Summary: The communications specialist provides leadership in the development and implementation of innovative, effective, and reliable communication strategies to advance the reputation, priorities, and goals of the College of Education, in alignment with its strategic plan. The role is part of a larger team of embedded college communicators across the university.
The communications specialist develops and implements communications strategies, initiatives and goals. The incumbent works directly with and takes direction from the college, understanding their values, priorities, challenges, stakeholders and needs. This position also works collaboratively with internal colleagues, which includes communications, development, alumni relations and external engagement, to achieve communications goals and outcomes institutionally and within the college.
Nature of Work:
The communications specialist is responsible for all aspects of the college’s communications program including external and internal college communications; communications strategy development and planning; media relations; social media management; marketing; and website development and maintenance.
The work requires creativity, issues management, strong initiative and follow-through. The individual in this position must exercise considerable judgment, discretionary decision-making in a complex environment; and an ability to build professional relationships with senior administrators, employees, faculty, students and external stakeholders in the education field. The work requires meticulous attention to detail, work quality and multiple priorities. The communications specialist must understand the important role of communications in building relationships with a range of stakeholders across the province. Consequence of error is significant to the reputation and profile of the college and the university. The work environment is face-paced and rapidly changing.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develops, implements and delivers effective and reliable communication and marketing strategies and plans, both annual and long-term, that enhance the reputation, strategic priorities and visual identity of the college.
- Provides strategic advice, guidance and innovative solutions which support the reputation, promotion, branding, priorities and initiatives of the college.
- Works with college to identify areas of specific focus in which to provide communications support and development.
- Encourages appropriate engagement of internal stakeholders during the planning and implementation of communications strategies.
- Develops, builds and maintains key relationships with internal stakeholders from various colleges and units across campus.
- Maintains awareness of college’s initiatives and activities.
- Crafts compelling content that reflects the work of the college, school or unit, as well as communications to alumni, external partners, faculty, staff, and students.
- Utilizes various platforms and channels, including but not limited to social media, written copy, website content, photography, video and more.
- Follows guidelines and promotes consistent messaging and branding across all channels.
- Adheres to budgetary requirements of communication initiatives and supports the effective use of resources, in collaboration with the college, school or unit.
- Participates in team meetings, planning, and other activities that contribute to achieving university-wide goals in communications.
- Designs communications that are accessible and suitable for diverse audiences and diverse mediums.
- Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment.
- Supports stakeholder engagement and outreach activities of the college, to enhance reputational strategies and goals.
- Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others, and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgement.
- Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or a related field; a graduate degree is an asset.
- Minimum five years’ experience in communications or marketing with progression in level of responsibility, including a breadth of experience developing and implementing all areas of strategic communications plans, preferably in a post-secondary or similar setting.
- Advanced knowledge of communication principles.
- Strong writing skills to effectively communicate to diverse audiences across multiple platforms.
- Demonstrated client service orientation.
- Strong problem solving, strategic, and creative thinking skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and meet deadlines on multiple projects with competing demands.
- Sound judgment and discretionary decision-making skills.
- Knowledge, understanding and/or openness to learn about issues (including cultural, socio-economic and other factors) affecting Indigenous peoples.
- Ability to identify opportunities and analyze data to inform decisions.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a diverse environment and build relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience and knowledge of university communications support, processes, and technology is an asset.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Some evening and weekend work may be required.
- Ability to use and leverage technology effectively.
Department: University Relations
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 6/30/2026
Closing Date: 7/13/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.
