Early-Career Communications Specialist

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

Job summary

The University of Waterloo is seeking a Communications professional to support strategic planning, content development and delivery across digital and print channels. You will draft materials, coordinate inputs from multiple stakeholders and ensure messaging aligns with institutional priorities.

Responsibilities include developing communications content, maintaining calendars, and collaborating with campus partners to deliver timely, high‑quality publications while applying editorial standards

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Supports the development and delivery of communications plans, written materials and content products aligned with institutional priorities and approved messaging.
• Contributes to editorial calendars, planning documents, content trackers and related tools.
• Develops clear written content for institutional, cross-functional or Advancement-related communications initiatives.
• Coordinates input from subject‑matter experts, Advancement colleagues, communications teams and campus partners to support accurate and aligned materials.
• Uses feedback, editorial review and performance information to improve the clarity, consistency and usefulness of assigned communications products.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Assess and addresses communications-related issues and stakeholder concerns within established frameworks and delegated authority.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Strong writing

Content development

Editorial practices

Stakeholder coordination

Project coordination

Education

Undergraduate degree or post-secondary diploma in communications or related field

Job description

The University of Waterloo is seeking a Communications professional to support strategic planning, content development and delivery across digital and print channels. You will draft materials, coordinate inputs from multiple stakeholders and ensure messaging aligns with institutional priorities.

Responsibilities include developing communications content, maintaining calendars, and collaborating with campus partners to deliver timely, high‑quality publications while applying editorial standards