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Inclusive Communications Manager, Indigenous Relations

University of Waterloo
Full-time
On-site
Ontario, Canada
$85,399.86 - $106,749.82 USD yearly

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:

2025-00296


Time Type:

Full time

Employee Group:

Staff

Job Category:

Marketing

Employment Type:

Temporary

Department:

Advancement and External Relations - Executive Communications

Hiring Range:

$85,399.86 - $106,749.82

Posting Information:

Term: 18 months

In the University of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025, it states, “We particularly recognize Indigenous students, faculty, staff and alumni. We are committed to learning about the rich history and culture of Indigenous people of this land and an institutional response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls for action.” In line with the University’s Strategic Plan, and Indigenous Strategic Plan, Indigenous Initiatives strives to address the underrepresentation of Indigenous people and to increase specialized support. The successful candidate will be First Nations, Inuit or Metis with familiarity of the diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada and a keen understanding of Indigenous history, current affairs and a strong knowledge of Indigenous educational issues and the Truth and Reconciliation Final Report. 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.

The selection process for this position will follow the provisions for a special program as described by the Ontario Human Rights Code to address the underrepresentation of individuals from equity-deserving groups. Improving the representation, participation, and engagement of equity–deserving groups within our community is a key objective of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025. As such, the hiring committee is seeking to prioritize candidates who are Indigenous (First Nations Status or Non-Status, Métis, and/or Inuit).

We ask each interested applicant to include a statement if they self-identify as a member of the equity-deserving groups in their cover letter.

As part of our due diligence process, you will have to provide verification of citizenship/membership. Verifications will be done by the Indigenous Relations Office according to the process outlined here: https://uwaterloo.ca/indigenous/indigenous-verification/

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Inclusive Communications Manager (IR) is responsible for writing and developing a wide range of communication products in support of the University’s 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, Métis, 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.
  • Evidence of a highly collaborative style and an ability to react quickly to changing circumstances.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Demonstrated knowledge of and sensitivity to key systemic issues and challenges facing racialized communities, particularly in post-secondary education settings.
  • Thorough command of the technology associated with social media and the digital world (from the evolving social web to mobile tools and trends), sophisticated digital communications skills, and high level of energy and passion with respect to this area of rapid change and innovation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Specialized training and experience in anti-oppression, anti-racism, confronting anti-Black racism, discrimination, and decolonizing practices is desirable.
  • Critical thinking and excellent analytical skills to enable immediate and appropriate assessment of complex issues of concern to stakeholders including among others, the media, the public, and funders.
  • Ability to leverage interpersonal skills and industry expertise to provide outgoing and proactive communication support to clients, reacting quickly to changing circumstances, shifting priorities, and short deadlines
  • Ability to network and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, influencing and persuading when needed
  • Expertise in strategic storytelling, communications, marketing and working knowledge of website best practices, digital and content marketing, as well as communications design, development, and execution.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively manage numerous projects and initiatives.
  • Ability to manage confidential and sensitive materials and situations with the utmost discretion.
  • Ability to make decisions and solve problems with good judgment and acute sensitivity to the political environment and to the reputation of the University.
  • Working knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Anti-Racism Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and other relevant legislation.

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 hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

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