The Arts Communications Team within the Faculty of Arts is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Communications Specialist.

Reporting to the Director, Communications and Marketing, the Communications Specialist will work closely with members of the Faculty of Arts' Communications and Marketing team to develop and deliver communications and marketing plans that engage the University of Calgary's key audiences, boost the awareness of the university, enhance the university's overall reputation, and deliver against the Faculty of Arts Dean's strategic direction.

This role will develop and implement effective communications and marketing plans targeting the Faculty of Arts' key audiences, with a focus on internal communication initiatives. This includes managing and implementing a range of communications including, programs, publications and other communications tactics that address the goals and objectives related to our audiences. The candidate will incorporate and execute digital and social media communications and marketing in alignment with the overall communications and marketing plan and work collaboratively with leadership, faculty, fellow staff, and select vendors to develop and publish communications and marketing materials for print, email, social and web channels. The work includes creating communication plans, FAQs and leader's guides; writing/reviewing web, ad, email and social media copy; interviewing and writing research stories; publishing web content, and reporting on communications and marketing results.

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 client's goals and objectives.
• Develop and implement effective internal communication strategies, with a focus on effectively managing a communication SharePoint site.
• Work collaboratively with the client, faculty, 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, and other communications and marketing tactics that address the goals and objectives of the client's strategy and plan.
• Interview clients and write research stories for website, newsletters and social media.
• 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 client and colleagues within the client portfolio.
• 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 communication plans, event briefs, speaking briefs, FAQs, and leadership guides for projects as needed, ensuring that they are complete and validated before proceeding to project launch.
• Secure approval of all collateral content and artwork prior to production.
• 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
• Deal effectively with complex issues, using judgment, common sense and problem-solving skills

Reporting:

• Work with the Director, Communications and Marketing to build reports for clients and to share with the rest of the Communications team.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in a responsible coordination position leading complex projects within the communications and marketing sector.
• Undergraduate degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or demonstrable skills and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in developing high-impact communications and marketing plans and campaigns to meet goals and objectives.
• Demonstrated experience in creating communication plans for internal audience engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage crisis communications.
• 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 is required for this role.
• 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 daily and capable of simultaneously managing multiple responsibilities efficiently and effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently as well as in an energetic team environment.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality within communications practices.
• High level of tact and professionalism.
• 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 in managing a SharePoint communication site or intranet site.
• Experience working in a marcom, advertising or PR agency is an asset.
• Experience working with Drupal 8 is an asset.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office applications.
• High-level of understanding of the university business systems.
• Excellent attention to detail.