Description
The Office of Signature Learning Experiences is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term Senior Communications Specialist for approximately 24 months.
The Office of Signature Learning Experiences is a central unit that promotes, offers, supports and tracks experiential learning opportunities for UCalgary students. The office will be a visible and recognizable point of contact for students looking to engage in signature learning experiences and for academic units wanting to enhance experiential learning opportunities in global learning, entrepreneurship, work-integrated learning and undergraduate research, and more.
This position reports to the Executive Director, Signature Learning Experiences. The Senior Communications Specialist will work closely with members of the Office of Communications and Community Engagement team to develop and deliver communications and marketing plans that engage the University of Calgary's key audiences, boost the awareness of the university, enhance our overall reputation, and deliver against the Office of Signature Learning Experience's strategic direction.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Develop and implement proactive communications plans for the OSLE activities, aligned with unit strategies and plans, that promote and advance the profile of the OSLE.
- Lead and implement a broad range of campaigns, publications, and other communications initiatives to build the profile of the OSLE.
- Develop and coordinate engaging and relevant content across multiple channels, including digital, events, social media, websites, and newsletters.
- Manage various communications channels to achieve strategic goals, including storytelling, social media, websites, digital newsletters, etc.
- Write and edit communication pieces (eg. news stories, press releases, etc.), including sourcing data, facts, and interview subjects.
- Prepare briefing notes, presentations, speaking notes, and remarks for leaders supporting OSLE events.
- Create and update key messaging for programs, initiatives, and events.
- Develop and manage project workbacks and timelines to ensure communications are delivered in a timely and effective manner.
- Develop and maintain websites and web content on the Drupal platform, coordinating this work with other OSLE staff.
- Coordinate and program Marketo communications
- Work professionally and collaboratively with other university communicators and marketing professionals, as well as members of the Office of Communications and Community Engagement and external partners
- Ensure all materials adhere to University of Calgary brand guidelines and best practices laid out by the Communications Protocol.
- Include stakeholders in the development, implementation and evaluations of communications strategies and projects, inviting feedback as needed.
- Develop, prepare, and coordinate key reports, including strategic plans, year-end reports, and other annual/semi-annual materials, etc.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Post-secondary degree in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations or related field is required.
- Minimum 5+ years of progressive experience in communications, marketing and/or public relations sector leading complex projects in markeing and/ or communications is required.
- Exceptional writing skills with ability to produce clear, effective and compelling communications materials across a wide range of media is required.
- Deep knowledge of latest digital communications, marketing and social media trends.
- Digitally savvy and able to quickly learn and work across a broad range of platforms and content management systems.
- Excellent project and time management skills, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and high attention to detail is required.
- Proven ability to build strong relationships with colleagues within the Office of Signature Learning Experiences and across campus.
- Experience in event planning and the production of marketing materials.
- Strategic thinker and self-starter able to manage shifting priorities and occasionally high workload.
- Agile mindset with a focus on learning and growth, with a clear interest in communications best practices
- Confidence to lead initiatives and advise senior leaders.
- High level of tact and professionalism is required.
- Experience working with Marketo, Drupal, Sprout Social and Asana would be considered an asset.
Application Deadline: August 7, 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 3.
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.
