Communications Specialist I, Student Academic

University of Waterloo; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 68,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Waterloo is seeking a Communications Specialist, Student Academic, to plan, develop, deliver and evaluate communications that support undergraduate, graduate and co-op student success. You will manage content across digital and print channels, ensuring accuracy and alignment with academic offerings and milestones.

The role requires strong writing and project coordination with internal partners, while adhering to brand and accessibility standards to improve student experience and

Qualifications

• Strong writing, editing and content-development skills.
• Experience developing communications content and supporting communications initiatives, projects or campaigns.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, priorities and communications channels.
• Experience in higher education or complex multi-stakeholder environments is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Student Academic Communications – Develop communications supporting academic programs, policies, and student success initiatives.
• Translate academic information into clear, accessible content for undergraduate, graduate and co-op student audiences.
• Maintain and update web and digital content related to academic offerings and requirements.
• Collaborate with academic units to ensure accuracy and alignment of messaging.
• Support communications tied to academic milestones (course selection, deadlines, program updates).
• Develops and delivers communications activities and materials supporting defined objectives and priorities.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Content development

Stakeholder coordination

Project coordination

Communications planning

Audience engagement

Storytelling

Education

Undergraduate degree or post-secondary diploma in communications, public relations, journalism, English, marketing or related field

Job description

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. Learn more about our recruitment process.

Time Type: Full time

Employment Type: Temporary

Hiring Range: $67,688.63 - $84,610.79

Term: 14 months

Primary Purpose

This job description has been prepared to support implementation and role clarity. It reflects the intended scope of the role at this stage and may be subject to minor adjustments as the work is operationalized and responsibilities are finalized. University of Waterloo is a leading global innovation hub that drives economic and social prosperity for Canada and the world. With more than 41,000 students, we are home to the world’s largest co-op education talent pipeline, to game-changing research and technology, and to an unmatched entrepreneurial culture. Together, these create partnerships and solutions to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. At the university, the Marketing and Communications function is responsible for enhancing and protecting the university’s reputation. The communications function specifically leads by helping the university communicate with clarity, credibility and purpose, while developing governance, standards and protocols to uphold consistent, coordinated and effective communications across campus. The Communications Specialist, Student Academic is a role responsible for contributing to the planning, development, delivery and evaluation of communications initiatives that support institutional priorities. The role applies communications knowledge, professional judgment and strong organizational capability to develop content, coordinate communications activities and support stakeholder engagement across a variety of channels and audiences. Working within established communications frameworks and standards, the role contributes to effective communications outcomes through independent management of assigned work and collaboration with stakeholders and communications colleagues. The role supports communications that help undergraduate, graduate and co-op students navigate Waterloo’s academic programs, policies, requirements and milestones. The role contributes to web and digital content on academic offerings, processes, deadlines and student-success information, working with units to support accuracy and clarity.

Key Accountabilities

• Student Academic Communications – Develop communications supporting academic programs, policies, and student success initiatives.
• Translate academic information into clear, accessible content for undergraduate, graduate and co-op student audiences.
• Maintain and update web and digital content related to academic offerings and requirements.
• Collaborate with academic units to ensure accuracy and alignment of messaging.
• Support communications tied to academic milestones (course selection, deadlines, program updates).

Communications Content Development and Delivery

• Develops and delivers communications activities and materials supporting defined objectives and priorities.
• Creates and adapts communications content for digital, print and other channels as required.
• Produces communications materials such as articles, web content, newsletters, presentations, social media content, promotional materials and related communications products.
• Researches, analyzes and synthesizes information to support accurate, audience-focused communications.
• Applies communications standards, editorial practices and audience considerations to support effective delivery.

Communications Coordination and Implementation

• Contributes to communications planning and coordinates implementation of communications activities within established priorities, frameworks and timelines.
• Coordinates communications activities, timelines, deliverables and approvals for assigned projects and initiatives.
• Maintains project documentation, monitors progress and facilitates input from contributors and stakeholders.
• Identifies implementation challenges and recommends practical solutions to support communications objectives.
• Works with internal partners to ensure communications activities are delivered effectively and on schedule.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Collaborates with stakeholders, subject‑matter experts and communications colleagues to support communications initiatives.
• Provides practical advice and recommendations regarding communications approaches, messaging, audience considerations and implementation requirements within defined scope.
• Builds productive working relationships with clients, partners and project contributors.
• Coordinates stakeholder review and approval processes.
• Communicates project updates, requirements and timelines clearly to stakeholders.
• Assesses and addresses communications-related issues and stakeholder concerns within established frameworks and delegated authority.

Communications Measurement and Effectiveness

• Supports management and maintenance of communications channels, platforms and content.
• Applies institutional brand standards, accessibility requirements, editorial guidelines and communications practices.
• Compiles, analyzes and summarizes communications performance information, audience feedback and channel metrics to support evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Identifies trends, opportunities and areas for improvement based on audience, channel and performance information.
• Contributes recommendations to improve communications effectiveness, audience engagement and content performance.

Continuous Improvement and Communications Practices

• Identifies opportunities to improve communications processes, tools and delivery approaches.
• Contributes to development and adoption of communications templates, resources and best practices.
• Maintains awareness of communications trends, technologies and emerging practices.
• Contributes to continuous improvement of communications services and outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Education Undergraduate degree or post‑secondary diploma in communications, public relations, journalism, English, marketing or a related field.
• Experience 2–4 years of related communications experience.
• Experience developing communications content and supporting communications initiatives, projects or campaigns.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, priorities and communications channels.
• Experience in higher education, the public sector or another complex multi‑stakeholder environment is an asset.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong writing, editing and content‑development skills.
• Working knowledge of communications planning, storytelling, audience engagement and channel delivery practices.
• Ability to independently coordinate and deliver communications activities within established plans, frameworks and timelines.
• Strong organizational and project‑coordination skills.
• Ability to compile, analyze and summarize communications performance information and audience feedback.
• Strong communication, stakeholder‑coordination and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to assess communications issues, recommend practical solutions and implement appropriate actions within defined scope.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality, accuracy and service expectations.
• Working knowledge of communications standards, accessibility requirements and content‑development best practices.
• Working knowledge of communications, digital, reporting, and collaboration tools.

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations. The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti‑racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada. The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources [e-mail] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

At the University of Waterloo, we think differently, we act with purpose, and we work together. We advance learning and knowledge through teaching, research, and scholarship, nationally and internationally, in an environment of free expression and enquiry. We are a leading global research-intensive university, renowned for entrepreneurship and innovation, providing co-op and work-integrated learning at scale with impact.

Learn more about Waterloo

Internal candidates are reviewed first before external applicants are considered.

Due to the volume of applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.