Communications Coordinator

Primary Purpose: The communications co-ordinator leads strategies, implements plans and manages projects that advance the reputation, priorities and goals of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). The position’s primary goal is to build and maintain a positive reputation for the college’s internal and external audiences. This position serves as a communications resource for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for WCVM faculty and staff.

Reporting structure: The communications co-ordinator reports directly to the WCVM’s Chief Operations and Finance Officer and is part of the college’s communications team in the WCVM Dean’s Office. This position works closely with the WCVM leadership team and college staff to ensure that communications are consistent and appropriate. This position is a member of the university’s Strategic Communications portfolio. As such, the employee also works with the Associate Vice-President and CCO, Strategic Communications; Director, University Communications, and Director, Advancement Communications.

Nature of Work:
 Reporting to the COFO, the communications co-ordinator is part of the WCVM communications team and is responsible for all aspects of the college’s communications program including external and internal college communications; communications strategy development and planning; media relations; event planning, volunteer management and outreach; social media management and marketing; communications training, mentorship and support; and website development and maintenance.

The work requires creativity, issues management, strong initiative and follow-through. The individual in this position must exercise considerable judgment, discretionary decision-making in a complex environment; and an ability to build professional relationships with senior administrators, employees, students and external stakeholders. The work requires meticulous attention to detail, work quality and multiple priorities.

The communications co-ordinator must understand the veterinary college’s unique regional nature and the important role of communications in building relationships with a range of stakeholders on campus and across Canada. Consequence of error is significant to the reputation and profile of the college and the university.

Storytelling is fundamental to this role. The position requires strong writing and editing skills for various formats including news writing and science communications; print and digital communications for internal and external audiences; report writing; speaking notes; and policy/issues briefs. The communications co-ordinator is responsible for creating promotional materials and identifying innovative veterinary and One Health research, education, outreach and human-interest stories that enhance the profile of the WCVM and the university. This position also provides support for some event planning and development-related communications as well as community outreach programs. In addition, the individual works on various institutional and college-based projects as part of a dynamic team.

The communications co-ordinator performs in a fast-paced environment, working both independently on site and as part of a remote team. The job requires some evening and weekend work as well as travel for outreach events.

Accountabilities: Works collaboratively to create and implement communications plans that support major college initiatives and events. The individual also participates in long-term planning for the communications team, the college and the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre.

• Commits to continuous improvement of communications through routine media monitoring; ongoing review of websites and other materials to ensure currency and consistent editorial, grammar and visual standards; post-activity assessments to gauge stakeholder and audience understanding; record keeping, document control and reporting; and process documentation.
• Provides profile and organization of college-related events when required, including public lectures, annual awards events, media events and other public engagement activities. Acts as a professional representative of the college and university with all relevant internal and external stakeholders.

Education: An undergraduate university degree, preferably in journalism, communications or public relations. An equivalent level of education and experience may be considered.

Experience: At least three to five years of directly related experience in interviewing, writing/editing and storytelling — particularly science communications, media relations, social media development and management, and photography/videography. Previous experience working in journalism, agriculture, animal health, research or health care is an asset.

An understanding of communication strategies and principles and experience in applying them and achieving results in a complex environment; demonstrated leadership and consensus building skills; proven ability to develop written content for a variety of communications vehicles.

Skills:

• Superior written communication skills with the ability to write for various styles and formats including news, storytelling, science communications, promotional materials and internal reports.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex scientific or technical information into lay language for stories, presentations and demonstrations. Copy editing, fact checking and verbal communication skills are critical. Knowledge of Canadian Press (CP) style and other style guides is an asset.
• Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organization, time management and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized with polished presentation and interpersonal skills. Strong problem solving and creative thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a flexible and changing work environment. Must be highly reliable and display self-motivation and leadership skills.
• Experience in designing and executing communications activities, including social media campaigns, news announcements and public events.
• Proficiency in contemporary computer applications, knowledge of and experience with social media and web platforms, website content management and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Demonstrated experience with photography and video production/editing.

Candidates are asked to include links to at least three samples of their published stories (or provide PDFs) in the application package.

This position, which is based in Saskatoon, Sask., may be eligible for hybrid work arrangements consistent with the WCVM hybrid work guidelines.

