Communications Specialist

WESTERN UNIVERSITY; London; On-site; CAD 68,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Western University seeks a Communications Specialist for a 6-month, grant-funded contract to shape communications and marketing strategies for diverse audiences. The role involves coordinating with leadership to align plans with the Centre's priorities and supervising staff to maintain best practices and effective deliverables.

The successful candidate will bring extensive communications expertise, strong writing and design capabilities, and a proven ability to drive engagement while adhering to

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related program.
• 5 years of experience in a complex communications role, managing staff and projects.
• Graphic design and web design experience.
• Experience writing on research/education topics related to gender-based violence and violence against children is preferred.
• Google Analytics Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Determine the direction of communications and marketing strategies for internal and external audiences that enhance the Centre's reputation.
• Collaborate with the Centre Director, Centre Manager, and Project Managers to ensure alignment with goals.
• Manage staff who support communications activities and develop communication processes and best practices.
• Provide expert advice on communication strategy, plans, and related project deliverables in line with university guidelines.

Skills

Communication skills

Intercultural competency

Project management

Social media

Copywriting/editing

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Undergraduate degree in Communications/PR/Journalism

Visual branding training

Google Analytics Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe InDesign

Cascade CMS

Video editing (Sony Vegas Pro)

Job description

The base salary will be $67,680 - $96,590 per annum. Starting salary will be aligned with the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and demonstrated qualifications.

Please note, this is a 6-month temporary full-time contract opportunity that is wholly grant funded.

Secondments are Welcome

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

Mission: We facilitate the collaboration of individuals, groups and institutions representing the diversity of the community to pursue research questions and training opportunities to understand and prevent violence and abuse. We serve local, national, and international communities by producing useful information and tools to assist in the daily work to prevent and stop violence towards women and children and vulnerable adults.

Our Vision: commitment to the development and application of knowledge for the prevention of violence against women and children through promoting innovation, collaboration, and equality.

Responsibilities

The Communications Specialist will work in collaboration to determine the direction of communications and marketing strategies for internal and external audiences that enhance the reputation of the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children within the Faculty of Education. The role will work in consultation with the Centre Director, Centre Manager, and Project Managers to ensure the alignment of plans and strategies with the goals and priorities of the Centre. The Communications Specialist will also manage staff who support communications activities, and determine, develop, and maintain communication processes and best practices, within the Centre. The role will protect, promote, and enhance the reputation of the University and its people by providing expert advice and guidance regarding communication strategy, plans, and related project deliverables that are consistent with all relevant University guidelines.

Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related program
• Specialized education or training in visual branding preferred
• Google Analytics Certification preferred

Experience:

• 5 years of experience in the following:
  • Experience in a complex communications role, managing and implementing communications functions and processes
  • Experience managing staff and projects
  • Graphic design and web design experience
• Experience with writing in the subject area of research/education related to gender-based violence and violence against children preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of e-communication tools including website and graphic design principles and with social media platforms relevant to internal and external stakeholders
• Knowledge of communications and marketing trends and best practices
• In-depth knowledge of principles of writing, including grammar and style, argument, and coherence with attention to detail and proofreading abilities
• Project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously from conception to completion within tightly prescribed timelines
• Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit
• 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 apply creativity and recommend strategies for engagement initiatives in response to cultural and social trends
• Demonstrated intercultural competency and knowledge of cross-cultural research and work practices
• Ability to quickly re-allocate resources and adjust priorities in response to unexpected events or changing circumstances
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Content management systems. (such as Cascade) and with Video and Audio editing software (e.g., Sony Vega Pro)
• Ability to interact professionally with students, staff, faculty, and other members of the University community

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone [phone].

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.