Communications Specialist II - Faculty of Science

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: 2026-02000 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 Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 11:59PM. Job Description: Primary Purpose 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, we are home to the world's largest co-op education talent pipeline, to game-changing research and technology, and to an unmatched entrepreneurial culture. Together, these create partnerships and solutions to tackle today’s 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 Faculty of Science communications team brings Waterloo’s scientific discovery, education and impact to audiences within and beyond the University. Within the team, this position will work primarily with the School of Optometry and Vision Science, where professional education, vision research, clinical care and community service come together. Working closely with School leaders, clinicians, faculty members, researchers, advancement colleagues, and campus partners, the team connects prospective and current students, patients, alumni, donors, health-care professionals and the wider community with the School’s programs, expertise, and impact. This role is an opportunity to contribute to communications that help educate future optometrists and vision scientists, advance optometric research, and support exceptional patient-centred eye and vision care The Communications Specialist, Faculty is 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. Within Faculty, the role supports communications that build awareness, engagement and visibility for faculty programs, academic initiatives, research, teaching excellence, student experiences, events and community impact. The role develops audience-focused content and coordinated communications that showcase faculty achievements, expertise and priorities while supporting recruitment, engagement and reputation goals. The role works closely with faculty leaders, academic departments, schools, centres, researchers and campus partners to deliver communications across web, social media, email, publications and other channels. As a Communications Specialist, you will provide end-to-end communications support for the School of Optometry and Vision Science. You will independently plan and deliver multi-channel communications spanning academic programs, research, clinical services, community engagement, and advancement priorities. This could include developing communications for patients and clinic audiences, sharing research and student stories, promoting programs and events, supporting fundraising and campaign initiatives, and strengthening engagement with alumni, donors, professional partners and the broader community. Working across a varied and often highly specialized portfolio, you will gather information from School leaders, clinicians, researchers, and other contributors to identify stories, recommend communications approaches, create clear and compelling content, and coordinate projects from planning through publication and evaluation. The role offers meaningful professional ownership and the chance to help one of Canada's leading optometry and vision science schools communicate its contributions to education, research, patient care, and the future of eye health. Key Accountabilities Faculty Communications Plans, develops and delivers communications supporting faculty priorities, strategic initiatives, academic programs, events, research activities and engagement objectives. Develops audience-focused content highlighting faculty achievements, research impact, academic excellence, student experiences, partnerships and community contributions. Coordinates faculty communications across multiple channels including web, social media, newsletters, email, publications, presentations and promotional materials. Collaborates with faculty leaders, departments, schools, centres, researchers and campus partners to ensure communications are accurate, timely, consistent and aligned with institutional priorities. Adapts content, messaging and communications approaches for diverse audiences including prospective and current students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, partners and community stakeholders. Evaluates audience engagement, content performance and stakeholder feedback to identify opportunities to strengthen faculty communications outcomes and reputation. 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 communications objectives through effective planning, coordination and execution. Content Development and Execution Develops and delivers communications content, messaging and materials across a variety of channels and formats. Researches, analyzes and synthesizes information to create clear, accurate and audience-appropriate communications. Produces and edits communications products including web content, articles, presentations, key messages, briefing materials and digital communications. Applies editorial judgment to ensure communications are accurate, accessible, inclusive and aligned with institutional standards. Recommends content approaches and messaging strategies that support audience engagement and communications objectives. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration Collaborates with stakeholders, subject-matter experts and communications colleagues to support communications initiatives. Acts as a key point of coordination for assigned projects, aligning inputs, expectations, timelines and deliverables. Provides advice and recommendations regarding communications approaches, messaging, audience considerations and implementation requirements within defined scope. Builds productive working relationships to support effective collaboration and delivery. Resolves communications-related issues and stakeholder concerns within established frameworks and delegated authority. Communications Measurement and Effectiveness Leads the day-to-day delivery of assigned communications initiatives, ensuring activities, deliverables and stakeholder inputs are aligned to achieve intended outcomes. Collaborates with communications, marketing, creative and digital teams to support integrated communications delivery. Exercises professional judgment to manage competing priorities, resolve implementation challenges and adapt approaches to changing requirements. Evaluates communications performance, audience engagement and stakeholder feedback to identify trends, inform recommendations and improve communications effectiveness. Applies audience insight, performance information and stakeholder feedback to strengthen communications outcomes within assigned areas of responsibility. Continuous Improvement and Communications Practices Recommends improvements to communications processes, tools, templates and delivery approaches based on audience insight, stakeholder feedback and emerging practices. Contributes to development and adoption of consistent communications practices across the team. Uses stakeholder feedback, audience insight and performance information to strengthen communications effectiveness. Maintains awareness of communications trends, technologies and emerging practices. Contributes to continuous improvement of communications services and outcomes. Required Qualifications Education Undergraduate degree or post-secondary diploma in communications, public relations, journalism, English, marketing or a related field Experience 2-4 years of related communications experience. Experience developing and delivering communications initiatives across multiple channels and formats. Experience coordinating projects and stakeholders in a complex, multi-functional environment. Experience producing communications content and materials for diverse audiences. Experience in higher education, the public sector or another complex multi-stakeholder environment is an asset Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Strong knowledge of communications planning, writing, editing, message development and content creation. Ability to independently manage assigned communications activities and apply professional judgment within defined scope. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret information, audience feedback, and communications performance measures to identify opportunities for improvement. Strong communication, relationship-management, and stakeholder-engagement skills. Strong project planning, coordination and prioritization skills across multiple initiatives and competing demands. Ability to identify communications issues, recommend solutions, and adapt approaches as required. Ability to balance competing priorities while maintaining quality, accuracy, timelines, and service expectations. Strong understanding of communications standards, accessibility requirements, audience engagement principles, and content-development practices. Proficiency with communications, digital, reporting , and collaboration tools Equity Statement The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations. The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada. The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.