POSITION TITLE: Communications Specialist
CLASSIFICATION: Classification “V” per Schedule A of the collective agreement
DEPARTMENT: Public Affairs and Communications
HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
*Substitute vacancy for approximately 6 months
The University of Windsor is situated on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations: the Ojibwa, the Odawa, and the Potawatomie. We respect the longstanding relationships with First Nations people in this place in the 100-mile Windsor-Essex peninsula and the straits – les détroits – of Detroit.
WHO WE ARE:
The University of Windsor (the University or UWindsor) is a globally relevant, regionally focused University that welcomes over 16,000 students in a range of comprehensive and research-intensive graduate and undergraduate programs. The University consists of eight academic faculties, which include Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Science; Human Kinetics; Education; Law; Engineering; Nursing; and Business. The UWindsor campus is home to a medical program offered by Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry. The University employs a passionate and dedicated faculty and staff, numbering approximately 2,500, of whom approximately 600 are tenured or tenure-track faculty.
The University’s unique position on an international border between Canada and the United States has contributed to its identity as a diverse university community providing rich cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities for faculty and students. The University is a key player in a wide range of distinctive industrial, entrepreneurial, and cultural activities throughout the City of Windsor and Essex County, and in an evolving network of international academic and industrial partnerships, particularly with leading American universities in Michigan.
Why Join the University of Windsor?
We are committed to creating an exceptional employee experience grounded in well-being, professional growth, and work–life balance. As a valued member of our community, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family, including:
- Health & Dental Benefits: Extensive coverage to support preventative care and ongoing health needs.
- Out-of-Province/Out-of-Country Coverage: Travel with confidence knowing you are protected beyond Ontario.
- Pension Plan: Participation in a pension plan that supports long-term financial security and retirement planning.
- Tuition Remission: Reduced-cost tuition to help you pursue further education and professional development (for yourself and dependents up to age 26)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, family matters, financial planning, and overall well-being.
- Toldo Lancer Centre Membership: Complimentary access to state-of-the-art fitness and recreation facilities on campus.
- Employee Discounts: Exclusive savings across a variety of vendor and community programs.
Join an institution that values people, purpose, and lifelong learning - and build a career where you can thrive.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Communications Specialist plays an integral role in writing and distributing editorial content that effectively communicates the University of Windsor's key messages to internal and external stakeholders. This position supports the University's strategic priorities by enhancing its reputation and brand through effective communications that highlight research, academic achievements, student experience, impactful partnerships, and creative activities. Responsibilities include copywriting for newsletters, media releases, reports, and internal documents, as well as coordinating communication efforts with faculties, departments, and external partners. The role also involves measuring communication effectiveness using key performance indicators, refining content strategies based on data insights, and documenting campus events.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
The successful candidate will have:
• Bachelor’s degree OR Diploma in Communications, English or Journalism OR related field or equivalent work experience as determined by the department
• Three (3) years’ professional experience in media relations, public relations, and/or communications
• Demonstrated writing skills related to publications for a wide variety of stakeholders including internal and external audiences
• Writing portfolio that includes publicly published editorial
• Well-developed interpersonal skills with an ability to work effectively with stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing communications plans including the creation of design and content for a variety of media options
• Experience in content and project management systems
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate technical or academic concepts to a variety of stakeholders
• Proficiency with commonly used communication, web and related applications including but not limited to:
o Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Access, SharePoint, Outlook, Excel, TEAMS, etc.
o MAC applications including Keynote, Numbers
• Capable of medium-to-high quality digital cell phone photography for digital publications
• Ability to cope with a demanding workload while adhering to deadlines
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies, tools, and processes
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment and across cross-functional teams
• Excellent organizational skills, multitasking, analytical, problem solving, and client service
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple and strict deadlines
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, discretion and act with tact and diplomacy
• General knowledge of:
o Issue tracking
o Applicable legislative, statutory and industry compliance requirement
• Ability to archive digital assets on a variety of platforms including but not limited to SharePoint and OneDrive
Since 1963, the University of Windsor has been a forward-looking community that comes together to study, to learn, to teach, and to serve. Our symbol is the bridge; our vista is cross-border; our commitment is local; and our impact is global. We are a dynamic, inclusive community of higher learning with roots going back more than 160 years and with a future full of promise.
In pursuit of the University's commitment to employment equity, members from the designated groups including women, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, Inuit), racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity are encouraged to apply and to self-identify.
If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Recruitment & Workforce Coordinator (employment@uwindsor.ca). Should you require further information on accommodation, please visit the website of the Office of Human Rights, Conflict Resolution and Mediation (OHRCRM).
