Communications and Alumni Relations Specialist

Primary Purpose:  The Communications and Alumni Relations Specialist provides leadership in the development and implementation of innovative, effective, and reliable internal and external communications strategies in support of the reputation, priorities and goals of the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition. This position conceptualizes, plans and coordinates the college’s alumni relations activities, including  graduates of the former College of Home Economics, in order to foster an active and engaged alumni. The role coordinates and provides communications support for otherspecial events to meet college goals/objectives with respect to fundraising and fostering alumni relations.

Nature of Work:  This position reports to the Dean of Pharmacy and Nutrition, and works collaboratively with the Advancement Officer and colleagues from University Relations. The position involves considerable judgment and discretionary decision-making in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of multiple communications and advancement plans. The role will garner an in-depth understanding of the college and its stakeholders, with special attention to alumni and students. The incumbent will work both independently and collaboratively with a cross-section of communications and alumni relations specialists, university administration, and key stakeholders to meet strategic goals. Establishing and maintaining positive relationships is essential. The work requires a proactive approach in a complex environment and the ability to communicate effectively to a diverse audience by a variety of methods and communication mediums.

The environment is dynamic and fast-paced, and the position requires some travel and occasional work in evenings and on weekends.

Accountabilities:  

• Lead the communications function for the College in order to build and protect the reputation of the College and University with internal and external stakeholders, and ensure stakeholders are informed, engaged and proud of the College, its people, programs and activities.  
• Support the Dean and college leadership team with communications advice as required and provide proactive communications support for the priorities of the college.
• Create content for and regularly update the College’s website and social media channels with relevant and accurate information.
• Build and maintain communications with Pharmacy, Nutrition, and Home Economics alumni and friends to ensure positive connections with and support for the College and the University.
• Coordinateand lead the communications for alumni events, ensuring they are of high standard and meet expectations of participants and alumni relations best practices.  This includes Pharmacy and Nutrition regional alumni receptions, dinners, engagements in conjunction with provincial/national meetings and conferences, special lectures and educational symposia, and the activities of the Home Economics Alumni Advisory Committee.
•  Engage with and incorporate diverse cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
• Coordinate and provide communications support for otherspecial events to meet College goals/objectives with respect to fundraising and fostering alumni relations.  This includes the Simpson Lecture Series and other stakeholder event planning.
• Promote awareness of alumni and development programs to Pharmacy and Nutrition students and involve them in alumni events to build connections among students, alumni and professional bodies.  
• Participate and contribute to College and University committees as requested, including representing the College on the Health Sciences communications committee, to ensure effective information flow within the College and with colleagues in other units.
• Participate in University Relations training, meetings, team planning and other activities that contribute to achieving University-wide goals in communications and alumni relations.
• Compile scholarship lists and coordination of student award letters; acknowledgment of all those that contribute to the College.
• Assist the Dean with other initiatives and events as needed.
• Work closely with the Advancement Officer in support of the development functions in the College.
• Ensure work is aligned with and supports the University brand and visual identity
• Develop effective strategies, tools and content to engage alumni in the life of the College.
• Liaise with student groups, using events and communication tools, to establish a connection with these groups as future alumni and supporters.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the College, providing expertise and guidance on alumni communication principles and practices.
• Build and maintain relationships with future and current alumni through programming and other means; identify and engage alumni of influence.
• Coordinate and execute a minimum of two alumni newsletters each year to highlight alumni and student success.
• Plan, coordinate, execute and evaluate Alumni Association events that support the engagement goals and objectives of the College.
• Identify new strategies and best practices in alumni communications and implement new approaches in response to alumni and college needs.
• Establish metrics and evaluation processes for alumni communications, consistent with benchmarks and targets established by University Relations.
• Seek out stories of alumni interest and maintain awareness of alumni achievements and accomplishments.
• Develop communication plans that support alumni engagement strategies to increase awareness and participation in alumni programs.
• Build collaborative relationships and partnerships with colleagues across the university.

Qualifications
Education: University degree that includes communication strategies, marketing and administration.

Experience:  Minimum five years’ experience planning, coordinating, and managing special events and experience developing, implementing, managing and evaluating programs that initiate and build collaborative, mutually beneficial relationships and partnerships. Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment is required.

Experience collaborating with a variety of stakeholder groups and demographics is beneficial.  Experience working in a post-secondary environment or other large, complex organization is an asset.

Skills:  Thorough understanding of communications principles and strategies, and proven experience in applying them and achieving results; ability to work independently and collaboratively;  ability to handle interactions with tact, discretion, and cultural sensitivity; maintain positive relations with diverse stakeholders through a courteous, confidential and professional manner;  demonstrated strong leadership, analytical and organizational skills, including the effective planning and management of multiple projects and events; ability to problem-solve, think and act strategically and creatively; excellent communication skills, both written and public speaking; self-motivation and reliability; high level of proficiency in computer applications, web communication and emerging information technologies; photography skills would be an asset.  

Department: College of Pharmacy &Nutrition

Status: Permanent

Employment Group: ASPA

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $64,107.00 – 100,169.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2

Posted Date: 10/7/2022

Closing Date: 10/20/2022

Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where ‘Yes’ is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver’s License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

Please review the University of Saskatchewan’s health and safety requirements for faculty, staff andstudents in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University believes equity, diversity, and inclusion strengthen the community and enhance excellence, innovation and creativity. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.