Communications Specialist

Job Title

Communications Specialist

About the University

At the University of Lethbridge, we speak in perspectives.

We are located in the heart of traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory in southern Alberta with campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary. ULethbridge is more than a place to learn — it's a place to build a career and make a lasting impact. We are one of Canada's top universities and leading research institutions with more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students. We are an inclusive university that values diverse experiences and backgrounds. Our people are our greatest strength, and we are dedicated to fostering growth and success for all of our people.

Together, we transform lives and communities.

Position Details

Are you an experienced communications professional who:

• Is a masterful storyteller, with superior writing and editing skills.
• Is a social media expert, skilled at developing and adapting engaging digital content for audience and platform.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, team environment, where you manage communications projects from idea to execution.

If this sounds like you, the University of Lethbridge is currently hiring two Limited Term Communications Specialists.

Position 1:

Communications Specialist (36-month term): Portfolio includes Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Graduate Studies, School of Liberal Education / Library

Position 2:

Communications Specialist (32-month term): Portfolio – Faculty of Arts & Science

Key team members in a network model, the Communication Specialists report to the Director of Communications in the Department of Communications, Marketing and Government Relations (CMGR). These positions work very closely with the CMGR team, including other Communications Specialists who manage portfolios from across the University, as well as University leadership and team members in their portfolio areas.

The Communications Specialists play an integral role in developing and coordinating communications strategies and materials that are aligned with the institutional strategic communication plan, support marcom initiatives at the portfolio level, and advance the University's brand and public image.

Responsibilities Include:

• Aligned with ULethbridge's Strategic Plan, brand, and macom plan, develop Faculty/School-level communication plans that align with portfolio initiatives and priorities; build brand; and strengthen relationships with diverse audiences internally, locally, provincially, nationally and internationally.
• Develop dynamic, compelling narratives and communications materials that engage and motivate audiences. This includes feature / editorial writing, news releases, marketing copy, newsletters, internal communications, graphics, photography, videography, print materials for internal and external distribution, social media content, and branded materials.
• Perform general website updates, maintenance and content development of portfolio website content.
• Provide communications planning, content creation, coordination and support for events.
• Manage Faculty/School social media channels.
• Support institutional communications and implement the strategic communication plan. This includes:
• Working within a team environment, communications specialists manage the institutional social media channels and develop targeted content for each channel and audience.
• Provide communications support and develop content for institutional projects and initiatives.

Some evening / weekend work and travel may be required.

Position Qualifications

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English or a related field.
• Excellent writing, editing and communication planning skills including editorial/feature writing and writing for the web, as well as Canadian Press writing standards.
• Social media expert, including strategy, content development, execution and measurement.
• Media relations experience.
• Proven event communications / marketing planning and execution experience.
• Strong project management and time management skills.
• High level of computer literacy, including MS Office, Sharepoint, Teams, Zoom, Campaign Monitor, Raiser's Edge (or other e-newsletter programs) and updating web content in a Drupal environment.
• Basic photography and videography skills.
• Creative thinker, ability to use data to measure effectiveness.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven creative environment with competing priorities.
• Experience working in post-secondary education at a Canadian university, and knowledge of undergraduate and graduate programming and research at the University of Lethbridge are assets.
• A valid unrestricted Class 5 Driver's License with no more than 6 demerits and submission of a motor vehicle record (driver abstract) dated within 3 months of the posting close is required.

Additional Application Information:

• Please include links to your portfolio that include writing samples, content creation, social media initiatives, and communications-related projects.
• Please indicate if you have a preferred portfolio.

Starting Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE)

$5, $5,990.00 monthly

Full Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE)

$5, $6,687.00 monthly (AUPE - Grade 12)

Campus

Lethbridge

Employment Group

AUPE

Position Category

Other