Term: 2 years

Reporting to the Associate Director, Government Relations and Communications, the Manager, Communications will develop and deliver several key priorities including:

• Communication, brand and marketing stewardship and best practices;
• Communication and brand strategy, guidelines, tools, training and support;
• Multi-year integrated marketing and brand campaigns; and
• Ongoing marketing and brand activities.
• Provide leadership and support for events

Key University objectives to contribute to:

• Increased CPI and OVPRI profile, reputation and brand preference with identified target audiences in planned target markets;
• Priority CPI outcomes including the support of revenue generation through sponsorship, partnerships, and consulting.
• Increased marketing and communications proficiency in CPI, OVPRI and University-wide collaborative marketing.

Strategic planning, marketing and brand communications implementation

• Development and implementation of CPI and OVPRI communication and brand guidelines, strategies, applications, templates, tools, website, education, and evaluation metrics
• Collaborate as required to develop, manage, implement and sustain CPI and OVPRI communication campaigns;
• Lead brand asset (e.g., photography, video, advertising, logos, stories, etc.) development, management, dissemination;
• Provide ongoing leadership and support to University-wide marketing and communications colleagues including communications planning, creative and content development, and campaign analytics.
• Work with units across campus to secure long-term partnerships that enhance CPI, OVPRI and University Marketing 
• In collaboration with CPI Operations Manager, advance the visibility and profile of the CPI through organization of events, meetings, and workshops to increase the partnership/sponsorship funnel of prospective clients
• In collaboration with the Associate Director, Government Relations and Communications, provide support and leadership for OVPRI events, including joining the Office of Research events committee
• Implement effective communication strategies for enhancing CPI and OVPRI's profile in the private sector, including securing industry permission and participation 
• Coordinate and deliver, as needed, presentations to corporations, government, and industry groups

Content creation and management

• Develop original content for CPI and OVPRI print, digital and social media channels, including articles, annual reports, spotlights, brochures, postcards, videos and posts.
• Interview CPI and OVPRI faculty, students and stakeholders for story development
• Work with Faculties, Marketing and Strategic Communications and other University units to identify and leverage relevant content created by other groups
• Prepare, in conjunctions with Marketing and Strategic Communications and other appropriate units, press releases and media and expert advisories
• Develop, maintain and monitor multiple CPI-supported and OVPRI websites as required, manage relationships with vendors related to CPI and OVPRI’s communications, marketing and advertising goals, including procurement, selection and contractual agreements

Collaboration and outreach

• Works closely and collaboratively, and shares information regularly, with marketing and communications colleagues from across campus
• Participate as a key member of appropriate media relations and marketing and communications-related groups across campus
• Working with Marketing and Communications, facilitates media contacts and seeks opportunities to advance CPI and OVPRI messaging through various media
• Manages the promotion and advertising of CPI events and OVPRI events
• Collaborates with internal and external partners in government, industry, and academia.

• Degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations or related field, or equivalent experience.
  5+ years of experience in relevant roles, with a focus on the development and delivery of integrated cross-channel (digital, print, direct) strategies, tactics and measures of success for internal and external audiences on a national and/or international level.
• Proven expertise in the development and implementation of strategic, integrated, results-driven marketing and communications activities for multiple audiences in a highly professional manner.
• Demonstrated understanding of current marketing and communications approaches and tools, with emphasis on digital and print media, websites, social media, video and mobile communications.
• Extensive experience in creating, editing, adapting, distributing and evaluating cross-channel content.
• Experience in advertising/digital copywriting is an asset.
• Experience identifying, developing, deploying and evaluating cross-platform content and working within a web content management system.
• Experience working within academic and academic support units, as well as working directly with students and/or alumni is an asset.
• Experience working with advertising, marketing or design agencies, on the client or agency side, is an asset.
  Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to create and deliver presentations and training.
• Proven ability to manage a large volume of work while balancing conflicting priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, build consensus and be sensitive to the needs and interests of various stakeholders.
• Proven ability to think strategically, work creatively and take initiative.
• Excellent team-building and relationship management skills.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality as required; sound judgement and tact.
• Advanced knowledge of Zoom and other video conferencing platforms
• Demonstrated experience using various social media platforms for communication and promotion (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok), as well as web-based enterprise systems such as MS Office
• Digital design knowledge and expertise is an asset (e.g. websites, email and advertising using Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign); and
• Video production and distribution expertise is an asset.
• Keen sense of responsive client service.
• Team player who thrives in an environment of exchanging information and ideas, and who will support other members of the CPI  and OVPRI teams to meet collective goals 
• Ability and confidence to communicate effectively with all faculty members, including academic administrators such as Deans, Chairs, and Associate Deans, from a variety of disciplines within all six Faculties, as well as with University senior administration, staff, and students 

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within our Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.