Research Communications Coordinator

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

This position has a term length of one year plus a day, with a possibility of extension and offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page .

Location: This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person and work is primarily located at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working for 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 First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Position Summary

The Research Communications Coordinator facilitates the promotion of Future Energy Systems (FES) research on a regional, national, and global stage. Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Research Communications Coordinator works directly with FES researchers to identify, develop, and publish stories that highlight the program’s work and impacts. The position supports the implementation of the program’s integrated communications plan, ensuring that content is consistently available for all communications channels. The position assists with the management of FES owned communications channels such as the website and social media, and liaises with other UAlberta communications offices to leverage institutional channels such as Folio and the Quad. The position also co-leads professional development and training activities for researchers, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows, to improve their effectiveness as communicators.

This position must work closely with UAlberta researchers and stakeholders, developing effective trust-based relationships to facilitate quick content development and effective responses to dynamic situations, such as funding announcements. The incumbent must possess a strong background in a related technical field, and/or a demonstrated ability to rapidly digest, analyze, and communicate information related to energy. The position will involve writing and content creation, so the incumbent must have a demonstrated ability to create effective content in numerous written and visual formats. Extensive interviewing, public speaking, and communication skill teaching will be required, so the incumbent must have demonstrated experience in these areas. The incumbent must be adaptable and able to work well in a changing environment.

Duties

Strategic Content Development – 50%

• Identifies and produces content for FES owned and other institutional communications channels in accordance with the FES integrated communications strategy, ensuring that program research is accessible to internal and external audiences, especially the funding agency.
• Develops a strong familiarity with all aspects of FES research, including a high level technical understanding, to assist with the identification of relevant content
• Works with Communications Manager and institutional communicators to identify types of stories relevant to the program’s strategy
• Maintains an editorial calendar that ensures equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are appropriately considered, and that all FES involved disciplines are represented
• Coordinates researcher interactions with various delegations and stakeholder groups through lab tours, conference booths, expos and trade shows
• Leads development, delivery, and maintenance of online communications such as the website, newsletter, and social media
• Assists with the production of all communications materials including informational documents, photography, video, and social media content

Communications Training – 30%

• Assists with the design and co-leads the implementation of communications-related training under the FES professional development program for researchers, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows to maximize the effectiveness of program research communication.
• In consultation with the Communications Manager, FES team members and research group members, identifies areas where communication training would be valuable for the research group
• In collaboration with the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, develops training programs to address identified needs, creating relevant materials and managing all necessary logistics
• Leads or co-leads training sessions for research group members, and provides follow-up support
• Co-organizes the Peers In Research Communication program, providing staff guidance and support for the student-led mentorships program

Event Planning & Execution – 20%

• Supports the development and execution of FES events.
• Assists with event planning, particularly liaising between the research group and administrative team to ensure participation when necessary
• Participates in all public-facing events, providing on-site organizational and logistical support

Qualifications

• Minimum of an Undergraduate degree in a field related to FES research; Graduate degree preferred
• Familiarity with FES research program an asset
• Exceptional writing skills with the ability to produce accessible content based on complex technical subjects
• Extensive experience with research group dynamics, schedules, organizational structures, and obligations
• Strong editing and proofreading skills with keen attention to detail
• Demonstrated experience organizing and managing training programs
• Proven event planning and execution experience
• Experience with print, electronic and web design platforms including content management systems
• Demonstrated knowledge and use of social media tools such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube , etc.
• Ability to work independently on a wide variety of tasks with competing priorities
• Demonstrated proficiency with web-based tools, Microsoft Office Suite and Google apps
• Experience using Adobe products
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Effective problem-solving, planning and analytical skills
• Effective public speaking skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.