Communications and Outreach Officer

Overview: Term: 1 year
The Communications and Outreach Officer (Officer) works to enhance the administration, recognition and reputation of the Chemical Engineering department (CHE) and the undergraduate Nanotechnology Engineering program (NE) through effective administration documentation, strategic communications and comprehensive outreach activities.
The incumbent raises the profile of CHE and NE among potential students, alumni, donors and prospects, the national and international research community, the local community and corporate sponsors through the production of professional, compelling and effective communications materials. S/he contributes to the recruitment of high quality students and advances the CHE research agenda by positioning CHE as a leader in research, teaching and academic excellence through participation in a variety of outreach activities. Responsibilities: Administration Gathers necessary information for and writes and edits undergraduate and graduate accreditation material, including CEAB and Academic Program Review reports and other submissions Writes and edits presentations, reports and documentation, including manuals, forms and processes to support CHE and NE administration Manages and performs the timely and accurate revision, dissemination and storage of administrative documents Supports efforts to improve CHE and NE students’ co-op employment opportunities Coordinates student evaluation of NE labs, lab instructors and TAs Develops surveys that are required for data collection and analysis for both ChE and Nano UG Works with program staff, department administration and stakeholders to support administrative functions Works with Creative Services to update and develop new print and digital communications, including reports, brochures and posters Organizes photoshoots as needed Builds relationships with faculty and staff to maintain awareness of teaching and research activities Takes minutes at Departmental and other committee meetings as required Completes other duties as required by CHE Chair and Administrative Officer and the NE Program Director
Communications Identifies and develops external communication plans that support the engagement of a wide range of stakeholders and audiences Leads the development and implementation of an effective internal communications program to foster increased information sharing among the staff, faculty and other stakeholders Ensures CHE and NE websites are current, with timely news, events, lectures/symposia and announcements, and other content that highlights the department’s historical accomplishments Conducts research, interviews, and writes and edits compelling copy for marketing collateral that supports strategic initiatives Writes and edits online content in alignment with digital-content writing best practices and web accessibility legislative requirements and provides editorial support for web content as required Establishes a strategy for a meaningful social media presence using a variety of platforms (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.) Provides strategic oversight on the use of digital communications to engage the internal and external community using a variety of tools such as web, social media, video, digital signage and emerging platforms Implements and leverages the CHE and NE websites, social media and digital signage channels to grow the department and program’s online presence, reach out to audiences and promote the work of faculty Utilizes photography and other visual storytelling tools Liaises with FoE’s Advancement & Outreach to identify goals and strategies to ensure consistent messaging Edits external research promotion material, including journal submissions, etc. Attends events to compose notes capturing key messages, take photographs and network with attendees to provide content for stories Maintains an exceptional understanding of brand guidelines and promotes a unified look and feel for the department and NE program through the creation and maintenance of suites of promotional material Encourages adherence to brand guidelines among faculty, staff and students by fielding questions and providing direction and expert counsel on best practices
Outreach Supports the CHE Chair, NE Program Director and Associate Director Outreach, and FoE’s Advancement & Outreach to enhance undergraduate outreach activities Collaborates with CHE Associate Chair, Grad Studies and Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs on graduate recruitment efforts Works with FoE’s Advancement & Outreach to support alumni engagement and raise funds Coordinates special events Maintains a running list of events, lectures and student-run projects to which alumni may be invited Participates on CHE’s Outreach Committee
Award Nominations and Recognition Identifies awards of potential interest to faculty members and promotes awards for nomination purposes Liaises with award agencies and other partners to garner honours and distinctions for faculty members, alumni, staff and students Solicits reference letters from external sources, prepares drafts of nomination letters as needed, and coordinates information from nominators and award nominees, nomination letters, expert reviews and other necessary materials for the files Prepares awards nomination and recognition packages and reviews nomination dossiers Acts as department representative on the University Awards Committee
Research Promotion Is knowledgeable of faculty members’ areas of expertise and CHE’s priority projects and research focuses Reviews grant applications, edits and refines grant proposals prior to submission Liaises with Chair and the Office of Research regarding grant writing assistance Collects relevant data on research achievements, funding and success rate statistics Qualifications: University degree in communications or relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience Four years of relevant experience in communications and web content management tools, including social media platforms Demonstrated experience writing communication pieces, and editing and proofreading short and long copy Experience with content management systems (Drupal) and managing social media accounts Intermediate experience with MS Office, SharePoint, Adobe, WCMS and editing software Ability to work effectively and diplomatically with individuals and groups with diverse perspectives and backgrounds Ability to communicate effectively and foster positive relations in a dispersed environment Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships Proven ability to develop surveys to provide analysis via data collection Proven ability in managing multiple-source projects that require leadership and integrity when dealing with a variety of stakeholder groups Demonstrated ability to adapt writing style for various purposes, excellent written communication skills, and ability to compose reports, and other written materials Ability to think critically and analytically, and distill complex information in a manner that facilitates understanding and brings research and teaching to life Ability to maintain confidentiality and deal with information of a sensitive nature with discretion Demonstrated ability to work independently with a high level of initiative and flexibility to accomplish objectives in an environment with changing priorities and constant interruptions High level of accuracy and attention to detail Strong organizational and time management skills to manage multiple priorities, simultaneous or overlapping deadlines, and work effectively under pressure Ability to learn new web tools and adapt to new technologies Broad knowledge of the academic and research environment and sponsor funding guidelines Vaccination Requirement Statement: All employees and students of the University of Waterloo are required to provide proof of being fully vaccinated or have an approved accommodation, in order to come to campus. You can provide proof of vaccination or apply for an accommodation on our Campus Check-in website. For more information, please refer to the University of Waterloo website: Vaccination Requirement. Equity Statement: The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.
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 Inuit/Inuk, 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 [email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.