Overview:
The Communications and Media Relations Manager will create, develop, enhance and monitor the organization’s overall communication strategy. In conjunction with the Director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach, this position will drive the strategic development and tactical implementation of a robust, consistent, trusted and engaging communications strategy. This includes identifying, developing, implementing and measuring unique, engaging and collaborative communication plans, channels, and tools to cater to our different audience needs.
The incumbent will support WUSA’s media and public relations efforts and broader outreach agenda, as well as supporting issues/crisis management activities, working both proactively and reactively, to ensure a positive reputation and outcome for the organization.
Responsibilities:
Plans, develops, and evaluates communication initiatives
Under the direction of the Director, Marketing, Communications and Outreach, develop a yearly communications plan that reflects and supports the strategic goals of WUSA
Integrates communications strategies into all media, including web and printed pieces
Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of communications plans by using tools such as evaluation forms, questionnaires, surveys, focus groups, and by leading virtual and face-to-face feedback forums
Manages a budget that covers digital promotions, part-time staff salaries, memberships, and equipment
Collaborates with the Communications Specialist to ensure digital communications efforts meet the goals of the strategic communications plan
Recommends progressive improvements and initiatives to keep communications strategies fresh and competitive
Works closely with Marketing Specialists to develop key messages for marketing communication materials
Ensures that WUSA’s brand identity, messaging and style guidelines are consistent in all organizational marketing and communication materials
Develops key messaging for use in all online and print media communications
Writes, edits and proofreads communications aimed at students including email, web and other informative and promotional content
Writes, edits and produces high-quality and engaging print materials and web communications that reflect well on the organization and encourage readership
Reviews and provides edits to web pages, both existing and proposed
Manages WUSA’s reputation and identifies opportunities for media engagement in alignment with stated goals, the communications calendar and WUSA priorities
Creates and implements a termly media relations plan
Manages all aspects of day-to-day media relations activities including providing excellence and responsive service to the media with a full understanding of deadline pressures
Creates, develops, and executes training sessions for staff and students on how to work with the media
Recommends appropriate organizational spokesperson for emerging media opportunities
Drafts key messaging and provides training support to student executives who respond to media requests and speak on behalf of the organization
Write press releases and pitch stories to media outlets
Performs media outreach by initiating, developing and maintaining superior working relationships with media reporters, editors and producers
Collaborates on media relations activities with a broad range of internal university partners when required
Responsible for taking lead on image and issues/crisis management, in conjunction with the Director of Marketing, Communications and Outreach, to enhance the profile, image and reputation of WUSA in the media, with students and among the general public
Collaborates with internal marketing staff, key campus partners, students, and other key stakeholders
Responsible for establishing strong professional working relationships with all WUSA staff, service coordinators, and other on and off-campus partners to maximize effectiveness of communication efforts and identify PR opportunities
Manages the Communications Specialist role to ensure the strategic scheduling and creation of engaging digital content to maximize online efforts to connect with students
Works with the Marketing Specialists to ensure integration of their overall marketing and promotional plans with communication efforts
Coordinates with the Web Design Specialist to support the implementation of the annual website plan and collaborate on plans for content
Hires, trains and manages Communications Specialist role and team of part time staff to assist with the creation and execution of communications content
Partners with other on campus departments to develop communications plans for joint efforts and support other on-campus initiatives
Collaborates with other marketing professionals on and off campus to ensure best practice development, which includes attending regular Communications Council meetings
Communicates organizational updates and initiatives to departments across campus to ensure shared content re: WUSA is accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date
Support management with internal communications
Conducts outreach and provides feedback on channels for effective internal communications
Develops regular internal communications to update staff on organizational priorities and departmental efforts in conjunction with management
Suggests strategy and messaging parameters for key internal communication efforts
Drafts and provides feedback on email communications being sent out organization wide by management
Provide communications support
Actively provides communications support, as required, to all WUSA departments
Works with students’ council, societies and student-run services to support their student outreach goals
Proofreads all external communications
Works closely with peers to ensure an integrated and consolidated approach to content development and delivery, as well as alignment within the department
Qualifications:
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, Marketing or related post-secondary degree with equivalent experience
Minimum of 5 years’ experience within a communications role
Minimum of 2 years’ experience supervising, evaluating and developing employees
Minimum of 2 years’ experience conceptualizing, planning, implementing and tracking successful social media strategies
Minimum 2 years media relations experience with extensive experience in successfully managing complex and highly charged issues on behalf of a publicly visible organization
Project management experience
Experience building strong relationships with internal and external parties
Experience writing and curating content for web
Advanced: MS Office suite of products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Mac equivalent
Advanced written and verbal communication skills; excellent editing skills
Intermediate: email marketing campaign and distribution platforms (MailChimp)
Knowledge of Canadian Press Style
Critical thinking and excellent analytical skills to enable immediate and appropriate assessment of complex issues of concern to stakeholders including among others, the media, the public, and funders
A service mind-set and a team approach to working with colleagues and media partners
Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and meet strict deadlines
Experience within a student environment is an asset