Communications Specialist

About the job

The Position

The Communications Specialist is a critical member of the MarCom and Donor Relations teams. Synthesizing stories, themes and complex information from a variety of internal and external sources, the Communications Specialist writes integrated copy, masterfully weaving Redeemer’s mission into compelling institutional communications and inspiring stories that enhance the university’s reputation and build strategic relationships across the full range of stakeholder audiences. The position supports sending external communications through digital and print channels and also contributes to Redeemer’s internal digital communications effort by writing, editing, coaching and monitoring content on the Redeemer App. The Communications Specialist is versatile, switching between audiences and channels, understanding the unique styles of writing for fundraising, marketing, institutional communications, public relations and journalism.

The ‘Communications Specialist’ is a 100%FTE position

This is a Replacement role

Apply Directly for this role on BambooHR – https://redeemer.bamboohr.com/careers/25?source=aWQ9MTg%3D

Responsibilities

Writes for flagship publications and other platforms

• Writes stories for Redeemer’s print/digital magazine, Resound, and copy for the annual report
• Attends events, conducts interviews, performs research and collaborates with faculty and staff
• Writes copy and edits content for web, events, social media, internal app and mass email
• Posts and formats Resound stories and web events on WordPress
• Coordinates the acquisition of visual assets for news pieces, profiles, website, etc.
• Designs mass email newsletters in MailChimp for a variety of audiences
• Reviews podcast episodes for quality assurance and selects clips for promotion

Develops content for external and media relations communications

• Contributes to media releases and gathering background information for media
• Supports the development of institutional key messages
• Writes and edits institutional communications for senior leadership
• Develops presentations, speeches, scripts, reports and letters
• Ensures message integration across platforms

Develops content for donor relations communications

• Writes copy for direct response appeals, including letters, newsletters, emails, web content and social media posts
• Writes copy for major gift proposals and impact reports
• Supports the writing and editing of one-to-one communications with donors, including emails, letters and thank-you cards
• Participates in research interviews and events across campus for the development of fundraising materials.

Coordinates internal communication on the Redeemer App

• Writes copy for internal announcements and group posts
• Maintains pages, documents, forms and resources working with departments to ensure relevance and accuracy
• Monitors activity, flags concerns, responds to questions/comments or coordinates responses
• Supports training of new app users

Preferred Skills And Attributes

• Highly skilled researcher, interviewer, writer, storyteller and editor with a superior understanding of traditional and new communication technologies
• Excellent and versatile written communication skills, relating key messages to multiple audiences through a variety of platforms including for fundraising, marketing and public/media relations
• Knowledge of CP Style and other journalistic best practices and techniques
• Interpersonal and networking skills to engage different internal and external audiences
• Self-motivated to find information while having a customer service attitude
• Strong time and project management skills to manage multiple projects and plans
• Experience writing fundraising communications and an understanding of fundraising principles and donor audiences
• Ability to develop and manage institutional executive voice and to carry a creative arc or narrative over a long period with fresh content (e.g. multi-year fundraising campaign, internal employee newsletter, etc.)
• Technical ability using software platforms such as WordPress, Raiser’s Edge and MailChimp

Education, Training & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a synonymous discipline or an applied bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in a similar disciple plus five years of professional experience in a corporate or institutional communications and/or public relations role, with specific experience writing for fundraising and donor audiences
• Experience in communications for missional or non-profit organization is an asset

Other Requirements

A thorough understanding of the mission and faith tradition of Redeemer University (mission, values, and Reformed Christian identity) and the ability to effectively and winsomely translate it across all forms of content (implicitly and explicitly.)

The Application Process

Applicants are requested to email their application materials (cover letter and resume) and include a statement that articulates their faith perspective and its relation to the mission of Redeemer University. A range of qualifications are evaluated including distinguishing characteristics that demonstrate congruence with our identity as a university in the Protestant and Reformed Christian tradition. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.