The Department of CSM Communications in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Communications Advisor, Media. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 24 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position has a high volume of work with early morning, evenings and weekend hours sometimes required, conflicting priorities and moderate to high levels of pressure/stress. Work is deadline-driven, frequently with multiple, simultaneous deadlines on a daily basis.

This position reports to the Director, Communications, Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) and works closely with the Sr. Communications Specialist, Media Relations. The position also consults and collaborates with various internal and external partners including CSM senior leadership, department heads, institute directors, education program deans, CSM donor relations, institute communicators, the University of Calgary external relations team, Alberta Health specialized agencies, funding partners and others.

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

• Supports and implements proactive media relations strategies to support CSM strategic plan and priorities
• Supports media relations initiatives including news conferences, media events and media training as well as supporting the Sr. Media Specialist on advising the Director of Communications, Media Relations and Marketing as well as senior leaders on issues management
• Supports responding to requests to submit stories to UToday from all areas of the CSM including research institutes, departments and partners
• Ability to post CSM stories through a content management system on websites and to UToday
• Works collaboratively, using social media vehicles proactively to tell the CSM story and enhance and protect its reputation
• Supports the CSM's presence on social networking sites including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and other platforms in collaboration with other team content creators
• Strengthens the CSM's everyday presence in electronic and print media, supporting reactive interview opportunities, and contributing to proactive media relations opportunities
• Maintains and grows effective relationships with local, national and international on-line, print and broadcast media
• Contributes to media contact lists
• Researches and develops key messages around critical issues for external and internal use
• Supports evaluation of the impact of media relations on strategic initiatives, contributing to assessing trends, and gather data to make recommendations about future media relations initiatives
• Supports coaching and mentoring faculty members on dealing with the media/social media
• Writes and edits stories for a variety of CSM publications, the website and other written materials
• Works with faculty partners to support their storytelling capabilities through relevant content essential to producing focused communications

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A post-secondary degree / diploma focused on communications, journalism and/or writing
• Three to five years of experience in communications/public relations/journalism
• Experience dealing with the media and a good understanding of the current Canadian media environment
• Highly developed verbal, visual and written communication skills including superior editing and proofreading skills with a high attention to detail
• Ability to post to and monitor social media channels including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
• Experience with smart phone photography, videography, basic editing and using Adobe software and programs
• Sound judgment and decision-making capabilities
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively as required
• Contribute to educating and coaching clients on media and social media best practices
• Excellent project management skills including supporting the planning, organizing and managing of projects
• Must be flexible and able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with constantly shifting priorities
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and Power Point
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills required in dealing with a range of situations, which may include complex, sensitive and confidential issues
• Experience in post-secondary education, health and/or a scientific research writing environment is considered an asset
• Experience filming, editing video, photography and using Adobe software to produce material for various platforms considered an asset
• Ability to coach participants (faculty, students, guests) in video shoots and photoshoots to obtain compelling storytelling results