Senior Communications Specialist

University of Waterloo; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waterloo, Canada, is hiring a Communications professional to lead strategic messaging and content development for faculty priorities and institutional initiatives. This temporary role supports Advancement and External Relations, coordinating with leaders, researchers and project teams to deliver clear, audience-focused communications.

They will translate complex academic priorities into compelling materials for print, digital and executive formats, ensuring accuracy,

Qualifications

• Advanced writing, editing, and strategic messaging skills.
• Experience developing strategic messaging and producing high-quality communications content.
• Strong project planning, coordination, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex communications initiatives supporting faculty priorities, including research, programs and reputation-building.
• Develop strategic messaging, narratives and materials for institutional priorities across print and digital formats.
• Provide communications planning advice to clients, leaders or project teams and coordinate with multiple contributors.
• Support emergency communications planning and ensure messages are accurate, accessible and aligned with university standards.
• Monitor and improve communications effectiveness through feedback and performance information.

Skills

Advanced writing

Editing

Strategic messaging

Content development

Education

Undergraduate degree or post-secondary diploma in communications

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.

Job Requisition ID: 2026-03791

Time Type: Full time

Employee Group: Staff

Job Category: Communications

Employment Type: Temporary

Department: Advancement and External Relations - Strategic Communications Planning, Content and Partnerships

Hiring Range: $80,248.28 - $100,310.35

Posting Information: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Term: 18 months

The internal posting deadline for this position is November 19, 2026, at 11:59PM.

This position is being offered as a secondment or contract opportunity.

Job Description: 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.

Key Accountabilities

Faculty communications

Leads complex or specialized communications initiatives supporting faculty priorities, including research, academic programs, student recruitment, advancement and reputation‑building.

Develops strategic messaging, communications plans and content that translate complex academic, research and institutional priorities into clear, audience‑focused communications.

Provides specialized communications advice to faculty leaders, researchers, academic departments and subject‑matter experts on communications planning, messaging and stakeholder engagement.

Coordinates communications across faculty stakeholders and central communications partners to support integrated delivery and alignment with institutional priorities and communications standards.

Evaluates communications opportunities, stakeholder considerations and communications performance to strengthen faculty communications and support continuous improvement.

Strategic Messaging and Content Development

Develops strategic messaging, narratives and communications materials supporting institutional priorities and complex communications objectives.

Researches, analyzes and synthesizes complex information into clear, compelling and audience appropriate communications.

Produces and reviews a wide range of communications products across print, digital and executive communications formats.

Ensures communications are accurate, accessible, inclusive and aligned with institutional voice, tone and standards.

Identifies opportunities to strengthen storytelling, audience engagement and communications effectiveness.

Stakeholder Partnership and Advisory Support

Works with leaders, clients and stakeholders to understand objectives, define requirements and support effective communications delivery.

Provides practical advice and specialized subject‑matter expertise related to communications planning, messaging, audience engagement and implementation approaches.

Builds productive working relationships with stakeholders, service partners and colleagues across the institution.

Provides guidance and informal support to colleagues and partners within area of expertise.

Escalates issues requiring broader alignment, approval or strategic direction.

Participates in emergency communications planning and response as required within the university's emergency communications framework.

Reputation awareness, sensitivity assessment and escalation

Identifies communications risks, stakeholder concerns and reputational considerations associated with initiatives and organizational decisions.

Supports communications planning and implementation for sensitive, complex or emerging issues.

Monitors relevant audience, stakeholder, channel or sector developments connected to assigned work to identify trends or issues that may affect communications planning and delivery.

Advises stakeholders on communications implications and mitigation approaches within established frameworks.

Measurement, Continuous Improvement and Practice Development

Analyzes feedback, audience insight and performance information to improve communications effectiveness.

Identifies recurring issues, process gaps and opportunities to strengthen communications practices and service delivery.

Contributes to the development and refinement of communications frameworks, templates, guidelines and resources.

Shares knowledge, lessons learned and emerging practices with colleagues and stakeholders.

Maintains awareness of communications trends, technologies and evolving professional practices.

Required Qualifications

Education

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

Experience

4–6 years of progressively responsible communications experience. Experience independently managing complex or non‑routine communications initiatives. Experience developing strategic messaging and producing high‑quality communications content. Experience coordinating projects, communications activities or stakeholder‑driven initiatives involving multiple contributors and competing priorities. Experience providing communications advice and recommendations to clients, leaders or project teams. Experience in higher education, the broader public sector or another complex multi‑stakeholder environment is an asset.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Advanced writing, editing, strategic messaging and content development skills. Ability to independently lead complex or specialized communications initiatives and provide specialized expertise within area of practice. Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize information from multiple sources to inform recommendations and decisions. Ability to interpret audience, stakeholder and performance information and apply insights to improve communications outcomes. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information effectively. Strong project planning, coordination, and organizational skills. Strong stakeholder relationship management, consultation, and advisory skills. Ability to provide guidance and informal leadership within an area of expertise. Sound judgment, problem‑solving capability, and decision‑making skills. Proficiency with 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