Senior Writing And Communications Specialist (Internal Only)

Opportunity

MacEwan University is seeking a detail oriented Senior Writing and Communications Specialist for a full-time continuing opportunity with the Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM). Reporting to the Manager, Communications, this role is an integral part of the content development process and day-to-day communications activities for a variety of communications and marketing activities. You will collaborate closely with the OCM team to support the content strategy for the University by writing compelling, effective, engaging and quality content and copy for day-to-day and high-profile work that resonates with target audiences, supports the strategic vision, and aligns with brand strategy. This position provides support within OCM to determine the best approach for projects, recognizes opportunities for integration and synergies, research, writes and executes communications plans to ensure messaging reaches intended target audiences, and serves as a point of reference, support and mentorship for other team members.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Reviewing data and analytics, and conducting environmental scans to inform content strategy;
• Producing and delivering high-quality and effective messaging and materials for institutional communications, both internal and external, that aligns with the MacEwan brand, tone and style, handling more complex and/or higher profile projects and assignments (i.e., executive communications) that come into the department;
• Recognizing, anticipating and bringing awareness to opportunities for integrating or bridging communications strategies/tactics across initiatives that may be connected or interdependent;
• Collaborating with colleagues and clients to understand the purpose, goals and objectives of the writing project, including identifying communication goals, target audiences, key messages and distribution tactics;
• Developing a strong understanding of the MacEwan mandate, audience and challenges/opportunities to ensure the right content reaches the right audiences at the right time using the appropriate media;
• Assuming editorial responsibilities for assigned marketing publications and projects;
• Serving as a subject matter expert and advocate for brand voice and as a key resource to guide, edit and review copy for teams across the institution;
• Building and implementing integrated strategic internal and external communications plans that support MacEwan’s strategic plan;
• Advising and contributing to content workflow and editorial calendar scheduling;
• Participating in project debriefs to analyzes results of communications campaigns and strategies to determine opportunities for improvement;
• Coordinating communications projects through various stages from planning, management and execution through to completion and evaluation;
• Conducting research, including engaging with internal and external subject matter experts, and translating basic information into compelling narratives, and engaging and informative content;
• Monitors and anticipates risks, major issues and opportunities between projects or with upcoming work, and provides advice to team members on appropriate communications approach, tactics, and responses.
• Collecting, compiling, analyzing and reporting on story analytics to provide insights and recommending actions;
• Performing senior-level writing of copy and editing of content for media, including websites, employee portal, blog posts, messaging from leadership, newsletters, articles, brochures, email, social media, press releases, etc.;
• Refreshing content to maximize potential engagement and ensuring message integration across platforms;
• Assisting the Manager in developing and managing the broader strategic communications project planning and assignment of work to support institutional objectives;
• Providing guidance, advice, feedback and support on writing projects and editorial direction for the OCM team; and

This competition is for internal applicants only.

Skills

The successful candidate will have:

• A solid understanding of communications, web, and digital media best practices, with the ability to apply them to communications strategies, reach key audiences and how to amplify content across multiple media;
• Excellent proofreading and editing skills, with a focus on accuracy, consistency, conciseness and completeness;
• Strong relationship-building and consultation skills and a commitment to customer service;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects, adapt to changing priorities, and deliver on a variety of commitments and deadlines;
• The ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team setting;
• The ability to research, analyze and compile relevant information thoroughly, concisely, and efficiently;
• Writing skills in a variety of formats for a variety of audiences, including professional correspondence, expository, and news, web and report styles;
• The ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and tact; and
• Proficiency in the Canadian Press writing style;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Qualifications

• Experience planning content, tailoring messaging, and managing timelines.
• A minimum of a post-secondary degree in communications, marketing, english, journalism, public relations or a related field.
• Experience in communications planning and project management.
• Equivalences may be considered.
• Experience with transcription software content management systems is an asset.
• Experience with Google Analytics is an asset
• Experience in a post-secondary institution is an asset.
• A minimum of five years professional experience in writing, public relations, communications or marketing.

Benefits

When you become part of the MacEwan University team, you will enjoy a competitive salary. Our total compensation package includes:

• Opportunities for career growth
• Competitive base pay
• Generous vacation time
• Secure pension plan
• Continuous learning culture
• Flexible benefits package