Specialist (Video), Integrated Communications in Waterloo, Ontario

The Specialist, Integrated Communications will be part of a fast-paced team of integrated communications professionals. They will play a key role in the development of multimedia content for the University’s websites and a suite of central institutional print and digital collateral used to advance the University of Waterloo’s reputation.

The Specialist develops communications to advance the University’s image, profile and reputation with local, national and global audiences. The Specialist is responsible for the implementation of day-to-day editorial plans and content strategy for the Integrated Communications team to advance Waterloo’s image, profile, and reputation.

This Specialist will shoot and edit a variety of video materials in support of the whole University Relations team while maintaining high standards in line with the University’s brand.

The Specialist supports the Integrated Communications leadership in story development and content planning. The incumbent must be a highly skilled writer, with superior understanding of both traditional and new communication technologies, and a strategic thinker with deep experience. The Specialist will execute activities associated with a strategic and integrated communications plan and provide communications support to various team members within University Relations (UR).

Implement communications plans

• Create multimedia content for the University’s websites, social media channels and a suite of central institutional print and digital collateral used to advance the University of Waterloo’s reputation

• Lead, shoot and edit a variety of video projects in support of University Communications working with multiple stakeholders and at the direction of the Senior Manager, Integrated Communications

• Conducts research and interviews to write, edit and fact-check compelling stories that support strategic initiatives

• Collaborates with colleagues in University Relations to ensure communication plans are known and tactics are activated on time

• Make recommendations on innovative approaches to disseminate content using emerging technologies

• Ensure consistency, accuracy and excellence in quality and content of messaging in all materials

• Ensure that Waterloo’s visual identity, messaging and style guidelines are consistent in all institutional marketing and communication materials produced by University Relations

• Maintain website content on a variety of web properties

• Write, build, edit and/or approve email campaigns that align with best practices

• Maintain an editorial calendar by ensuring dates, creative and story assets are populated

• Attend events to compose notes capturing key messages, take photographs and video and network with attendees to provide content for University communications channels

• Ensure video compliance under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

• Create and manage visual assets to support posts for stories, campaigns and events

Insights and understanding

• Evaluate data and metrics to optimize content creation and distribution across all channels. Use data and metrics to improve the effectiveness of online content. Ensures that appropriate metrics are defined, monitored, reported, analyzed, refined, and examined for communication activities as a basis for strategy development

• Advises the Senior Manager, Integrated Communications, and other University Relations team members on new or evolving communication trends to achieve University Relations’ objectives

• Stays current with video editing software and video equipment to make recommendations on innovative approaches for video production

• Compiles weekly digital story key performance indicators (KPIs) to inform Integrated Communications leadership team planning

• Reviews University newsletters, research and programs to identify possible story ideas

• Conduct environmental scans to identify new approaches and assess new technologies to deliver video and content in new and innovative ways

Influence and impact

• Support University Communications intake process and manage stakeholder relationships

• Review and report on effectiveness and impact of content

• Provide weekly updates to Integrated Communications team on stories in research and development

• Create and maintain tools (e.g., copy decks/content templates; sample content; glossary of terms)

to support content creators

• Engage campus stakeholders to ensure the editorial calendar includes significant events

• Provide day-to-day communication support, resources and guidance to colleagues across campus, as required

• Provides the Senior Manager, Integrated Communications with information and data related to status and progress of projects

Other

• Perform other duties of a comparable level/type as assigned. Participate in the administration of specific department-wide responsibilities and other general and specific duties as may from time to time be determined.

• Degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field, or comparable experience

• At least four years of experience in a communications, marketing or journalism environment

• Experience using web-based user interfaces to manage and maintain web content (e.g., web content management system, social media accounts)

• Proven experience in managing multiple-source projects that require attention to accuracy, consistency, and the ability to work with many different people with competing priorities

• Experience interviewing and researching skills

• Experience and strong working knowledge and understanding of integrated communications strategies within a highly complex institution and competitive marketplace

• Skilled videography experience with knowledge of filming and editing software. Strong photography skills and videography skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; excellent editing skills

• Superior copywriting, proofreading, editing and interviewing skills

• Proven ability in managing multiple-source projects that require attention to accuracy, consistency, and the ability to work with many different people with competing priorities

• The role covers a broad set of responsibilities requiring expertise in strategic storytelling, communications, marketing and working knowledge of website best practices, digital and content marketing, as well as communications design, development and execution

• Strong organizational skills coupled with proven ability to effectively document work, handle multiple tasks, and excel in a fast-paced environment characterized by changing priorities and short deadlines

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in and contribute to an integrated and collaborative team environment and to apply a positive team approach to working with colleagues

• Flexibility to adapt to unexpected and time sensitive demands

• Video production skills including concept creation, script writing, storyboarding, shooting, direction, animation, editing, and mastering final project

• Knowledgeable about usability and accessibility for video production and video distribution

• Understanding of various production styles (documentary, hype/teaser, cinematic, motion graphic, etc.)

• Strong organizational skills coupled with proven ability to effectively document work, handle multiple tasks, and excel in a fast-paced environment characterized by changing priorities and short deadlines

• Experience in professional video camera operation, lighting, and audio recording. Experience using Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and Adobe Creative Suite

• Intermittent work outside the normal operating hours of the University can be expected

The University of Waterloo is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

iCIMS Requisition ID: 2022-9451

Employment Type: Permanent

Salary Range: $63,737 – $79,672

External Company URL: https://uwaterloo.ca/

Street: 200 University Avenue West