Communications Coordinator, Western College of Veterinary Medicine

Communications Coordinator, Western College of Veterinary Medicine

Primary Purpose: The communications coordinator will provide communications support to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM). The position’s primary goal is to help build and maintain a positive reputation for the college’s internal and external audiences. This position will serve as a communications resource for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for WCVM faculty and staff.

Reporting structure: The communications officer reports directly to the WCVM’s Chief Operations and Finance Officer (COFO) and is a member of the college’s communications team in the WCVM Dean’s Office. The communications coordinator 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 Chief Communications Officer, University Relations and their senior staff, including the Manager, College Communications and Marketing.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the COFO, the communications coordinator is a member of the WCVM’s communications team that 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 and volunteer management; social media and marketing; communications training, mentorship and support; and website development and maintenance. The communications coordinator must understand the college’s unique regional nature and the important role of communications in building relationships with a broad range of stakeholders on campus and across Canada. Consequence of error is significant to the reputation and profile of the university. Storytelling is a fundamental part of this role. The position requires strong writing skills for various formats including news writing as well as print and digital communications for internal and external audiences. The communications coordinator 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. The communications coordinator also supports some event planning and development-related communications. In addition, the individual will have the opportunity to work on a variety of institutional and college-based projects as part of a dynamic team.

The work environment is fast-paced and rapidly changing. The employee works both independently on site at the WCVM and as part of a remote team and is responsible for managing multiple, competing deadlines and priorities. The job requires some evening and weekend work as well as travel.

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

Experience: Minimum of three years of directly related experience in interviewing, writing/editing and storytelling; knowledge of communications strategy and development for internal and external audiences; 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.

Skills:

• Superior written communication skills with the ability to write for various styles and formats including news, storytelling, promotional materials and internal reports.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information into lay language. Copy editing, fact checking and verbal communication skills are critical to this role. Knowledge of Canadian Press (CP) style is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience with photography, video production/editing and social media content development/curation.
• Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organization, time management and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and engage in long-term planning.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a flexible and changing work environment. Must be highly reliable and display self-motivation and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of the design and execution of communications and public relations activities (including crisis communications), and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Proficiency in contemporary computer applications, knowledge of and experience with social media and web platforms, website content management and Adobe Creative Suite components.

Candidates are asked to include links to the following:

• At least three samples of published stories.
• At least three samples of video content/stories.

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: Term 12 months with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $53,091.00 - 82,954.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 1
Posted Date: 4/23/2025
Closing Date: 5/6/2025 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.