Primary Purpose

The Inclusive Communications Manager (IR) is responsible for writing and developing a wide range of communication products in support of the Universitys strategic objectives specifically supporting the Office of Indigenous Relations and other strategic communications at the University of Waterloo.

Working day-to-day in support of the team in the Office of Indigenous Relations the role uses anti- oppression anti-racism and decolonizing lenses to provide guidance to senior leaders at the University of Waterloo on communications at Waterloo. They use these lenses to develop communications to promote deliver and facilitate the objectives of the Office of Indigenous Relations.

Under the direction of the Director Executive Communications this role delivers and coordinates communications for the Office of Indigenous Relations and supports all equity- and anti-racism related

communications and issues across multiple areas of the University. The role covers a broad set of responsibilities requiring expertise in employee and student communication storytelling speechwriting and working knowledge of website best practices social media and digital marketing as well as communications design development and execution.

To enhance the effectiveness of this activity the ideal candidate will meet the articulated qualifications below and will be an Indigenous person (First Nations Status or Non-Status Mtis and/or Inuit). Lived experience in an Indigenous community or communities would be an asset.

The University is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional territory of the Neutral Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.

Key Accountabilities

Implement equity-informed communication plans

• Provide leadership in creating communication products and plans that embed the principles of equity diversity inclusion anti-racism anti-oppression and decolonization.
• Research and develop strategic communication strategies and plans to support the work of the Office of Indigenous Relations and University Relations.
• Ensure consistency of voice and message across all channels.
• Work with campus stakeholders to prepare messaging communication products speeches reports presentations and other materials in support of inclusive communication.
• Facilitate community engagement and consultation with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Manage and co-ordinate all activity in Office of Indigenous Relations communication plans including deploying resources and managing risks.
• Ensure the most appropriate and cost-effective channels mix and maximize the potential of digital channels.
• Support all lines of University Relations and University Communications work as needed.

Insights and understanding

• Provide strategic communications advice to colleagues in resolving communications challenges and managing contentious and sensitive issues.
• Identify the Indigenous communities and regions where our students and employees come from and develop communication strategies and plans that target and support these individuals and communities.
• Analyze and segment internal audiences to target communication effectively.
• Maintain a strong understanding of different internal audiences. Use this knowledge to ensure the tone language and format of internal communication is easily accessible to and read by a range of campus groups.

Influence and impact

• Provide support and clarification to other communicators to ensure they are confident in delivering key messages and to strengthen the principles of equity diversity inclusion anti-racism anti- oppression and decolonization in University of Waterloo communications.
• Promotes collaboration amongst communicators across the University to challenge thinking with decolonization and equity diversity and inclusion (EDI) lenses.
• Develop and deliver evaluation approaches for communications using relevant tools and guidance.

Required Qualifications

Education

• University degree in English political science public relations marketing or a communications- related field or equivalent experience.

Experience

• This position is prioritized to candidates who identify as Indigenous as lived experience and expertise is essential to implementing the key accountabilities of this role.
• 5 years of progressive experience providing communication support in a complex fast-moving and diverse corporate environment is essential.
• Experience working with issues supporting anti-racism anti-oppression and decolonization in diverse communities is desirable.
• Experience developing established objectives into material for targeted communications and engagement activities across a range of different channels and media including face-to-face engagement.
• Experience in writing proofing and editing material (including speeches) and of presenting proposals and plans to senior/board level executives.
• Experience providing superior client service and an ability to change perceptions and align expectations garnering engagement and collaboration with communication services.
• Experience of working with executives and leaders and demonstrating advanced influencing and negotiation skills.
• Experience of developing organizational objectives into material for targeted communications and engagement activities across a range of different channels and media including face-to-face engagement.
• Experience of working with people with no direct or negative experience of professional communications and ensuring their expectations/input/requirements from communication are effectively aligned and managed.