Communications Specialist, School of Pharmacy at University of Waterloo in Kitchener, ON

Job description

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. Learn more about our recruitment process. Job Requisition ID: 2026-03322 Time Type: Full time Employee Group: Staff Job Category: Communications Employment Type: Permanent Department: Advancement and External Relations - Science Communications Hiring Range: $73,695.42 - $92,119.28 Posting Information: This posting is for an existing vacancy. The internal posting deadline for this position is October 29, 2026 at 11:59PM Job Description: Primary Purpose This job description has been prepared to support implementation and role clarity. It reflects the intended scope of the role at this stage and may be subject to minor adjustments as the work is operationalized, and responsibilities are completed. University of Waterloo is a leading global innovation hub that drives economic and social prosperity for Canada and the world. With more than 41,000 students (about twice the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden), we are home to the world's largest co-op education talent pipeline, game-changing research, and technology, and an unmatched entrepreneurial culture. Together, these create partnerships and solutions to tackle todays and tomorrow’s challenges. At the university, the Marketing and Communications function is responsible for enhancing and protecting the university’s reputation. The communications function specifically leads by helping the university communicate with clarity, credibility, and purpose, while developing governance, standards, and protocols to uphold consistent, coordinated, and effective communications across campus. The Communications Specialist is a role responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating communications initiatives that support institutional priorities. The role applies communications knowledge and professional judgment to develop, implement and refine communications activities across content, channels, campaigns, projects, and stakeholder engagement initiatives. Working within established communications strategy, governance and standards, the role ensures communications activities are coordinated, audience-focused and aligned with institutional priorities, messaging frameworks, and business objectives. The Communications Specialist supports the School of Pharmacy, within the Faculty of Science, by developing and delivering strategic communications that raise the profile of the School and strengthen engagement with key audiences. Working closely with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners, the incumbent leads recruitment marketing initiatives, manages social media channels, writes feature stories and news content, supports alumni and advancement communications, and maintains and updates the School’s website. Through compelling storytelling and audience-focused communications, the role showcases the School’s achievements, research, educational programs, and community impact to support student recruitment, foster alumni engagement, and build strong connections with the broader community. Key Accountabilities Communications Planning and Delivery Plans, coordinates and delivers communications initiatives, projects and activities aligned with operational and strategic priorities. Translates objectives and requirements into coordinated communications activities, deliverables, and implementation plans. Independently manages assigned communications work, ensuring alignment with scope, timelines, and intended outcomes. Applies communications knowledge and professional judgment to adapt approaches based on audience, channel, and contextual needs. Supports achievement of communic