Communications Coordinator, SPP-ARC

Competition 2358

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

This position has a term length of one year and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

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 Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology

The Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Alberta is a research-intensive unit that pursues dynamic projects in the areas of bacteriology, immunology, and virology. Our research foci include host-pathogen interactions, virus infection and replication, immune responses to pathogens, bacterial pathogenesis, as well as autoimmunity and cancer immunology. Our research goals are to create and improve therapeutic agents, vaccines, and physiological interventions to improve health, and diminish or prevent disease. Our strong graduate student program prepares graduates for entry into exceptional careers over a wide spectrum of areas and diverse capacities.

Position Summary

Striving for Pandemic Preparedness – The Alberta Research Consortium (SPP-ARC) is a multi-departmental research initiative founded through a grant from the Government of Alberta. With this grant, scientists at the UofA are building capacity in pandemic preparedness.  Infrastructure development includes a new cryogenic Electron Microscope (cryo-EM) facility, upgrades of the Containment Level 3 (CL3) facility as well as a fill finish platform for GMP manufacturing at the Alberta Cell Therapy Manufacturing (ACTM) facility. 

Research activities within SPP-ARC aim to establish capabilities that enable rapid responses to emerging threats. Emphasis is placed on the development of vaccines and small-molecule antivirals. 

The mission of SPP-ARC is to discover, develop, and assess vaccines and small-molecule therapeutics for better protection against emerging pathogens.

The vision of SPP-ARC is to provide effective medical countermeasures as a first line of defense in outbreak situations with viruses of high epidemic potential.

Reporting to the SPP-ARC Director, the Communications Coordinator is a new position intended to support the program by promoting a positive image of SPP-ARC and the University by delivering integrated communications, marketing, digital and creative services to internal and external audiences.

The Communications Coordinator is responsible for developing coverage of important initiatives, news stories, funding announcements, student and faculty profiles, research discoveries, and partnerships that highlight the research, teaching and other services to the community. Knowledge mobilization is a key component of the SPP-ARC program.

Duties 

 Communications Portfolio and Fund Development (85%)

• Independently manages the development and implementation of the communications portfolio associated with the program.
• Primary communications resource for the project
• Maintains and manages the program’s website following University protocols using the Cascade web content management system.
• Integrates, tracks, reports and helps to communicate on advances in the program.
• Oversees and manages social media activities to increase public awareness of the program.
• Develops written communications, which can include presentations, newsletters, news stories, and website content, including figures that support content.
• Identifies, researches, writes and edits content relevant to the program.
• Creates, edits and posts creative content on Social Media platforms (e.g. X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn) as appropriate.
• Keeps informed about relevant issues and trends that could affect the program’s brand and reputation.
• Helps to develop and make figures/slides for grant proposals.
• Supports the creation of materials for written and oral communications in discussions with the Director.
• Regularly monitors platform and channel metrics and reports to the Director
• Generates PowerPoint presentations about the program.

Event Planning and Coordination (15%)

• Organizes and coordinates symposia, conferences, workshops, etc., whether in person or virtually, jointly with the SPP-ARC Program Coordinator.
• Develops brochures and agendas for events and distributes as required.
• Prepares slides for events.
• Attends events and helps to coordinate facility presentation and A/V systems.
• Advertises and reports on events on the program website and social media platforms.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. Master’s or PhD degree preferred.
• Possesses 3-5 years of experience in communications and marketing, preferably within post-secondary education.
• Experience in scientific writing preferred, eg. manuscripts, grant applications.
• Experience, knowledge and/or training in virology, immunology, biochemistry, chemistry or a related area is an asset.
• Proficient computer literacy and competence required, e.g., Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Apps (Gmail, Docs, etc)
• A high degree of professionalism and judgement is required.
• Solid understanding of academic culture, the University’s policies and procedures and organizational structure is an asset.
• Preference given to candidates with a deep understanding of all communication channels.
• Strong research and communication skills are required.
• Proven ability to identify target audience preferences and build content to meet them.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to work with all levels of staff and management are required.
• Ability to proficiently develop and facilitate presentations to convey information and/or knowledge transfer is required.
• Motivated and flexible team player with proven time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize work and meet tight deadlines is required.