Communications Coordinator, Media

Competition 1208

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta in the past 18 months will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of one year plus a day and offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page.

Location

Work primarily takes place at Enterprise Square, some travel may be required.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the VER Strategic Communications

As part of the External Relations portfolio, Strategic Communications and the Media Strategy Centre of Expertise tell the story of the University of Alberta as one of the leading public universities in Canada and the world. We highlight the researchers, experts, students, staff, and institutional priorities that contribute to positive, enduring change both close to home and around the world. We build relationships and awareness, fostering pride and understanding of the U of A's transformative impact on students and society and commitment to research and teaching excellence, and the strategic goals of Shape, our institutional strategic plan.

Position Summary

Are you organized and creative with a passion for news, current affairs and a great story? We're seeking an entry-level Communications Coordinator who excels at delivering on collaborative communications strategies.

In this dynamic role, you'll help keep the University of Alberta engaged as part of diverse public conversations by producing materials aligned with our editorial strategy, including writing and sending news releases and advisories, posting stories, and coordinating media requests for interviews with experts. Additionally, you'll support the team by helping to keep our joint efforts organized and ensuring seamless collaboration within our team and beyond. 

With strong writing skills and a knack for storytelling, you'll build relationships with local, national, and international media. Your ability to balance competing priorities with speed and creativity is essential. 

Duties

• Contribute to and execute communications and marketing plans for specific initiatives, ensuring timely and effective deliverables.
• Develop key messages, briefing notes, and background materials as needed.
• Maintain platforms and channels (e.g., project management software, social media, websites), ensuring dynamic and brand-consistent content.
• Monitor platform metrics and report to both expert and non-expert audiences.
• Research, write, and edit material for targeted external audiences, including press releases, newsletters, and social media content.
• Ensure publication and promotional materials adhere to visual identity, brand, and editorial guidelines.
• Coordinate media releases and requests, submitting stories to newswire services and providing necessary background materials.
• Plan schedules and track projects using a project management system.

Minimum Qualifications

• A degree or diploma in a related field.
• 1-3 years of progressive communications experience within a complex, multi-stakeholder organization and or the equivalent experience in journalism.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and meet and manage client expectations.
• A high degree of professionalism and judgment.
• Strong research, writing and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills both written and oral and ability to work with all levels of staff and management.
• Ability to create strong relationships through effective communication and client service to ensure deliverables are met.
• Ability to maintain positive client relationships even when there are diverging opinions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Centres of Expertise and partner portfolios to ensure consistent and complementary plans, events, and execution of deliverables. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in media is preferred. 
• Knowledge of a post-secondary environment is considered an asset.
• French language skills are considered an asset. 
• Ability to identify target audience preferences and build content to meet them.