Communications Jobs Saskatoon

Communications Coordinator

Job Description 

Primary Purpose: The Communications Coordinator is a key member of Pewaseskwan (the Indigenous Wellness Research Group), which is led by the Cameco Chair in Indigenous Health and Wellness (College of Medicine) and Professor Malcolm King (Community Health and Epidemiology; Scientific Director, Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research). Reporting to the Communications Officer, this position will provide confidential and high-level communications support to the Pewaseskwan team. The position will be instrumental in providing communication, writing and editing support to allow the team to function effectively.

Nature of Work: This position interacts with a diverse group of individuals including faculty, students, staff and the public including Indigenous community members, Elders and Knowledge Holders. The incumbent works in a fast-paced, complex office setting, dealing with competing deadlines, multitasking, multidirectional high stakes communication in a highly confidential and nuanced environment faced with constant change and enhancement. Considerable discretion is a requirement as this position is privy to, and handles, highly sensitive and at times confidential information. Full discretionary decision-making is often required, and judgment is used to determine the appropriate guidance and processes. Impact of error is high as the position is responsible to ensure day-to-day work is completed accurately and information provided to others, both on and off campus, is correct. The incumbent will be required to work in a complex and ever-changing environment, and adapt to shifting priorities and timelines and frequent interruptions.

The successful candidate will contribute to a positive, diverse and inclusive work and learning environment by actively engaging in mentoring, self-awareness learning opportunities, relationship building and communication.

Typical Duties:

• Create internal and external focused communications content and grant proposals.
• Effectively represent Pewaseskwan in all contacts, ensuring the appropriate level of professionalism, tone and interest are projected, dealing with issues and concerns, solving or referring problems as they arise.
• Draft grant proposals and supporting documents based on the funding requirements of the organization.
• Edit grant proposals, letters, ethics applications, academic manuscripts, newsletters, social media posts and other written material.
• Prepare presentations, newsletters and reports.
• Write articles and press releases, letters, content for websites, event programs and other material as needed.
• Assist with event organization as needed.
• Ensure a high degree of accuracy, consistency and clarity in the messaging both linguistically and visually in the communications for Pewaseskwan.
• Oversee website development and maintenance.
• Work closely with the Communications team to develop and submit social media posts for college Twitter and Facebook channels and assist with administering social media accounts.
• Create engaging content about research activities.

Requirements:

• This position requires strong writing, grammar and editing skills; an eye for detail is essential.
• This position is responsible for working collaboratively with researchers to develop research-related communications and grant proposals, which may include creating templates, sketching outlines, and editing/copy-editing.
• The incumbent operates within a complex environment and requires exceptional attention to detail. Consequence of error is significant to the reputation and profile of the college and the university.
• This is a high-volume position and requires the ability to work independently and under pressure in a fast-paced environment, balancing competing deadlines and multiple tasks.
• The successful candidate will be required to work as a member of a team, as well as independently. Some aspects of the job will require a collaborative style where relationship building is key. Success depends on the incumbent’s ability to consistently meet high standards of quality and timeliness.

Qualifications

Education: A university degree, preferably in journalism, communications or English is required.

A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience:

• A minimum of four years of experience in journalism, communications, marketing, publishing or editing.
• A high level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and PDF editing skill is required.
• Ability to use Adobe Suite and Canva is an asset.
• Photography and broadcasting skills are an asset.
• High attention to detail is required.
• Ability to easily adapt and respond to change is required.
• Willingness to embrace personal growth.
• Experience working and collaborating in diverse and inclusive settings is required.
• Potential candidates will preferably identify as Indigenous or must have Indigenous lived experience, and a proven record of accomplishment of working well with Indigenous people.

Skills

• Strong and effective writing, editing and research skills.
• Work effectively in informal and formal teams with people from diverse communities, cultures and perspectives.

• Interact collaboratively with senior leaders within the College, senior administrators and other campus units, as well as diverse Indigenous organizations, communities, Elders/Knowledge Holders, leaders, and community members in identifying issues, solving problems and making decisions.
• Promote reconciliation, cultural safety and responsiveness, and “working in a good way”.
• Build and nurture relationships with diverse Indigenous organizations, communities, Elders/Knowledge Holders, leaders, and community members, primarily in Saskatchewan but also nationally and internationally, as well as with researchers within the College, the university, the health authorities, to enable high-quality, innovative, culturally responsive, community-engaged research that benefits First Nations peoples, as well as Métis and Inuit.
• Ensure priorities and deadlines are met and correspondence is handled accurately, efficiently, professionally and confidentially.
• Use judgment, confidentiality and discretion to handle sensitive issues.
• Prepare, gather and relay confidential information and material on a regular basis