Public Affairs Specialist - Toronto, Canada - Council of Ontario Universities

Description

The Council of Ontario Universities is the forum for Ontario's universities to collaborate and advocate in support of their shared mission to the benefit and prosperity of students, communities, and the province of Ontario.

Our work advances postsecondary education through collective advocacy, sector collaboration, and a range of shared services for our members, Ontario's 21 publicly assisted universities.

The COU Secretariat is a collaborative team of professionals where each employee contributes directly to the success of the organization.

COU is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and supports equal opportunity to all employees.

We are seeking an experienced Public Affairs Specialist (Communications) with 5+ years of demonstrated corporate communications experience to work with the Manager, Communications, as well as the Director, Government and Stakeholder Relations, on developing and editing communication materials to achieve brand consistency, content and message coordination and advance the interests of Ontario's universities with government, political parties and key external stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Uses superior writing skills to produce a variety of products to advance postsecondary education and support engagement in public affairs dialogue, including compelling reports, strategies, key messages, web stories, speeches, news releases, briefing notes, presentations for government, and other written communications
• Synthesizes research and policy work of COU and other stakeholders into effective communications messages and accurate highquality materials
• Skilled in the use of 'plain language' and storytelling to communicate complex data and ideas using clear, persuasive writing
• Edits and proofreads materials with the use of COU messaging materials and style guides to ensure consistent language, style and delivery of core messaging
• Use knowledge of social media and emerging communication platforms to provide creative and strategic support for internal and external communication efforts including print publications, web sites, electronic communication, social media and video production
• Identifies content and stories to share through these vehicles
• Supports social media interaction on platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn to enhance communication with key audiences; ensures compliance with social media standards; helps in the development of social media content and in tracking, measuring and growing digital audiences
• Helps coordinate, monitor and oversee calendars and timelines for the Public Affairs department
• Regularly monitors traditional and social media, influencers, government channels, and stakeholder communications for political developments, commentary, threats, and opportunities and shares critical information with the Manager, Communications and other colleagues in a timely manner
• Contributes to the organization of special events, including logístical coordination, advance preparation of communication materials and onsite support
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective communication

Education and Experience:

• University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science or another relevant field. Graduate degree is an asset.

Skills:

• At least 5 years of professional communications experience
• Superior writing, research and editing ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of works
• Adept at writing simply ad persuasively
• Ability to monitor announcements and news and identify potential impacts for the sector
• Strong understanding of media and social media landscape
• Ability to work with graphic designers in the creation of marketing material and online products
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of or experience in the Ontario university sector

Other:

• Capacity to work collaboratively across the organization, with members and other stakeholders
• Selfmotivated and entrepreneurial in building new alliances, while being an ambassador for COU to other organizations
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• Proven ability to work in a fastpaced environment; adaptable and responsive to shifting priorities

Those qualified are asked to submit a cover letter with resume, outlining your experience and suitability for the position as well as salary expectations by noon on Monday April 3, 2023.

COU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

COU is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free recruitment process to applicants with accessibility needs in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

If you require an accommodation during this process, please inform COU of your requirem