Communications Officer, Faculty of Arts

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The Opportunity

Halifax, NS Communications Experienced Full-time

Date Posted: May 21, 2026

Posting Deadline: June 4, 2026

Department: Faculty of Arts

Type of Employment: Permanent, Full-Time

Annual Salary: $61,218 - $78,893

At Saint Mary's University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University's success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Communications Officer to join our Faculty of Arts team.

What we offer

As a team member at Saint Mary's, we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Defined Contribution Pension plan
• Vacation
• Personal days
• Flexible Workplace
• Professional development
• Holiday closure
• Summer hour schedule
• Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit

Job Information and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Dean of Arts the Communications Officer:

• In collaboration with the External Affairs Office, develops and executes dynamic strategic communication plans for the Faculty of Arts, updated on an annual basis.
• Develops communication materials for key audiences including students, faculty, and staff as well as media, alumni, governments, business, and the public.
• Is the main "storyteller" for the Faculty of Arts, conducting in-depth interviews with faculty, researchers, students, and alumni to create content for various channels.
• Works with the Dean of Arts Office and the Arts Associate Deans on the preparation of newsletters, bulletins, program fact sheets, advising brochures, event posters, open house presentations, etc.
• Works with External Affairs to develop and deliver programs for faculty and staff on communications topics, such as dealing with media, legal communications requirements, and communicating with prospective students during campus events.
• Coordinates with Faculty of Arts staff members who are planning events to ensure communication needs and goals are met. Ensures incorporation of strategic key messages, speaker script, and communication coverage of the event.
• As part of the annual communications plan, develops and implements a strategic approach to online communications to promote the Faculty of Arts and its programs, research, and alumni.
• Oversees and maintains the websites and social media platforms for the Faculty of Arts and ensures they are optimized for search engine results.
• Monitors the websites and social media outlets and works with Department and Program web editors in the Faculty of Arts, including the Faculty of Arts main website, to ensure all sites are up to date, have appropriate content, meet legal/University requirements, and appear both professional and on-brand.
• In collaboration with External Affairs, serves as the primary liaison for the Faculty of Arts with the press and other mainstream media outlets. Identifies and writes stories that profile research and people, for various platforms and audiences and develops media pitches.
• Collaborates with External Affairs to handle press requests, press conferences, and develop strategies for dealing with the press that are on site for events related to the Faculty of Arts.
• Collaborates with External Affairs to write, develop, and distribute materials for the press and develop media pitches about the programs, research, academics, events, and activities of the Faculty of Arts.
• Collaborates and coordinates joint communications, marketing or branding projects with the Office of External Affairs.
• Advises staff/faculty within the Faculty of Arts on the university's brand graphic standards (as set by the External Affairs Office) as needed.
• Attends regular meetings with the Office of External Affairs team to discuss and coordinate Arts-related communication projects at Saint Mary's.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Experience and Education Requirements

To be the successful Communications Officer you will have:

• Undergraduate degree with concentration in Arts disciplines, Public Relations, Journalism and /or Communications, or related areas; Master's degree considered an asset.
• Minimum 5-7 years of directly related experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite.
• Experience with managing and/or updating websites
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience in social media and understanding analytics
• Ability to research, process, organize and present information interestingly, and convincingly.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments and deliver by the appropriate deadlines.
• Work independently.
• Understanding of academic and administrative structures.

Application Details

Apply for this opportunity online using our online application system through Career Beacon. Click on "Apply Now" and complete all required information fields. Qualified candidates should submit the following with their application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Late applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Mary's University equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we welcome applications from women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity and others who might contribute to the growth and enrichment of our community.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at hr@smu.ca.

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