Senior Communications Specialist, School of Architecture, Planning, & Landscape

Description

The Dean's Office in the School of Architecture, Planning, & Landscape is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Senior Communications Specialist.

The Senior Specialist, Communications reports to the Manager Faculty Operations, Administration & Facilities. The Senior Specialist, Communications develops and delivers communications & marketing plans, campaigns & programs to build the local, national and international profile and reputation of SAPL at the University of Calgary. While no shiftwork or dangerous conditions are involved, there is stress associated with managing multiple and often time-sensitive deadlines for mission-critical deliverables, as well as dealing with colleagues at various levels and from different areas within the institution.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Communications and Marketing

• Develop and implement effective communications and marketing strategies and plans in support of the school's goals and objectives.
• Experience developing, executing, measuring and optimizing e-marketing campaigns.
• Work collaboratively with the Leadership team, fellow staff, and select vendors to plan, develop and publish communications and marketing materials for print, email, social media and web channels.
• Manage, plan and implement a range of campaigns, publications, special events (such as webinars), and other communications and marketing tactics that address the goals and objectives of the client's strategy and plan.
• Ensure the implementation of strong and consistent brand and positioning protocols across all projects and initiatives.
• Adhere to and perpetuate the university's brand and identity guidelines in the interest of protecting the professional reputation and distinct positioning of the institution.

Stakeholder Relations

• Develop and maintain successful and productive relationships with the Leadership team and colleagues within the school's portfolio including, donor, alumni and community engagement.
• Manage and coordinate with outside agencies and vendors as required.
• Manage complex issues and challenging interpersonal interactions with composure and diplomacy.
• Ensure that communications are timely, accurate, informative, professional, and represent the university appropriately.
• Seek expert opinions and advice where appropriate and considered reliable.

Communications Project Management

• Help to develop and finalize briefs for projects as needed, ensuring that they are complete and validated before proceeding to project launch.
• Lead, supervise and provide direction to the marketing & communications team.
• Organize and chair kick-off meetings for project as needed.
• Secure approval of all collateral content and artwork prior to production.
• Assist with content review/validation/user testing/refinement (as needed).
• Participate in proofing and proof-reading processes as required.
• Provide input as needed for changes to procedures and practices.
• Interface with external vendors and suppliers as required to ensure project completion.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• 8+ years of experience in a responsible coordination position within the communications and marketing sector; leading complex projects in marketing and/or communications.
• Undergraduate degree, diploma or recognized credential in communications and marketing, campaign management, project management, account management, or related field; a combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in developing high-impact communications and marketing plans and campaigns to meet goals and objectives.
• Deep knowledge of latest digital communications and marketing and social media trends.
• Solid understanding of communications and marketing, and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Good leadership qualities and negotiation skills.
• Proven exposure to and experience with the creative process and project management challenges.
• Strategic thinker, with demonstrated ability in partnership-building.
• Creative thinker and problem-solver who can think fast on their feet.
• Well organized, with a demonstrated ability to prioritize functions on a daily basis and capable of simultaneously managing multiple responsibilities efficiently and effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently as well as in an energetic team environment.
• Results-oriented and independent, with demonstrated initiative in turning ideas into formalized projects.
• Confident and poised with strong interpersonal skills, passionate about quality and able to deliver in a high-performance environment, with multiple projects, stakeholders and deadlines.
• Experience working in an institutional environment with high-profile stakeholders is an asset.
• Experience working in a marcom or advertising agency is an asset.
• Experience working with Marketo is an asset.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• High-level of understanding of the university business systems.
• Excellent attention to detail.
  

Application Deadline: May 5, 2024

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 3.

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 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.

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 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

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.