Department: College of Veterinary Medicine
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $67,681.00 - 105,753.00 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: 6/27/2024
Closing Date: 7/10/2024 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

Communications Coordinator

Primary Purpose: The communications co-ordinator leads strategies, implements plans and manages projects that advance the reputation, priorities and goals of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). The position’s primary goal is to build and maintain a positive reputation for the college’s internal and external audiences. This position serves as a communications resource for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for WCVM faculty and staff.

Reporting structure: The communications co-ordinator reports directly to the WCVM’s Chief Operations and Finance Officer and is part of the college’s communications team in the WCVM Dean’s Office. This position works closely with the WCVM leadership team and college staff to ensure that communications are consistent and appropriate. This position is a member of the university’s Strategic Communications portfolio. As such, the employee also works with the Associate Vice-President and CCO, Strategic Communications; Director, University Communications, and Director, Advancement Communications.

Nature of Work:
 Reporting to the COFO, the communications co-ordinator is part of the WCVM communications team and is responsible for all aspects of the college’s communications program including external and internal college communications; communications strategy development and planning; media relations; event planning, volunteer management and outreach; social media management and marketing; communications training, mentorship and support; and website development and maintenance.

The work requires creativity, issues management, strong initiative and follow-through. The individual in this position must exercise considerable judgment, discretionary decision-making in a complex environment; and an ability to build professional relationships with senior administrators, employees, students and external stakeholders. The work requires meticulous attention to detail, work quality and multiple priorities.

The communications co-ordinator must understand the veterinary college’s unique regional nature and the important role of communications in building relationships with a range of stakeholders on campus and across Canada. Consequence of error is significant to the reputation and profile of the college and the university.

Storytelling is fundamental to this role. The position requires strong writing and editing skills for various formats including news writing and science communications; print and digital communications for internal and external audiences; report writing; speaking notes; and policy/issues briefs. The communications co-ordinator is responsible for creating promotional materials and identifying innovative veterinary and One Health research, education, outreach and human-interest stories that enhance the profile of the WCVM and the university. This position also provides support for some event planning and development-related communications as well as community outreach programs. In addition, the individual works on various institutional and college-based projects as part of a dynamic team.

The communications co-ordinator performs in a fast-paced environment, working both independently on site and as part of a remote team. The job requires some evening and weekend work as well as travel for outreach events.

Accountabilities: Works collaboratively to create and implement communications plans that support major college initiatives and events. The individual also participates in long-term planning for the communications team, the college and the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre.

• Commits to continuous improvement of communications through routine media monitoring; ongoing review of websites and other materials to ensure currency and consistent editorial, grammar and visual standards; post-activity assessments to gauge stakeholder and audience understanding; record keeping, document control and reporting; and process documentation.
• Provides profile and organization of college-related events when required, including public lectures, annual awards events, media events and other public engagement activities. Acts as a professional representative of the college and university with all relevant internal and external stakeholders.

Education: An undergraduate university degree, preferably in journalism, communications or public relations. An equivalent level of education and experience may be considered.

Experience: At least three to five years of directly related experience in interviewing, writing/editing and storytelling — particularly science communications, media relations, social media development and management, and photography/videography. Previous experience working in journalism, agriculture, animal health, research or health care is an asset.

An understanding of communication strategies and principles and experience in applying them and achieving results in a complex environment; demonstrated leadership and consensus building skills; proven ability to develop written content for a variety of communications vehicles.

Skills:

• Superior written communication skills with the ability to write for various styles and formats including news, storytelling, science communications, promotional materials and internal reports.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex scientific or technical information into lay language for stories, presentations and demonstrations. Copy editing, fact checking and verbal communication skills are critical. Knowledge of Canadian Press (CP) style and other style guides is an asset.
• Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organization, time management and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized with polished presentation and interpersonal skills. Strong problem solving and creative thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a flexible and changing work environment. Must be highly reliable and display self-motivation and leadership skills.
• Experience in designing and executing communications activities, including social media campaigns, news announcements and public events.
• Proficiency in contemporary computer applications, knowledge of and experience with social media and web platforms, website content management and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Demonstrated experience with photography and video production/editing.

Candidates are asked to include links to at least three samples of their published stories (or provide PDFs) in the application package.

This position, which is based in Saskatoon, Sask., may be eligible for hybrid work arrangements consistent with the WCVM hybrid work guidelines.

Department: College of Veterinary Medicine
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $67,681.00 - 105,753.00 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: 6/27/2024
Closing Date: 7/10/2024 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 is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. 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 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’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.

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