Job Requisition ID:Time Type:Full time
Employee Group:Staff
Job Category:Communications
Employment Type:Permanent
Department:Advancement and External Relations - Strategic Communications Planning and Content
Hiring Range:$80,248.28 - $100,310.35
Posting Information:This posting is for an existing vacancy.
The internal posting deadline for this position is October 8, 2026, at 11:59PM.
There is a qualified internal in the role.
Job Description:Primary Purpose This job description has been prepared to support implementation and role clarity. It reflects the intended scope of the role at this stage and may be subject to minor adjustments as the work is operationalized and responsibilities are finalized.
The Senior Communications Specialist, Strategic Communications Planning and Content is a senior role responsible for leading complex or specialized strategic communications planning and institutional content initiatives. The role applies advanced communications expertise, professional judgment and analytical capability to plan, develop, implement and evaluate communications strategies, messaging and content aligned with institutional priorities. Working within established frameworks and governance the role independently manages substantive work, provides guidance to colleagues and stakeholders, and contributes to the continuous improvement of communications practices, processes and outcomes.
Within Strategic Communications Planning and Content, the role supports institution-wide priorities and Advancement-related communications needs through communications planning, editorial coordination, message development and written content. The role helps strengthen planning discipline, narrative sequencing and content coordination across priority institutional campaigns and initiatives.
Key Accountabilities Strategic Communications Planning and Content - Leads complex or specialized strategic communications planning and content initiatives that support institutional priorities, campaigns and reputation objectives.
- Develops communications plans, messaging frameworks, editorial approaches, content strategies and implementation plans for priority initiatives.
- Maintains and coordinates editorial planning tools, content trackers and related materials that support visibility across the institutional content pipeline.
- Provides specialized advice to stakeholders and communications colleagues on planning approaches, narrative development, content priorities, sequencing and channel alignment.
- Evaluates communications performance, content effectiveness and stakeholder feedback to refine planning approaches and strengthen communications impact.
Communications Planning and Delivery - Plans, develops and delivers complex or specialized communications initiatives, projects and priority activities aligned with institutional objectives.
- Translates institutional priorities and stakeholder needs into communications plans, approaches and implementation strategies.
- Independently manages substantive communications work requiring professional judgment, analysis and coordination.
- Coordinates cross-functional communications activities across multiple audiences, channels, contributors and timelines.
- Evaluates communications effectiveness and identifies opportunities to improve outcomes, engagement and impact.
Strategic Messaging and Content Development - Develops strategic messaging, narratives and communications materials supporting institutional priorities and complex communications objectives.
- Researches, analyzes and synthesizes complex information into clear, compelling and audience-appropriate communications.
- Produces and reviews a wide range of communications products across print, digital and executive communications formats.
- Ensures communications are accurate, accessible, inclusive and aligned with institutional voice, tone and standards.
- Identifies opportunities to strengthen storytelling, audience engagement and communications effectiveness.
Stakeholder Partnership and Advisory Support - Works with leaders, clients and stakeholders to understand objectives, define requirements and support effective communications delivery.
- Provides practical advice and specialized subject-matter expertise related to communications planning, messaging, audience engagement and implementation approaches.
- Builds productive working relationships with stakeholders, service partners and colleagues across the institution.
- Provides guidance and informal support to colleagues and partners within area of expertise.
- Escalates issues requiring broader alignment, approval or strategic direction.
- Participates in emergency communications planning and response as required within the university's emergency communications framework.
Reputation awareness, sensitivity assessment and escalation - Identifies communications risks, stakeholder concerns and reputational considerations associated with initiatives and organizational decisions.
- Supports communications planning and implementation for sensitive, complex or emerging issues.
- Monitors relevant audience, stakeholder, channel or sector developments connected to assigned work to identify trends or issues that may affect communications planning and delivery.
- Advises stakeholders on communications implications and mitigation approaches within established frameworks.
Measurement, Continuous Improvement and Practice Development - Analyzes feedback, audience insight and performance information to improve communications effectiveness.
- Identifies recurring issues, process gaps and opportunities to strengthen communications practices and service delivery.
- Contributes to the development and refinement of communications frameworks, templates, guidelines and resources.
- Shares knowledge, lessons learned and emerging practices with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Maintains awareness of communications trends, technologies and evolving professional practices.
Required Qualifications Education - Undergraduate degree or post-secondary diploma in communications, public relations, journalism, English, marketing or a related field.
Experience - 4-6 years of progressively responsible communications experience.
- Experience independently managing complex or non-routine communications initiatives.
- Experience developing strategic messaging and producing high-quality communications content.
- Experience coordinating projects, communications activities or stakeholder-driven initiatives involving multiple contributors and competing priorities.
- Experience providing communications advice and recommendations to clients, leaders or project teams.
- Experience in higher education, the broader public sector or another complex multi-stakeholder environment is an asset.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Advanced writing, editing, strategic messaging and content development skills.
- Ability to independently lead complex or specialized communications initiatives and provide specialized expertise within area of practice.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize information from multiple sources to inform recommendations and decisions.
- Ability to interpret audience, stakeholder and performance information and apply insights to improve communications outcomes.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information effectively.
- Strong project planning, coordination and organizational skills.
- Strong stakeholder relationship-management, consultation and advisory skills.
- Ability to provide guidance and informal leadership within area of expertise.
- Sound judgment, problem-solving capability and decision-making skills.
- Proficiency with communications, digital, reporting and collaboration tools.
