Communications Team Lead, External Communications, University Relations

Please note that a strong internal candidate has been identified.

The communications team lead provides leadership in the development and implementation of innovative, effective, and reliable communication strategies to advance the reputation, priorities, and goals of the university in alignment with the strategic plan. They also support a team of communications professionals as team lead, providing coordination, support and mentorship in operational and strategic matters and supporting professional development and engagement initiatives.

Reporting to the Director of University Communications, the team lead will provide coordination, support and mentorship to a team of communications professionals in operational and strategic matters. This role offers guidance, manages project workflows, allocates resources, and ensures the successful delivery of internal/external communications initiatives. The team lead supports professional development and employee engagement.

The team lead will exercise judgement and discretionary decision-making on sensitive or confidential issues. This position will work closely with a variety of university stakeholders and cross-campus communications staff to support the mission of the university by promoting and celebrating its people, activities and success stories with key internal and external audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads the development, implementation and delivery of effective and reliable communication strategies and plans, both annual and long-term, that enhance the reputation and visual identity of the university
• Provides strategic advice, guidance and innovative solutions which support the reputation, promotion, branding, priorities and initiatives of the university
• Works to identify areas of specific focus in which to provide communications support and development
• Encourages appropriate engagement of internal stakeholders during the planning and implementation of communications strategies
• Develops, builds and maintains key relationships with internal stakeholders from across campus
• Crafts compelling content that reflects the work of the university, as well as communications to alumni, external partners, faculty, staff, and students
• Utilizes various internal and external platforms and channels, including but not limited to social media, written copy, website content, photography, video and more
• Follows guidelines and ensures consistent messaging and branding across all channels
• Participates in team meetings, planning, and other activities that contribute to achieving university-wide goals in communications
• Ensure communications are accessible and suitable for diverse audiences and diverse mediums
• Complies with all relevant university policies, procedures and processes
• Mentors, coaches, and supports a team of communications professionals
• Coordinates and facilitates regular meetings with the assigned team of communications professionals
• Provides recommendations on team learning and professional development opportunities, assisting with planning as required
• Shares learnings and encourages team knowledge transfer, including reporting on the effectiveness of communications or communications channels, to enhance the skills and understanding of the team and communications colleagues
• Monitors team adherence to guidelines, policies, procedures and to promote consistent messaging and branding across all channels
• Liaises with leadership on emerging issues, team opportunities and team complement planning
• Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment
• Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others, and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgement
• Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing or a related field
• A graduate degree is an asset
• Minimum five years’ experience in communications or marketing with progression in level of responsibility, including a breadth of experience developing and implementing all areas of strategic communications plans, preferably in a post-secondary or similar setting
• Experience and knowledge of post-secondary or academic communications support is preferred
• Advanced knowledge of communication principles
• Strong writing skills to effectively communicate to diverse audiences across multiple platforms
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Demonstrated client service orientation
• Strong problem solving, strategic, and creative thinking skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and meet deadlines on multiple projects with competing demands
• Knowledge, understanding and/or openness to learn about issues (including cultural, socio-economic and other factors) affecting Indigenous peoples
• Ability to identify opportunities and analyze data to inform decisions
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a diverse environment and build relationships with a broad range of stakeholders
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to use and leverage technology effectively.

Department: University Relations
Status: Permanent

Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2

Posted Date: 10/17/2025

Closing Date: 10/23/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action**.**
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resourcesfor assistance.