Best Canditate
The Marketing and Communications Specialist is responsible for the development, support, and execution of communication and marketing initiatives targeting incoming and current domestic undergraduate and graduate students, parents, staff, and faculty. This role covers all units within the Student Success Office and collaborates with partners. The Specialist should have a strong command of traditional and emerging digital technologies, along with skills in stakeholder engagement and collaboration. Equity and an anti-racist approach are essential in marketing and communication efforts targeting a diverse audience.
Job Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., GBDA, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, English). An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in a communications role, preferably in an educational setting, with:
- 3 years of experience in crafting dynamic, creative content for diverse platforms and adapting content for various audiences.
- 2 years of experience working with web content management systems.
- 1-2 years of experience in writing and distributing mass email communications.
- 1 year of experience in social media content development or management.
- A track record and dedication to continuous learning and engagement in equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and accessibility. Demonstrated experience applying this learning to communications and marketing work.
- Profound knowledge of barriers to student success, particularly those faced by underrepresented or non-traditional students and academically at-risk students.
- A deep understanding of communication needs for Waterloo students, including priority populations like first-year students, international students, transfer and exchange students, academically at-risk students, and traditionally underrepresented student groups.
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively, build consensus, and consider the needs and interests of various stakeholders while contributing to a diverse team within the department and across the institution.
- Strong grasp of social media and web communication.
- Advanced web content management skills, preferably in Drupal.
- Intermediate to advanced proficiency with MS Office, particularly Word and Outlook.
- Intermediate-level experience with online tools, including MailChimp (email marketing tool), Smartsheet (project management tool), and Adobe Creative Cloud (publishing tool).
- Intermediate-level skills in social media monitoring and scheduling tools.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Outstanding organizational and time management abilities, including managing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and adapting to changing priorities.
- Strong presentation skills, the capacity to be persuasive and drive positive change while building strong relationships.
- A collaborative, positive, and professional approach to working with teams and colleagues.
- Occasional work outside of regular business hours may be necessary.
About Key Responsibilities:
- Formulate effective marketing and communication plans aligning with the Student Success Office's objectives, such as enhancing student satisfaction, fostering community and stakeholder engagement, engaging a diverse student population (including international, undergraduate, and graduate students), and promoting student retention at the University of Waterloo.
- Create compelling content for various Student Success Office marketing and communication channels, encompassing web, email, social media, and print.
- Stay attuned to current trends and best practices for engaging target audiences. Utilize data from the Student Success Office, the university, and the industry to inform and enhance marketing and communication strategies.
