The Specialist, Digital Communications is responsible for creating and maintaining high-quality websites, email campaigns, and social media content in support of University Relations (UR) initiatives to support the strategic priorities of the University of Waterloo. This role will be responsible for managing requests through the project management system (Jira), administering digital communications systems and providing ongoing reporting and analysis of campaigns and other initiatives.

Reporting to the Manager, Web Strategy, the incumbent will promote digital communications best practices throughout the University.

Creation and ongoing quality control of digital content

• Responsible for maintaining content and administration of UR-managed websites and highly-visible, top-level websites such as the University homepage, Waterloo News, and Strategic Plan
• With guidance from the Manager, Web Strategy, defines user interface (UI) and information architecture (IA) guidelines to ensure a consistent, cohesive experience across all University websites
• Assists internal partners such as faculties and departments with the creation or update of their websites
• Creates and deploys email newsletters and campaigns to support UR marketing and communications initiatives
• Ensures web and digital marketing content created complies with applicable legislation, i.e., Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Canada's Anti-spam Legislation (CASL), etc.
• Optimizes and creates content to improve search engine optimization (SEO), measuring and reporting on the impact of these efforts
• Produces guides and resources to promote web/email/social media best practices to internal partners
• Takes a data-driven approach (i.e. web analytics) to improve web content and user experience
• Working collaboratively with the Social Media Manager, assists in the creation of social media content
• Monitors emerging trends and supports efforts to protect the reputation of the University by raising awareness of potential issues and challenges arising online

Marketing and communications reporting

• Leverages data and analytics to identify and develop innovative analytics solutions to support user engagement strategies
• Creates reports and dashboards using data from Google Analytics and other systems to provide regular updates to UR colleagues on the performance of digital marketing, social media and communications initiatives
• Provides analysis of marketing and communications data to UR colleagues, including competitor analysis, identifying actionable insights and recommendations

System administration

• Responsible for administration of communications and marketing systems within University Relations, including:
• Managing user access
• Develop and maintain documentation including how-to guides
• Provide ongoing training and support
• Ensures ongoing integrity of customer relationship management (CRM) data, performing regular updates and data transfers from other systems

Collaborates, advises, and consults

• Works closely with UR colleagues to ensure marketing and communications assets are shared and integrated across all channels
• Contributes expertise and perspective in marketing and communications planning sessions
• Works closely with UR web developers and communications teams, the Information Systems & Technology (IST) department and the broader University to design and implement a best-in-sector user experience
• Consult broadly with internal partners across campus to ensure broad acceptance of digital communications guidelines

Other duties

• Performs other duties of a comparable level/type as assigned

• University degree in business, communications, marketing, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 4+ years of experience in marketing and communications, preferably in a large organization or public-sector institution
• 3+ years of experience in digital content creation and reporting for web, email campaigns, and social media
• Extensive experience working with web design templates for content management systems (CMS)
• Experience working with social media management systems
• Experience reporting on web performance metrics and marketing key performance indicators (KPI)
• Experience securely administering software systems (i.e. CRM, Microsoft Teams, collaboration tools), including user support and training
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly in proofreading and editing content, and the ability to adapt content for multiple digital channels
• Strong organizational and project management skills coupled with the ability to handle multiple tasks/projects, meet tight deadlines, and excel in a fast-paced environment characterized by changing priorities
• Demonstrated expertise of website best practices, including Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act  (AODA), and  Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL)
• Ability to build consensus, foster teamwork among a variety of partners
• Basic understanding of HTML and CSS
• Knowledgeable about web information architecture best practices
• Excellent presentation skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of information security and account administration best practices
• Demonstrated ability to provide responsive and respectful client service
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team
• Intermediate to advanced use of current digital management tools including:
  • HTML email campaign software programs
  • Google Analytics and Data Studio
  • Social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tik Tok, WeChat)
  • Social media management systems (i.e. Emplifi, Hootsuite)
  • Content Management Systems (i.e. Drupal)
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Team collaboration tools (i.e. Microsoft Teams, Airtable)
  • Project management tools (i.e. Jira)
  • Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

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.