Communications Officer

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Job Summary

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Performance, Communications & Marketing, the Communications Officer is responsible for writing, editing, communications planning, campaign execution, and constituent relations for cancer researchers within Queen's Health Sciences (QHS), which includes the Schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Rehabilitation. This position will have a special focus on promoting awareness of cancer research programs and building the reputation of the Sinclair Cancer Research Institute (SCRI).

The position will develop, and execute new communications opportunities, including the promotion of key success stories, projects, and initiatives that advance the implementation of the faculty's strategic plan. The incumbent will play a key role on the QHS Communications team in terms of development of key messages, content creation, quality control, and outreach to target audiences. Assignments will include creating announcements, feature news stories, speeches and talks, social media posts, reports, op-eds, media pitches, newsletters, video storyboards and scripts, marketing materials, and other multimedia content in partnership with SCRI.

A key priority for the position will be to develop and implement a tactical communications plan to promote cancer research and the SCRI, focusing on stewardship and philanthropy-oriented communications. The incumbent will engage with researchers and patients to share their stories, creating customized, engaging content. The incumbent will collect, analyze, and synthesize communications data to assess viability of tactics and strategy. Media relations & monitoring support may be required as a subcomponent of the role.

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Creates, implements and regularly updates communications, marketing and advertising plans that promote and profile events and programs.
• Provides input to assist staff with the development and implementation of communication plans and marketing strategies.
• Manages and executes communications and marketing projects.
• Performs qualitative and quantitative market research, including leading focus groups, assessing analytics, reviewing feedback and data, and recommending approaches.
• Writes articles, social media content, releases, briefing notes, speaking notes, key messages, Q&As, fact sheets, video content, and other materials.
• Implements strategies designed to engage alumni and encourage philanthropy, with a specific focus on cancer research.
• Organizes event/facility photography and video production.
• Develops suitable performance analytics for communications activities.
• Monitors content and links to the website.
• Organizes electronic communications with external groups.
• Provides support for issues and crisis management responses.
• Actively participate in project team meetings and develop project plans.
• Actively participate in SCRI meetings and provide a communications perspective on event planning.
• Other duties as required in support of the SCRI or QHS communications.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Four-Year Bachelor Degree or equivalent, preferably with a focus in the area of communications. In addition, requires trade certification, qualification, or on-going learning to remain ahead of changes in technology or emerging fields.
• More than 3 years and up to and including 5 years of experience, preferably in communications, strategic marketing or external relations.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Knowledge of concepts and principles in a specialist field that is typically acquired through a combination of advanced professional or academic qualifications and/or substantial work experience.
• Interaction with others requires interpersonal skills and the ability to understand and influence.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written to professionally and effectively interact with a wide variety of people with diverse backgrounds and at many different levels both internal and external to the University.
• Adapt messages to meet the different needs of different audiences.
• Ability to identify opportunities to align and co-ordinate initiatives with similar objectives.
• Builds relationships, trust and credibility.
• Prioritize and distribute work to deliver objectives on time and to the highest standard.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with an appreciation for the implications of errors for the University with respect to reputation and relationship building.
• High level of tact, discretion and good judgement. Ability to respond to sensitive and/or controversial situations with maturity and sound judgment and use discretion when handling confidential information.
• Lead procedural or technological change within a unit.
• Identify opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of work processes.
• Seek information and input to fully understand the cause of problems.
• Promote a work environment that is free from sexual violence, harassment and discrimination, and the ability to show empathy for those who have experienced trauma.

DECISION MAKING:
• Provide effective consultation and advice on non-straightforward and/or complex issues.
• Ability to make independent decisions, take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
• Determine which communication channels will be the most effective to engage audience.
• Determine and implement communication and distribution strategies.
• Identify in advance when the intended results may not be achieved and develop a plan to address the gaps.
• Ability to prioritize numerous tasks and adjust priorities in response to changing requirements.
• Appropriately assesses risks before making a decision.
• Contribute to the creation and evaluation of possible solutions.
• Take action to remove obstacles and address problems before they impact performance and results.
• Apply equity, diversity, accessibility, inclusion and Indigenization considerations to decision making and planning

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities.