Description:
The Communications Officer will be responsible for raising the profile of Western Research Institutes through internal and external communication mediums (e.g., promotional narratives, images, videos), and preparing content regarding members, initiatives, research projects, and any other relevant activities. The role will serve as a liaison between Western Research, Western Communications, and other relevant units on campus to ensure alignment and the use of best practices. The Officer will support institute researchers and other stakeholders by managing the development, implementation, monitoring and assessment of communications and marketing initiatives with a goal of enhancing recognition of institute work locally, nationally, and internationally. The role will coordinate the design, delivery and evaluation of marketing and communications plans and support social media functions of the institutes.
Qualifications
Education:
- Undergraduate degree in Communications, Marketing or other related field
- Project management certificate and/or experience is preferred
Experience:
- 3 years’ experience developing and implementing communications and/or marketing plans and projects
- Experience with social media in a professional environment
- Experience with communication strategies in a research focused environment would be an asset
- Experience in knowledge exchange and/or working with knowledge users/partners from different sectors preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge of and ability to manage social media platforms relevant to student, researcher and general populations, as well as engagement strategies for internal and external audiences
- Ability to effectively present information, and support training sessions and workshops related to communications for a variety of stakeholders (e.g., researcher, faculty, general public, industry)
- Compelling and persuasive communication skills to engage individuals and teams inside and outside the University
- Ability to analyze metrics and consider past communications to craft engaging written communications using social media or other appropriate channels
- Ability to organize, plan and manage events of various sizes; familiarity with the logistics required for large scale events
- Project management skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and perform well under pressure
- Communication skills to clearly express ideas in an objective manner, and adapt communication style to suit the situation and audience
- Ability to understand customer needs and expectations and provide excellent customer service to directly and indirectly satisfy expectations
- A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the University’s events and activities
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail, accuracy, and proofreading abilities
- Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
- Demonstrated resourcefulness with a strong sense of accountability and initiative
- Proven ability to establish and build healthy working relations and partnerships with clients, peers and external stakeholders