Media Relations Specialist, University Relations

Primary Purpose: The Media Relations Specialist is responsible for creating and implementing media relations strategies,  to promote the university's strategic goals as well as build profile and visibility. The specialist plays an integral role within the University of Saskatchewan's external communications team and contributes to the efforts that builds, maintains and protects the University of Saskatchewan's reputation regionally, nationally and internationally.

Reporting Structure: The Media Relations Specialist reports to the Director, University Communications and works closely with communicators, researchers and leaders across campus.

The University of Saskatchewan values diversity and Indigenous engagement is a strategic priority. In support of this priority, this position will contribute to a team environment which recognizes and supports the importance and value of diversity in achieving the mission of the university, and actively seek out those with diverse cultural backgrounds, perspective and experiences to support the mission.

Accountabilities:

• Develop and implement media relations strategies by proactively participating in and providing expertise to university stakeholders ensure the media relations needs of the university are met.
• Provide leadership and media expertise to colleges and campus units to encourage best practices in media relations and to collectively achieve defined media relations goals.
• Support content development, curation, editing and publishing for University of Saskatchewan websites and ensures that all content creates a user-friendly experience for the reader.
• Refine the university's media monitoring system and report regularly the outcomes of media relations activities in alignment with overall university goals.

Qualifications
Education: An undergraduate degree or graduate degree in communications or journalism or a closely related discipline.

Experience: A minimum of five years of directly related experience in journalism and media relations with a thorough understanding of the process and value of effective media relations and journalism; experience in understanding and preparing stakeholders for media interviews. Knowledge of the University of Saskatchewan and the academic environment would be an asset.

Skills: Excellent writing, editing, grammar and English language skills; ability to produce a significant amount of content under short timelines; attention to detail, proofreading; thorough understanding of communications principles and strategies, and proven experience in applying them and achieving results; ability to work independently and collaboratively; effective interpersonal communications and the capacity to build consensus and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, exercising diplomacy, judgment and tact; demonstrated organizational skills, including the effective planning and management of multiple projects and events; ability to problem-solve, think and act strategically and creatively; self-motivation and reliability; high level of proficiency in computer applications, web communication and emerging information technologies.

Department: University Relations
Status: Permanent

Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69, ,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2

Posted Date: 1/8/2026

Closing Date: 1/21/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.