Description
The Werklund School of Education is currently seeking a Part-time Limited Term Digital Communications Specialistfor approximately 9 months.
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Strategic Communications in the Werklund School of Education, the Digital Communications Specialist works closely with the Werklund School Communications and Marketing team and others to provide efficient and effective digital communications support for programs, initiatives and events. This position will work with Communications and Community Engagement (CCE) and other marketing and communications staff across campus to build and enhance the profile and reputation of the Werklund School of Education within the University of Calgary, by delivering on the objectives set out in the University of Calgary's marketing strategies and key strategic commitments.
The Digital Communications Specialist assists in the development of both short- and long -term marketing and communications strategies to build awareness of the Werklund School of Education and promote all programs and activities through creating compelling marcomms deliverables.
Operating with minimal supervision, the Digital Communications Specialist will be fully responsible for the quality of the work. Frequent interaction with academic and support staff, students and external stakeholders, will require a high strategic level of discretion, flexibility and integrity to ensure positive outcomes.
Proper time management is essential, as there will be multiple concurrent deadlines, and tasks within an environment of heavy workload and continuous change. The nature of the work requires a proactive leadership work style and demonstrated initiative ability. The Digital Communications Specialist will possess a keen appetite and aptitude for new and emerging marketing and communications trends and techniques. The ability to interpret research findings and marketing requirements to develop creative concepts that increase engagement of target audiences.
This is a limited term part-time position, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE), until March 31, 2026. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Website, Email & Client Relationship Management (CRM) Communications
- Design and deploy email newsletters and targeted campaigns using marketing automation tools such as Marketo, in coordination with CRM systems such as Slate and Blackbaud CRM (BBCRM).
- Plan and execute e-marketing campaigns for faculty events, including webinars, lectures, professional learning, and community engagement events, targeting internal and external audiences.
- Collaborate with program managers, recruitment and marketing staff to support the promotion of graduate programs, including professional offerings such as the MEd and EdD.
- Build, manage, and segment email lists based on CRM data; coordinate lifecycle communications for prospective students (e.g., inquiries, applicants, admits).
- Monitor and analyze campaign performance (open rates, CTRs, conversions) and provide actionable insights to enhance recruitment and engagement strategies.
- Support the updating and maintenance of Werklund School website content ensuring compliance with accessibility, usability, and SEO standards.
Content Creation & Storytelling
- Research, write, edit, and publish high-quality digital content, including news stories, faculty and student profiles, research spotlights, and event coverage.
- Collaborate with academic and administrative units to translate research and academic activities into accessible content for prospective students, alumni, and the public.
- Create and adapt content for use across multiple channels, including websites, email, social media, and electronic bulletin boards (EBBs).
- Produce or coordinate basic multimedia content (e.g., photography, video, graphics) to complement storytelling initiatives.
- Ensure internal-facing content (e.g., academic reminders, announcements, events) is current and consistently displayed on EBBs in student and faculty areas.
Digital & Social Media Support
- Support the development and maintenance of a content calendar for social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter), aligned with academic and strategic priorities, including recruitment.
- Create, schedule, and publish social media content that promotes Werklund School people, programs, and events.
- Support the monitoring of engagement and trends, and identifying opportunities for increasing reach and visibility.
- Maintain and regularly update electronic bulletin boards (EBBs) to support timely promotion of events, academic deadlines, student services, and community engagement.
- Support paid and organic social media campaigns tied to program marketing, recruitment, and public engagement.
Project Coordination & Support
- Support the planning and promotion of faculty events, including webinars, public lectures, info sessions, and other outreach activities, through digital channels.
- Coordinate logistics and communications for event registration, follow-up, and digital engagement using tools like Marketo and CRM integrations.
- Ensure digital communications (including EBBs and internal messaging) align with university branding and messaging standards.
- Liaise with central marketing, IT, and enrollment services as needed.
Analytics & Reporting
- Use analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media insights, email performance dashboards) to evaluate and improve digital content and campaigns.
- Provide regular reports on performance metrics and digital trends to internal stakeholders.
- Contribute to the development of KPIs aligned with recruitment, communications, and event participation goals.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree or diploma in communications, digital media, marketing, or related field.
- 3-5 years of experience in digital communications (web and social media), preferably within a higher education, nonprofit, or public sector environment.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with high attention to detail, (knowledge of CP style), with an ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences and platforms.
- Experience with marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo) and CRM systems (e.g., Slate, BBCRM), especially in support of student recruitment and event e-marketing.
- Ability to manage segmentation, personalization, and lead nurturing campaigns tailored to adult learners and event attendees.
- Proficiency in managing social media platforms and content planning tools (e.g., Sprout).
- Experience working with Subject Matter Experts, translating complex concepts and jargon into accessible communications.
- Basic photography and video production skills using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite.
- Experience with design and layout tools such as Adobe CS (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and strong working knowledge of design principles.
- Strong working knowledge of MS Office.
- Strong understanding of digital analytic tracking and reporting.
- Web content management (Drupal, Livewhale) and basic HTML skills would be considered assets.
- Self-directed, well organized, with strong communication skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff at all levels while handling multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
- Willingness and ability to learn new marketing and communications skills and tool
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple, competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Previous experience in an educational institution is an asset.
- Well-versed in event promotion.
Application Deadline: June 27, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist / Advisor Job Family, Phase 2.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
