Communications Specialist (ASR) - Jobs in Saskatoon, SK

Job Description

Communications Specialist (ASR)Primary Purpose:As set out in the university’s 2025 strategic plan, USask will be the university the world needs through three commitments: courageous curiosity, boundless collaboration, and inspired communities. The Administrative Services Renewal (ASR) project will use data and feedback from leadership and the campus community, to identify areas of opportunity in the efficient delivery of administrative services at USask and implement an enhanced administrative services delivery model.This work aligns with the university’s mission, advancing USask towards providing the best environment for teaching, learning, and research excellence. The commitment of boundless collaboration includes providing administrative services necessary to effectively advance and support our academic and research mission. Ensuring we are effectively providing these services is all of our responsibility as we work toward a sustainable future.The Communications Specialist is responsible for planning, leading and implementing strategic communications for the University’s Administrative Services Renewal Project. The primary goal of the position is to support the ASR’s goals and priorities with effective communications strategies, projects and events that contribute to positive internal and external community engagement.Nature of Work:Reporting jointly to the Director of Change Management and Special Projects and the Director, University Communications, the Communications Specialist works closely with the ASR Project Sponsors (Interim Associate Provost, Strategic Priorities and Director, Shared Services), the internal communications team and key staff and stakeholders across the university to ensure the right information is provided in a timely, and contextually appropriate manner to the correct stakeholders. The work requires a proactive and strategic approach in a fast paced and complex environment and the ability to communicate effectively to a diverse audience through a variety of methods and communication mediums. Establishing and maintaining positive relationships is essential to success.Accountabilities:With guidance from the Director, Change Management and Special Projects and the Director, University Communications, the Communications Specialist:

• Develops and implements strategic communications plans with cost effective communications solutions utilizing all communications mediums and channels (portal, web, digital signage, email, social media, print, training, presentations, etc) to support the priorities and strategic initiatives of the Administrative Service Renewal Steering Committee and the university.
• Provides sound and strategic expertise to the ASR project sponsors and steering committee including risk assessment, briefing documents, speaking notes, media preparation, and other communications advice and materials as required.
• Protects and enhances the reputation of the university through proactive stakeholder engagement and strategic communications planning.
• Stewards and maintains consistency of the university’s brand, including adherence to visual and verbal guidelines, ensuring consistent messaging across all channels.
• Builds and maintains collaborative working relationships that support outcomes of the ASR project.
• Keeps abreast of emerging trends in communications and marketing.
• Addresses issues in a timely and effective manner, regularly briefing project sponsors on emerging risk(s).
• Develops metrics and measures results of communication strategies and efforts.
• Supports actions against discriminatory or racist behavior in our university; contributing to the dismantling of institutional structures, policies and processes that contribute to inequalities faced by marginalized groups.
• Ensures planning and solutions retain Indigenous and EDI priorities, commitments, actions and outcomes.

Qualifications:Education: An undergraduate university degree, preferably in communications, marketing, journalism or related field. An equivalent level of education and experience may be considered. Credentials and professional designations through IABC or CPRS would be considered an asset.Experience: Five years of directly related experience with a demonstrated progression in level of responsibility, including a breadth of experience developing, leading, and implementing all areas of strategic communications. Knowledge of the University of Saskatchewan, the academic and the research environments would be an asset.Skills:

• Excellent collaboration skills, with an ability to seamlessly collaborate across the organization to develop and execute an integrated approach to achieve shared goals and measures that matter for the betterment of the organization.
• Ability to cultivate strategic effective working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, often with differing and competing priorities through tactful communication.
• Ability to understand a wide range of stakeholder needs and issues and to support the development of policies, procedures and solutions to address them.
• Thorough understanding of communications principles and strategies, proven experience in applying them and achieving results in a complex environment.
• Highly effective interpersonal communications, with the capacity to build consensus and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, exercising diplomacy, judgment and tact, and to act confidentially and with cultural sensitivity.
• Demonstrated strong leadership, analytical and organizational skills, including the effective planning and management of multiple projects and the ability to adjust to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple tasks with tight timelines and competing demands. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Experience in event planning and organization.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and be self-motivated and reliable.
• Ability to problem-solve, think and act strategically and creatively.
• Proficiency in contemporary computer applications and knowledge of social media and web platforms.

There is a strong internal candidate for this position.Department: Provost and VP AcademicStatus: Term, 2 years with the possibility of extensionEmployment Group: ASPAFull Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $81,037.00 - 134,978.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist ProfessionalSalary Phase/Band: Phase 3Posted Date: 8/23/2022Closing Date: 8/29/2022Number of Openings: 1Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USasks Alternative Workspace GuidelinesThe successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where Yes is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.phpCriminal Record Check: Not ApplicableDrivers License and Abstract Check: Not ApplicableEducation/Credential Verification: Not ApplicableVulnerable Sector Check: Not ApplicablePlease review the University of Saskatchewans health and safety requirements for faculty, staff and students in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic.The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. 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 in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. 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.Quick Apply

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