Term: 18 months

The Communications Officer is responsible for developing and delivering professional communications to advance the Institute for Quantum Computing’s (IQC) program goals across knowledge mobilization, partner engagement and reporting. This role identifies communication opportunities; develops science and technology news, reports, marketing materials and digital content; provides communication leadership in support of event planning and hosting; and engages with senior stakeholders both internal and external to UW. The overall objective is to advance the Institute’s image through the production of professional, compelling and effective communications materials.

This position is contingent on funding. 

Research and Writing

• Identify opportunities and implement measures for enhancing the profile of IQC; ensure IQC is responsive to the communication needs of IQC funders and other stakeholders
• Write and edit content for a variety of communication platforms and audiences, in a style that is reflective of a world-class research enterprise
• Perform background research, interview researchers and technical leaders, synthesize findings, and produce science and technology news stories and reports
• Edit, review, and amend work in response to researcher and editor feedback
• Develop and maintain a current collection of research marketing materials ranging from presentations to brochures to a catalog of IQC/UW’s key strengths in quantum
• Solicit, compile, analyze and manage data in support of IQC’s reporting requirements to its funders
• Prepare professional correspondence, template documents and other supporting materials
• Respond to requests for information that originate from both internal and external to the university and collaborate effectively with IQC communications staff around shared goals.=
• Maintain a network of specialists in media relations, graphic design, and other related fields, and an up-to-date knowledge of communication channels and how to utilize them effectively to advance IQC’s goals
• Act as a resource to the IQC community of researchers, equipping them with communication skills and providing expert counsel
• Write media releases, research profiles, op-ed material (for distribution by the UW Media Relations Office)
• Ensure consistency, accuracy and excellence in quality and content of messaging in all written pieces

Knowledge Mobilization

• Develop strategies for maximizing the impact of IQC research, and capture and communicate those impacts to the extent possible
• Support researchers with articulating a vision for new quantum initiatives in terms that inspire others and are responsive to funder requirements
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for collaboration and research translation
• Work with cross campus communicators to source and secure news stories that will have a broad appeal and reflect the strength of IQC research
• Establish relationships across the Institute as a means of sourcing media opportunities to profile IQC research
• Support faculty members to develop a media profile aligned with research work
• Analyze issues, events, trends, and items that could impact Faculty profiles and alert the team
• Regularly review and contribute to Media Relations Editorial Calendars for planning purposes

Digital Communications

• Initiates and tracks updates to IQC’s digital platforms
• Measures the effectiveness of web and other digital communication platforms using analytics and other tools, as appropriate
• Photographs events as needed and uses tools to enhance digital communications
• Maintains awareness of new technologies and communication opportunities to ensure a relevant and forward-looking presence for IQC
• Support the rest of the CSI team and provide back-up copy writing and editing services
• Attend events to compose notes capturing key messages, take photos and video and network with attendees to provide content for stories and social media channels

Other

• Collaborates with campus partners and beyond to support communication initiatives
• Other duties as assigned

• Post-secondary degree in journalism, public relations or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Professional training or equivalent in science communications
• Five + (5) years’ experience in science writing or as a writer in a journalism or media environment
• Experience with synthesizing complex information and knowledge (report and paper writing experience)
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; excellent editing skills
• Experience in quantum communications
• Extensive experience in interviewing people for media profiles
• Extensive experience in news and media researching skills
• Extensive experience in translating technical concepts into simple language to facilitate understanding from researchers to media and other external audiences
• Experience in writing effectively, authentically, and in a manner consistent with the quality and standard expected of university-level communication and aligned with brand strategies
• Expert ability to write in a clear, concise, logical, and organized manner with appropriate vocabulary and correct syntax, grammar, and punctuation
• Excellent critical analysis, editing and proofreading skills
• Proven ability in managing multiple deadlines that require attention to accuracy, consistency, and the ability to work with many different people with competing priorities
• Ability to build consensus, foster teamwork among a variety of stakeholders, and lead integrated project teams
• Ability to grasp complex scientific information, theories, methodologies, and practices of the field
• Demonstrated understanding of best practices in utilizing digital communication tools
• Strong drive and resourcefulness, and a passion for writing, and achieving research impact through effective communication
• Expert level knowledge of high-tech marketing, and an ability to carry a technical message at a level that is appropriate for target audience
• Expert level organization and planning skills
• Effective time management skills, ability to multitask, and confidence in decision making under pressure
• Strong organizational skills coupled with proven ability to effectively document work, handle multiple tasks, and excel in a fast-paced environment characterized by changing priorities and short deadlines
• Effective interpersonal and written communication skills
• Ability to quickly produce and distribute quality, thoughtful and engaging content
• Familiarity with communication measures that support Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Ability to build effective relationships, partnerships and development efforts with individuals placed at all levels within an organization

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 the 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+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada. 

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.