<Senior Communications Officer>

Department:

Communications & Publis Affairs (CPA)

Effective Date:

January, 2012

Grade:

USG 10

35 hr/wk

Reports to:

Associate Director, Internal Communications

General Accountability

This position provides research and communications support to the President and other senior university officials. This includes letters, briefing notes, speechwriting, presentations and keynote addresses for a variety of campus and external events, industry relations, government relations, outreach and advocacy initiatives. The position works with CPA and other departments on campus to ensure co-ordination and consistency of the university’s key messages. The incumbent will be responsible for identifying issues of importance to the university, conducting research, writing, and managing a variety of projects to carry out these duties.

Nature and Scope

Interpersonal Contacts:

The position will work closely and directly with the President and will interface with senior leadership and senior employees across the university. The role will have significant senior contacts with external partners and government. The position will be involved in highly sensitive, confidential matters that are critical to the deliverables of the university’s strategic plan.

Level of Responsibility:

The position is responsible and accountable for the quality and accuracy of communications that can have a significant impact on the reputation of the university and the President. The individual demonstrates a deep understanding of the political, cultural and social contexts in which the university operates and those affecting the campus community.

Decision-making Authority:

Works directly with the President, senior administration and communications staff to determine strategic approaches, messaging and plans.

Physical and Sensory Demands:

Minimal demands typical of a position operating within an office environment.

Statistical Data

Specific Accountabilities

The incumbent will support the communication needs of the President, and on occasion the Provost and VP External Relations by:

working independently or in collaboration with other departments (e.g., Institutional Analysis and Planning; Office of Research) craft key messages, PowerPoint and other presentations, Q&A’s and other documents used by uW senior administration to convey strategy and to ensure consistent, coherent delivery of information externally and across the institution

prepare letters, opinion pieces and speaking notes for campus and external events.
conduct research and prepare speeches and keynotes
attend events as needed with the President to gauge effectiveness of the speech/address
prepare briefing notes, backgrounders, reports, proposals and research summaries for use by the President and on occasion other senior university officials
support government relations and strategic initiatives through grant writing and proposal writing, and other communications support as needed
monitor media and government information sources to identify issues related to
the university’s major projects and strategic priorities
developing outlines and timelines for projects, and ensuring that work is delivered on time
contribute to the writing and editing efforts, both in print and online, of External Relations and Communications & Public Affairs, as assigned

Working Conditions

Minimal exposure to disagreeable conditions typical of a position exposed to stress and pressure associated with management level responsibilities. Work outside the normal operating hours of uWaterloo can be expected in this role.