Date Posted: May 7th, 2025

Posting Deadline: May 21st, 2025

Department: External Affairs

Type of Employment: Contract, Full-Time (end date: January 2027)

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 Associate Vice-President, External Affairs, the Senior Communications Officer, Marketing and Engagement will:

• In collaboration with the Director, Integrated Communications, develop and execute comprehensive marketing and communication plans to promote new courses, degrees and certificates at Saint Mary's University, for undergraduate, graduate, and Executive and Professional Development (EPD)(areas include healthcare, data analytics and leadership/management)
• Conduct market research to understand target audience needs and behaviour as needed, and to identify opportunities and areas for improvement; liaise with other members of the SMU community to identify data sources and opportunities.
• Serve as the primary strategic storyteller for new programs and develop digital content for use across the university's various channels.
• 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; organize events such as symposiums, webinars, and information sessions to promote programs and pathways to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate on and coordinate joint communications, marketing, branding or recruitment projects with External Affairs, Executive and Professional Development, Faculties and departments.
• Maintain consistency with the university's voice, tone and brand across all communications and marketing projects, as well as champion accuracy, consistency and efficiency in approach.
• Liaise with the Director of Government Relations to ensure effective communications with government departments and agencies where needed.
• Related duties as required.

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 skills for research and profile pieces.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite
• Experience with managing and/or updating websites
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in social media and understanding of analytics.
• Ability to research, process, organize and present information interestingly, and convincingly.

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].