Marketing and Communications Specialist, Faculty of Social Work

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Calgary's Faculty of Social Work is seeking a Marketing & Communications Specialist to lead communications plans, content creation and event coordination for a busy faculty team. You will develop marketing materials, manage social media channels and provide recommendations to clients and leaders.

The role requires strong writing, multitasking, and the ability to liaise with diverse university stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, design or demonstrable skills and experience
• 2-4 years of related working experience
• Proven experience producing varied communication materials including video and photo content
• Proven experience in event planning/management and public relations
• Strong writing and editing skills with ability to meet tight deadlines

Responsibilities

• Develop communication plans for initiatives and distribute content across channels
• Write, edit and publish articles, website copy and social media posts
• Create marketing materials and event materials for internal and external audiences
• Draft speaking notes and event briefs for senior leadership
• Coordinate and plan internal/external events and manage logistics

Skills

Writing & Editing

Strategic Communication

Social Media Management

Event Planning

Stakeholder Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field

Tools

Slate

Drupal

Sprout Social

Dialog Insight

Adobe CreativeSuite

Job description

Description

The Faculty of Social Work is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Marketing & Communications Specialist.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Marketing, the Marketing and Communications Specialist will provide efficient and effective communication and event coordination support for the Faculty of Social Work.

Primary tasks include the development of communication plans for various initiatives, the coordination and planning of event communications, providing marketing and communications recommendations to clients and leaders, the development of marketing and communication materials, updates for social media channels to boost awareness of the university and enhance its overall reputation. The Marketing and Communications Specialist will interact with a diverse population within the university and may include interactions with external organizations and stakeholders.

The position requires the ability to use discretion, maintain professionalism, confidentiality and composure under pressure, demonstrate adaptability and flexibility and provide efficient, quality service often requiring multi-tasking simultaneous priorities. High volume and variety of work demands, much of which are driven by internally and externally imposed deadlines and requirements, can be expected.

The Marketing and Communications Specialist will be an organized self-starter and able to engage with a range of clients and stakeholders to facilitate their communication and event needs. This position requires knowledge of university-wide practices and the complexities of the University and its organizational structure.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

(job functions include but are not limited to):

Communication materials and online platform content:

• In consultation with colleagues on the Marketing and Communications Team, gathers and compiles information related to various initiatives for distribution through websites, articles, and other communications materials
• Write and submit/publish articles, website and social media copy
• Write, edit, and proofread communications collateral, including reports, emails, and event materials on behalf of the faculty, faculty units (including advancement, Kiipitakyoyis, and professional development), hubs, committees, and special projects
• In collaboration with the Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications, manage the writing, editing, and proofreading of the annual highlights document, including consulting with faculty colleagues and external stakeholders about content and graphics
• Draft speaking notes and event briefs for senior leadership

Events planning and logistics:

• In coordination with the Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications, effectively plan, organize and facilitate a wide variety of events and internal/external activities for the faculty, committees, and priority projects as decided by the Dean. This includes recruitment booths at internal and external events and venues (including regional areas around faculty campuses and target regions), liaising with the Registrar's Office and the Faculty of Graduate Studies as needed
• Work with the members of the Office of External Relations team to support the implementation of strategic initiatives through communications that meet desired outcomes
• Develop communication plans with colleagues and partners for strategic initiatives, and coordinate their implementation
• Assist in the logistical and strategic requirements of events such as promotional material development and delivery, facility booking/coordination and stakeholder

General coordination and administrative responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and improve project management tracking systems for the Marketing and Communications Team to execute communications plans
• Assist with Marketing and Communications Team logistics and administration, including reconciling expenses, organizing meeting logistics, planning travel, managing equipment rental and purchase, and administration around hiring of interns/project-based staff
• Develop, maintain, and improve system to hold current messaging and positive testimonials by students, staff, and partners
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with university contacts and external stakeholders; communicate within and outside the university in a professional and proficient manner
• Work independently on specific communication activities and assignments
• Work strategically with members of the Marketing and Communications Team to coordinate and plan schedules to ensure successful alignment with priorities

Qualifications / Requirements

• Degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, design or demonstrable skills and experience
• 2-4 years of related working experience
• Proven experience in producing a variety of communication materials, including video and photo-based digital content, aimed at various audiences
• Proven experience in event planning/management, public relations or general communications
• A strong writer and editor, able to produce high-quality content on short deadlines
• Talent and ability in design, photography, and videography.
• Ability to train and mentor more junior communicators in communications best practices
• Experience with web-based applications such as Slate, Drupal, Sprout Social and Dialog Insight
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Adobe CreativeSuite/Cloud
• Knowledge of university environment and core university systems is an asset
• Strong communication, consultative and problem-solving skills, and ability to work with cross- functional teams effectively
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships and facilitate collaboration between diverse groups
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality as it applies to communications
• High level of tact and professionalism
• Proven copy-editing skills
• Attention to detail a must
• Familiarity with Indigenous protocols and ceremonies is an asset
• A proven ability to work under stressful and tight deadlines while working with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders

Application Deadline

October 21, 2026

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 2.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([e-mail]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([e-mail]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.