Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Communications Specialist is an integral member of the Marketing, Communications, Alumni and Engagement department. This person focuses on building up and maintaining excellent communications within the college community, while working in a fun, fast-paced, collaborative and deadline-driven environment.

The Communications Specialist will work closely with the Vice President Academic and Research, Director of Applied Research Operations and Director of LC Extension to elevate the profile and reputation of work in these areas and coordinate communications with industry partners and funding agencies.

The Communications Specialist’s primary area of focus will be writing for diverse audiences about our fast-growing and diverse Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE) and our continuing and corporate education provider, LC Extension. This involves being able to communicate highly specialized information about trends and research in agriculture, business, technology, public safety, health and social sciences in a way that’s of interest and accessible to a general audience and also meets needs of industry-specific partners and potential partners.

Audiences will be both external and internal. Content uses will range from short marketing pieces to long-form articles for niche publications or case studies and blog posts.

A keen interest to learn and connect what’s happening on campus to larger societal needs is essential. Applied research is meant to be applied in the real world. Communication and dissemination are critical to the process.

This role requires the ability to work with a high degree of independence and creativity, flexibility to adjust your day to needs and priorities that may change rapidly, and adaptability under pressure to meet a multitude of deadlines. Project management skills and a proven ability to effectively communicate complex concepts in a variety of ways would be valuable.

Experience cultivating sources and building relationships, conducting interviews, writing persuasively and measuring effectiveness with data also contributes to the Communications Specialist’s success. The ability to work with confidential and time-sensitive information is also required.

Specific Accountabilities

Lethbridge College is one of Canada’s top research colleges, and our Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE) is the source of a steady stream of news, announcements and features about the college’s world-class researchers, innovations and industry partnerships. In addition to supporting the writing and dissemination of this news, the Communications Specialist produces an annual publication that showcases research. To ensure reach to niche audiences, the Communications Specialist will create targeted pitches and find ways to re-purpose stories in multiple ways in a timely fashion.

As part of the Communications team, the Communications Specialist contributes to protecting the college’s brand and reputation and proactively identifies potential opportunities or challenges for our diverse audiences including employees, potential students, government, donors, industry and community partners.

Strong writing skills are a must. This person will join the Communications team’s stable of writers capable of drafting speeches, key messages and other strategic communications. There will be opportunities to write marketing copy, business cases, promotional materials. Writing could be featured in our award-winning magazine, Wider Horizons, our internal newsletter, Connections, and a wide range of other media. The Communications Specialist must appreciate a good story and know how to craft one.

The Communications Specialist will have an opportunity to contribute to crisis communications and response, to learn new communications skills, and to be creative and innovative in support of institutional goals and culture. This is an opportunity to grow as a communications professional in a highly supportive environment of a highly productive communications and marketing team.

Please provide a sample of your writing that best exemplifies your skills.