Research Communications Lead

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of 3 years from the date of hire and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Established in 1976, the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) is a global leader in the field of Ukrainian Studies. In support of the University of Alberta and Faculty of Arts mission and values, the Institute is dedicated to the production, preservation, and dissemination of expert knowledge about Ukraine and Ukrainians in Canada and worldwide. Located in Edmonton and Toronto and with an office in Lviv, Ukraine, CIUS facilitates sustained scholarly engagement and cooperation between Canada and Ukraine, partner institutions and researchers around the globe, as well as between diverse ethnic and cultural groups in Canada. CIUS has longstanding relationships with leading universities around the world and is a partner with many post-secondary institutions in Ukraine, and globally in research and publishing projects as well as other joint endeavours such as scholarly symposia and conferences.

Reporting to the CIUS Director, the Research Communications Lead contributes to the attainment of CIUS strategic objectives through the implementation of innovative marketing and communications tactics. This position primarily supports the delivery of integrated communications, marketing, digital and creative services to internal and external audiences. The position primarily oversees a full range of communications and marketing activities within CIUS and between the institute and external partners. Major communications activities and support include: marketing and strategic communications, advancement inputs, internal and external communications, media, social media and public relations, editorial and key message development (digital, print, in-person), visual identity and branding. The Communications Lead shall be responsible for aligning communication between CIUS teams, within the Institute and between the Institute and related University Offices where it is responsible for enhancing CIUS reputation in order to ensure strong, supportive relationships between worldwide community partners.

The Faculty of Arts is a diverse and inclusive academic community spanning the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Through innovative research, teaching, creative expression, and strong community partnerships, the Faculty of Arts advances knowledge and drives positive societal change. It provides students with the tools to think critically, engage meaningfully, and contribute to a more just and thoughtful world.

Strategic Communication

• Plan, develop, and implement the communications strategy to enhance CIUS's reputation and heighten public awareness; address multiple audiences and deliver a coherent and unified message to both internal and external audiences;
• Identify communication strategies and activities to support the CIUS's strategic initiatives, programs, and activities and ensures that CIUS maintains a high profile within University of Alberta's institutional storytelling;
• Ensure deliverables are on time and in accordance with the communication plans and under the direction of the Director of CIUS – achieve intended outcomes;
• Plan workback schedules and tracks projects accordingly;

Media Relations

• Develop and implement a proactive media/public relations plan;
• Oversee the ongoing development and maintenance of channels (CIUS branding, social media, website, newsletters, and digital communications strategies);
• Develop and lead strategic communications and marketing campaigns for the CIUS on a local, national, and international scale to engage with target audiences;
• Coordinate dynamic content for the channels that is aligned with editorial planning and promoting of CIUS's brand, events, partnership events and other initiatives through positive, effective, and timely use of social media and other online platforms;

Framework

• Direct and oversee the editorial and visual design of digital publications, including assuming the lead in the preparation of the annual CIUS Review/Ohliad and other reporting compilations, ensuring alignment with the university's integrated marketing strategies;
• Coordinate communications and media relations strategies and tasks with CIUS programs and program leaders;
• Coordinate the provision of event design, promotion, implementation, and assessment for internal and external events;
• Select, evaluate, and recommend technologies and software that will support the development of digital resources; review available university technologies and resources to determine which to use for CIUS;
• Ensure all material and key messages are published with appropriate legislation and guidelines under which the University of Alberta and CIUS have obligations;

Impact

• Oversee the design, layout work, and development of web content on the CIUS website, being mindful of and consistent with University style guidelines and web best practices;
• Coordinate and supervise the production of informational brochures, banners, and promotional and fundraising material; ensures all publication and promotion materials are developed consistently with the visual identity and brand and editorial guidelines of the institution;
• Oversee formal public participation and community consultation activities to establish positive, two-way communication to ensure stakeholder groups are involved as appropriate in key decisions at CIUS;
• Develop and oversee media relations strategies to ensure CIUS's accomplishments are effectively targeted and regularly communicated through appropriate media locally, nationally, and internationally;
• Identify potential marketing opportunities to promote CIUS's programs to existing and new audiences;
• Coordinate day to day activities and provide mentorship to other CIUS staff (communications team and casual staff);
• Assume the lead in the preparation of the annual CIUS Review/Ohliad and other reporting compilations; provides editing, fact checking and proofreading support as needed;
• Coordinate the preparation of applications for grants as needed;

• Perform other related duties as required

• A post-secondary graduate degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Writing experience in communications and multimedia (web, print, advertising, email, etc.)
• Experience generating and publishing scholarly information in various formats, including websites, social media platforms, newsletters, articles, and media relations
• Proven problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with an understanding of strategic planning processes
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative and dynamic team
• Strong research skills and the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources quickly and effectively
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines
• Knowledge and solid understanding of CIUS's research background and mandate
• Knowledge of or experience in the academic sector in Ukraine
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and oral), with the ability to work with all levels of staff, external partners, and community members

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in the Ukrainian language (written and oral) is a strong asset
• Experience in academic and non-academic grant writing
• Understanding of communications specific to the University of Alberta community
• Knowledge of the University of Alberta's strategic planning documents, policies, procedures, and operating requirements
• Experience using Content Management Systems
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, primarily Photoshop (for editing images for web and email)
• Ability to read data from Google Analytics and other analytics sources
• Familiarity with forms, databases, Google apps, Adobe Creative Cloud, and project management experience

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume and cover letter in ONE document under "Resume".

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.