Today@Dal

Full-Time Employment Opportunity:  Communications Officer, Advancement Office

The University of King’s College is seeking a communications officer with minimum two years professional experience to join a small communications team. The incumbent will be responsible for contributing to storytelling that raises awareness among prospective students, students, alumni, donors and the community at large about King’s and its programs. The incumbent needs to have a wide breadth of skills to assist in achieving the yearly goals of the office’s operational communications plan. This will primarily include contributions to and support for written and digital content creation and distribution, campaign and project management, monitoring and measurement through data analysis and understanding principles of search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM).

SPECIFIC DUTIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES

Content Creation & Distribution

·         Determine how best to present information—through written or spoken word, visuals, or some combination thereof

·         Research, interview sources and write stories and copy for the website, newsletters and social media channels

·         Collaborate on social media strategies by providing digital thought leadership for all of King’s channels—Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter

·         Use Adobe Suite (particularly InDesign) to create infographics, posters, social media posts, and add value to other print and digital creative assets

·         Capture, create and/or source photos and illustrations

·         Record and edit video

·         Copyedit work of others, writing SEO friendly headlines, subheads, cut-lines, etc.

·         Coordinate print projects through external suppliers

·         Consult on creation of annual content calendar; schedule and execute weekly content distribution across multiple channels

·         Maintain brand standards including visual identity guidelines

Campaign and Project Management

·         Write individual communications plans for recruitment and related campaigns, understanding how to set goals and objectives, write key messages, strategize, execute tactics and perform campaign evaluation following best practices

·         Understand public relations practice around two-way communications (listening and driving online and in-person conversations) and issues management

·         Understand and capitalize on the synergies and confluences that occur between prospective student storytelling, current student experiences, and alumni engagement and outcomes

·         Exercise judgement and recognize opportunities that will enhance the occurrence of storytelling directly through the current student and alumni voice   

·         Support planning and execution of communications for Advancement-related events including Encaenia, Worldwide Alumni Celebration and annual guest lectures

·         When needed, contribute to media relations writing media releases, PSAs and event listings for earned media coverage of stories and events

Data Analysis

·         Working with others, support the collection and interpretation of digital data such as Google analytics, making (and adjusting) data-driven decisions that respond to website search engine optimization (SEO) and optimize King’s presence in the digital sphere

·         Working with others, develop, launch and optimize search engine marketing (SEM) and digital campaigns to reach performance targets in a ROI-driven way, performing ongoing in-depth analysis and insight into key metrics of paid campaigns 

·         Produce reports outlining results and recommend opportunities for improvement; effectively and accurately measure and report monthly on the ROI of channels, and use that data to continually improve future campaigns and various initiatives

The above accountabilities are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position described.

The successful candidate will need:

·         Two or more years professional experience in public relations or communications  

·         An undergraduate degree in journalism, communications, public relations–or equivalent–is preferred. Advanced diploma in public relations will be considered equivalent.

·         Additional technical capabilities including ability to work with InDesign, along with graphic design, illustration or photography skills acquired through training or practice are an asset

·         Proven ability to stay on top of industry trends through environmental scanning and interest in ongoing skills development

·         A service-oriented outlook and a high-degree of flexibility and responsiveness

·         Willingness to serve the operational communications plan and King’s goals, and to set and adjust priorities accordingly

·         Proven initiative as a self-starter with a high degree of independence paired with enjoyment of being on a team that learns and excels as one

Closing Date: Monday, March 04, 2019

Compensation Range: $40,000 - $45,000 (based on experience) plus benefits and pension plan

To apply for this position, please forward resume and cover letter to:

Dolly McIntyre

Human Resources and Compensation Officer

University of King’s College

6350 Coburg Road

Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2A1

dolly.mcintyre@ukings.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The University of King’s College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We encourage and welcome those who would contribute to the diversification of our staff and faculty including, but not limited to women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.