Communications Officer, Future Cities Institute - Waterloo, Canada - University of Waterloo

University of Waterloo

Verified Company

Waterloo, Canada

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Overview:

Reporting to the Managing Director of the Future Cities Institute (FCI), the Communications Officer will plan, implement and evaluate an integrated program of marketing and communications to advance the FCI's image, profile and reputation.

The integrated communications plan will support both the FCI and the University's goals and values and will be communicated effectively across extensive internal and external professional networks.

The incumbent will:

Support the Institute's strategic objectives;
Act as an internal marketing and strategic communications expert for the Institute;
Collaborate with marketing and communications colleagues across campus to advance FCI goals with the broader University community;
Work closely with FCI faculty and student members to identify news and develop stories about the FCI;
Provide marketing and communications support to FCI faculty research projects

This position is contingent on funding.

Responsibilities:

Strategic planning and program evaluation

Develop, implement and maintain a FCI marketing and communications strategy that includes print, digital and social media channels
Develop FCI's brand positioning and key messaging
Develop and implement action plans to operationalize the strategy
Prepare and manage the marketing and communications budget
Develop metrics for program evaluation
Develop, implement and maintain content strategies and editorial calendars to guide print and digital marketing and communications content design and development
Conduct environmental scans, content audits, competitive analyses, gap analyses or other research to ensure FCI objectives are being met
Monitor and report on metrics for web, digital and social initiatives
Report on program effectiveness, and recommend and implement changes

Content creation and management

Develop original content for FCI print, digital and social media channels including articles, annual reports, brochures, postcards, videos and posts
Assist the Director to develop research teams and proposals with FCI members and FCI led projects
Support researchers to identify knowledge users and develop project specific knowledge mobilization strategies and communications
Interview FCI faculty, students and stakeholders for story development
Work with Faculties, Marketing and Strategic Communications and other University units to identify and leverage relevant content created by other groups
Prepare, in conjunctions with Marketing and Strategic Communications and other appropriate units, press releases and media and expert advisories
Develop, maintain and monitor multiple FCI supported websites
As required, manage relationships with vendors related to FCI's communications, marketing and advertising goals, including procurement, selection and contractual agreements
Ensure excellent quality and consistency in all FCI marketing and communications initiatives, and work collaboratively with University colleagues to achieve this

Stakeholder relations and outreach planning

Work with FCI's leadership and faculty and external partners on FCI's industry relations strategy
Develop and lead FCI's outreach strategy, bringing future cities information to people of all ages and reinforcing the Institute's reputation as a source of future cities information
Maintain positive and productive relationships among a large network of international and domestic partners and stakeholders
Develop and implement conferences and events, and government and other stakeholder relations initiatives
Keep community groups and stakeholders informed about the university's activities, achievements, needs, concerns and proposals
Works closely and collaboratively, and shares information regularly, with marketing and communications colleagues from across campus
Participate as a key member of appropriate media relations and marketing and communications related groups across campus
Working with Marketing and Communications, facilitates media contacts and seeks opportunities to advance FCI messaging through various media
Manages the promotion and advertising of FCI events, including lectures and research symposia
Explore new opportunities for partnerships with the faculties

Qualifications:

Degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations or related field, or equivalent experience
Minimum of 57 years of experience in a relevant strategic marketing and communications role, preferably with experience in the university sector
Experience identifying and preparing stories for various stakeholder groups, including the media
Public relations experience is a strong asset
Superior written and verbal communication skills
Excellent presentation skills
Critical thinking and analytical skills to enable assessment of complex higher education issues of concern to stakeholders, including the media, the public, employers, recruiters, academics