Communications Officer

Primary Purpose: The Communications Officer provides leadership in the development and implementation of innovative, effective and reliable internal and external communications strategies for the College of Dentistry, ensuring alignment with the goals of the school and the university.

Nature of Work: Reporting to the Dean of the College of Dentistry, the Communications Officer is responsible for planning and supporting all internal and external communication activities across a wide span of audiences. This position is based in Saskatoon and will be physically located within the College of Dentistry.

The position involves considerable judgment and discretionary decision-making in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of multiple communications plans. The incumbent will work both independently and collaboratively within the college, University Relations and other campus units. It is expected that all work will be coordinated appropriately between the college and central channels to ensure the maximum benefit to both the college and university. It is expected that the individual develop a solid understanding of the college’s mandate, programs, culture and stakeholders. It is critical that the individual establish and maintain positive relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders, faculty, staff, students, donors, alumni, partner organizations, and media, among others. Consequence of error is significant to the reputation of the college and university. The environment is dynamic and fast-paced. The position requires some travel and occasional work in evenings and on weekends.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Reviewing and applying lessons from web analytics
• Keeping content accurate and updated regularly
• Working with technical professionals to ensure it meets university web guidelines

Education: An undergraduate university degree, preferably in communications, marketing, journalism or related field. An equivalent level of education and experience may be considered. Credentials and professional designations through IABC or CPRS would considered an asset.

Experience: Five years of directly related experience with a demonstrated progression in level of responsibility, including a breadth of experience developing, leading, and implementing all areas of strategic communications and/or marketing. Knowledge of the University of Saskatchewan, the academic environment and/or the discipline of dentistry and public health would be an asset. Experience working with First Nation and Metis communities or environments would be considered assets.

Skills:

• Strategic thinker, ability to be creative and look for opportunities to make connections and build profile for college initiatives
• Thorough understanding of strategic marketing and communications principles and proven experience in applying them and achieving results in a complex environment
• Highly adaptable, able to problem-solve, think and act strategically and creatively and show initiative
• Highly effective interpersonal communications, with the capacity to build consensus and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders while exercising diplomacy, judgment and tact, and acting 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
• Understanding of graphic design/production processes, and/or possessing working design skills would be an asset
• Excellent writing skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Proficiency in contemporary computer applications and knowledge of social media and web platforms

Photography skills would be an asset

Department: College of Dentistry
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $64,107.00 - 100,169.00 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: 3/29/2023
Closing Date: 7/5/2023 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

Please review the University of Saskatchewan's health and safety requirements for faculty, staff and students in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.