Outreach and Engagement Officer, Global Institute for Water Security

Please note that a strong internal candidate has been identified.

Primary Purpose: The Outreach and Engagement Officer will lead the creation and implementation of effective communication strategies, initiatives and priorities for GIWS. The Officer will work to build and maintain a positive reputation for the institute, regionally, nationally and internationally. The incumbent’s work will be focused on enhancing awareness and building brand and reputation for GIWS and water research at USask by promoting, celebrating, and communicating information about its members, activities, programs, facilities, and success stories, while initiating and building effective relationships with key internal and external audiences and partners. A large focus of the role will be building strong relationships and sharing success stories as well as leading GIWS and joint partner events. Work is to be aligned with GIWS’ strategic plan.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Executive Director, the Outreach and Engagement Officer will plan and execute a wide variety of communications and marketing initiatives for GIWS and its expanding research programs and platforms. Communication is required with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including staff, researchers, various institutions, industry, governments, the media and the public.
The ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with a broad range of partners is key, as well as the ability to influence are critical to your success. The work requires a proactive and strategic approach, sometimes with a high volume and complexity, flexibility, and the management of competing interests with satisfactory outcomes for all involved. You demonstrate a strong safety acumen and support strategic change management.

The ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with a broad range of partners is key. The work requires a proactive and strategic approach, sometimes with a high volume and complexity, flexibility, and the management of competing interests with satisfactory outcomes for all involved. You demonstrate a strong safety acumen and support strategic change management. The ability to establish and maintain relationships as well as the ability to influence are critical to your success.

Accountabilities:

• Lead the creation, implementation and assessment of comprehensive communications and marketing materials, to build and sustain GIWS’ reputation regionally, nationally and internationally
• Effectively lead GIWS’ partner relations and engagement, events management, community relations, etc
• Work to produce a variety of related content and material including but not limited to newsletters, articles, website content, social media posts and marketing collateral—for various media and digital platforms
• Lead, as well as support the creation, implementation and evaluation of communications and marketing strategies and action plans while building and maintaining a positive reputation for GIWS
• Create branded publications and materials (digital and print) that support GIWS’ needs for outreach and promotion (e.g. brochures, magazine, ads/marketing campaigns, promotional materials, signage, banners, swag, etc.)
• Participate in providing sound advice, messaging, and briefing documents
• Implement and provide training for GIWS staff and researchers (where appropriate) in institute research, structure, branding, and messaging
• Write and share messages, stories, and content that help build profile for GIWS, in accessible language that is appropriate for various mediums and in collaboration with the Research Profile and Impact office at USask
• Manage social media channels and ensure content is accurate, appealing to audiences and updated regularly
• Manage the Women Plus Water collaborative, including the Conversation series and virtual mentorship circles
• Participate in internal communications for GIWS (e.g. internal newsletter, screens/posters, etc.).

Qualifications:

• A graduate university degree, preferably in a water-related, marketing, or communications field. An equivalent level of education and experience may be considered
• 6-10 years of directly related outreach, marketing, and communications experience with a demonstrated progression in level of responsibility, including a breadth of experience in developing implementing and leading all areas of strategic communications plans
• Experience with using website content management systems and social media platforms supported by USask
• Experience with using the Adobe Creative Cloud applications and skill with graphic designing and video editing will be considered an asset

Skills:

• Thorough understanding of communications principles and strategies, proven experience in applying them and achieving results in a complex environment
• Highly effective interpersonal communications, with the capacity to build consensus and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of partners, exercising diplomacy, judgment and tact, and to act confidentially and with cultural sensitivity
• Demonstrated strong leadership, analytical and organizational skills, including the effective planning and management of multiple projects and the ability to adjust to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated organizational skills, including the effective planning and management of multiple projects and events
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and be self-motivated and reliable
• Ability to problem-solve, think and act strategically and creatively
• High level of proficiency in computer applications, web communication and emerging information technologies
• Attention to detail, discretion, a high level of integrity and independent judgment are required
• Editing skills
• Video and photography skills would be an asset.

Department: Global Institute for Water Security

Status: Term 24 months with the possibility of extension

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: 7/22/2025

Closing Date: 7/28/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. 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 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’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.