Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade: 14

The base salary will be $67,680 - $96,590 per annum. Starting salary will be aligned with the successful candidate's experience, skills, and demonstrated qualifications.

Please note, this position is a 1-year temporary full-time contract opportunity.

Secondments are Welcome

Click here for more details on secondment opportunities.

Responsibilities

The Communications and Engagement Specialist serves as a key partner to the Dean, Director of Development and Communications Manager in advancing the Faculty of Science's strategic priorities through executive communications, stakeholder engagement and external relations. The role conducts research and environmental scanning, develops strategic communications and briefing materials, and coordinates engagement initiatives that support the Dean's academic and research activities, the Faculty's fundraising priorities, and relationships with government, industry, alumni, donors, research partners and community stakeholders. Through timely analysis, audience-focused communications and effective relationship management, the role enables informed decision-making, strengthens important partnerships and enhances the Faculty's profile and reputation.

Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Government Relations, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field
• Master's degree in Communications, Public Administration, Business Administration, Higher Education Administration or a related field preferred
• Project Management Professional (PMP) designation, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), or equivalent project management certification preferred
• Formal training in stakeholder engagement, government relations, strategic communications, fundraising, or leadership communications would be an asset

Experience:

• 5 years of progressive experience in communications, external relations, stakeholder engagement, strategic initiatives or executive-level support within a complex organization
• Experience conducting research and environmental scanning and preparing executive-level briefings, reports and recommendations
• Experience developing speeches, presentations, correspondence and other strategic communications for senior leaders and external audiences
• Experience coordinating complex projects and initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
• Experience managing highly confidential, sensitive and politically complex information
• Experience in a post-secondary, research-intensive, healthcare, government, not-for-profit or public sector environment preferred
• Experience supporting advancement, fundraising, government relations, external relations, research administration or strategic initiatives preferred
• Experience working with donors, alumni, government officials, industry leaders or external partners would be an asset
• Experience preparing stakeholder briefings, relationship profiles, engagement plans and executive communications preferred
• Experience utilizing AI-enabled tools to support research, analysis, communications and productivity would be an asset
• Experience managing strategic projects from planning through implementation and evaluation preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, relationship management and partnership development principles and practices
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research, environmental scans and stakeholder analysis, and translate findings into actionable recommendations
• Exceptional written communication skills and communications judgment, with the ability to develop executive briefings, speeches, presentations, reports and correspondence that are accurate, audience-focused and appropriate to the context
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into concise, accurate and strategic communications
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with senior leaders, donors, government representatives, industry partners and other stakeholders
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, diplomacy and discretion when managing highly confidential, politically sensitive and complex matters
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, competing deadlines and complex stakeholder environments
• Ability to identify risks, opportunities and emerging issues, and proactively develop practical solutions and recommendations
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, influencing and coordinating activities across diverse groups without direct authority
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and technology-enabled tools, including AI-assisted tools, to support research, communications, analysis and decision-making

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.