Date Posted: May 7th, 2025

Posting Deadline: May 21st, 2025

Department: External Affairs

Type of Employment: Contract, Full-Time (end date: September 2026)

Group Affiliation: APC Group, Group 6 ($67,407 - $86,862 annually)

At Saint Mary's University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University's success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Senior Communications Officer, Marketing and Engagement to join our External Affairs team.

What we offer

As a team member at Saint Mary's, we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Vacation
• Personal days
• Flexible Workplace
• Professional development
• Holiday closure
• Summer hour schedule
• Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit

Job Information and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Director of Integrated Communications, the Senior Communications Officer, Marketing and Engagement will:

• Work directly with the Academic Director and Managing Director of the Scott McCain and Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health in support of the achievement of the Centre's strategic plan objectives. This includes working collaboratively with other Centre personnel and associates as well as students, community partners, scholars, and industry and government partners.
• Develop and execute dynamic strategic communications that drive the recognition of the Centre and University as a leader within the sport, business, and health ecosystem in academic and industry networks and among prospective students and their influencers.
• Serve as primary strategic storyteller for the Centre and its related programming, identifying and writing stories and developing content (including photography and video) for use across the Centre and university's various channels.
• Plan and maintain a strategic digital presence for the Centre, including web pages on smu.ca and social media content, in collaboration with relevant members of External Affairs.
• In addition to storytelling and digital content, develop communications materials to elevate Centre reputation and drive undergraduate student enrolment (e.g. including newsletters, brochures, presentations, photography or other media)
• Develop and deploy an integrated marketing and communications plan, including marketing strategies and activities, that drives undergraduate student enrolment and the recognition of the Centre and the University as a leader within the sport, business, and health ecosystem in academic and industry networks.
• In alignment with the university's marketing strategy and in-market efforts, design and execute promotional campaigns across various channels such as social media, email, advertising, and events to drive brand awareness and undergraduate student enrolment.
• Generate content including graphics, videos, and other multimedia assets that drive audience engagement and undergraduate enrolment.
• Conduct market research to understand target audience needs and behaviour as well as to identify opportunities and areas for improvement; liaise with other members of the SMU community to identify data sources and opportunities.
• Create and implement comprehensive strategies to engage with the community and build strong relationships with stakeholders and partners internally and externally that support the Centre Strategic Plan.
• Serve as a primary point of contact between the organization and the community, effectively communicating its initiatives, goals, and activities to create mutually beneficial opportunities for collaboration.
• Assist with or lead the planning and execution of community outreach and engagement events and activities that foster connections, promote participation, and address stakeholder needs and interests.
• Represent the Centre through networking activities such as committee participation and event attendance.
• Collaborate on and coordinate joint communications, marketing, branding or recruitment projects with External Affairs, Recruitment and Enrolment Services and other university partners, including Development and Alumni.
• Ensure consistency in the university's voice, tone and brand across all communications and marketing projects, as well as champion accuracy, consistency and efficiency in approach.

Experience and Education Requirements

To be the successful Senior Communications Officer, Marketing and Engagement you will have:

• Undergraduate degree, with concentration in Business, Marketing, Public Relations and /or Communications or related area.
• Minimum 5- 7 years directly related experience.
• Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to develop creative content that resonates with diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to build and foster relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and partners.
• Ability to research, process, organize and present information interestingly, and convincingly.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing and communications trends and audience engagement techniques.
• Experience with managing and/or updating websites.
• Experience in social media platforms and analytics platforms.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver by the appropriate deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite.
• Experience producing visual content (video, design, and/or photography) preferred.

Application Details

Apply for this opportunity online using our online application system through Career Beacon. Click on "Apply Now" and complete all required information fields. Qualified candidates should submit the following with their application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Late applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Mary's University, equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Black/African Nova Scotians, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities and women. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition at [email protected].