target audiences. Evaluates external content related to topics such as lifelong learning and emerging technologies and determines the most strategic and engaging approach to share it with stakeholders
- Leverages WatSPEED’s social media channels to promote brand-building content and grow our reach with our target audiences
- Evaluates the results of communications and content marketing campaigns, adapting as required to ensure maximum effectiveness

Brand building and collaboration
- Develops and reviews presentations to support WatSPEED marketing and business development initiatives, ensuring they are brand-aligned and strategically align with goals and communication objectives
- Creates resources for the WatSPEED team, including the development of collateral and videos, to raise awareness of WatSPEED and heighten its industry profile
- Advises Creative Services on the WatSPEED brand and voice within the creation of marketing materials, and facilitates negotiations related to production schedules, vendors, and budget
- Represents WatSPEED at university-wide communications meetings, proactively providing expertise and insight with respect to marketing and communications and advocating on behalf of the lifelong learning audience
- Develops positive relationships within and among WatSPEED and its primary stakeholders, and identifies opportunities for internal collaboration and consultation with key departments such as University Relations, etc.
- Builds and maintains strong relationships and a network with university colleagues involved in brand, communications, and social media

Qualificat