Communications Officer, Global Institute for Food Security

Communications Officer, Global Institute for Food Security

The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) is a rapidly expanding Institute based at the University of Saskatchewan. Our Vision is a world where everyone has access to safe and nutritious food.

This is a bold vision, one that we will strive to achieve through investing in our talent. In line with our Mission, we will work with our employees, partners and stakeholders to discover, develop and deliver innovative solutions for the production of globally sustainable food.

We are guided by our Values of : Innovation. Excellence. Collaboration. Integrity. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Communications Officer will support the creation and implementation of effective communication and marketing strategies, initiatives and priorities for GIFS.

The Officer will work to build and maintain a positive reputation for the institute, regionally, nationally and internationally.

The incumbent’s work will be focused on enhancing awareness and building brand and reputation for GIFS by promoting, celebrating, and communicating information about its people, activities and success stories, while building effective relationships with key internal and external audiences.

A large focus of the role will be building strong relationships with and sharing success stories from the wide range of stakeholders.

Work is to be aligned with GIFS’ strategic plan.

NATURE OF WORK

Reporting to the Director of Stakeholder Engagement and Communications, the Communications Officer supports the planning and execution of a wide variety of communications and marketing initiatives for GIFS and its expanding research programs and platforms.

Communication is required with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including staff, researchers, various institutions, industry, governments, the media and the public.

The ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders is key. The work requires a proactive and strategic approach, sometimes with a high volume and complexity, flexibility, and the management of competing interests with satisfactory outcomes for all involved.

Your success depends on your ability to understand the interconnectedness of GIFS and the impact communications has on all the platforms, programs, clients and overall reputation of GIFS.

You demonstrate a strong safety acumen and support change management. The ability to establish and maintain relationships as well as the ability to influence are critical to your success.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Assist in the creation, implementation and assessment of comprehensive communications and marketing strategies and programs, to build and sustain GIFS’ reputation regionally, nationally and internationally.
• Effectively support GIFS’ stakeholder relations and engagement, events management, media relations, community relations, etc.
• Act as a resource to provide sound communications and marketing advice and work to produce a variety of related content and material including but not limited to news releases, speeches, articles, website content, social media posts and marketing collateral for various media and digital platforms.
• Support the creation, implementation and evaluation of communications and marketing strategies and action plans while building and maintaining a positive reputation for GIFS
• Work with designers, creating branded publications and materials (digital and print) that support GIFS’ needs for outreach and promotion ( brochures, magazine, ads / marketing campaigns, promotional materials, signage, banners, swag, etc.)
• Participate in providing sound advice, messaging, speaking notes, briefing documents, and issues management and crisis communications
• Write and share messages, stories, and content that help build profile for GIFS, in accessible language that is appropriate for various mediums
• Manage the websites and social media channels and ensure content is accurate, appealing to audiences and updated regularly
• Participate in internal communications for GIFS ( internal newsletter, screens / posters, etc.)
• Write news stories and support media relations, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• An undergraduate university degree, preferably in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism or a related field
• Four years of directly related experience with a demonstrated progression in level of responsibility, including a breadth of experience developing and implementing all areas of strategic communications plans.

An equivalent level of education and experience may be considered

• Experience with using website content management systems as well as membership in the International Association of Business Communicators will be considered an asset
• Experience with using the Adobe Creative Cloud applications and skill with graphic designing and video editing will be considered an asset.

SKILLS

• Thorough understanding of communications principles and strategies, proven experience in applying them and achieving results in a complex environment
• Highly effective interpersonal communications, with the capacity to build consensus and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, exercising diplomacy, judgment and tact, and acting confidentially and with cultural sensitivity
• Demonstrated strong leadership, analytical and organizational skills, including the effective planning and management of multiple projects and the ability to adjust to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated organizational skills, including the effective planning and management of multiple projects and events.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and be self-motivated and reliable
• Ability to problem-solve, think and act strategically and creatively
• High level of proficiency in computer applications, web communication and emerging information technologies
• Attention to detail, discretion, a high level of integrity and independent judgment are required
• Editing skills (Canadian Press style)
• Video and photography skills would be an asset.
30+ days ago