Communications Coordinator, Indigenous Initiatives

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth.  We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

Western’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives will lead system-wide change required to advance truth and reconciliation efforts, achieve equitable outcomes for Indigenous peoples, and implement Western’s Indigenous Strategic Plan. The Office will be committed to building and strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities locally, provincially, nationally and internationally, and fostering an academic environment, where all students, staff, faculty and community members experience the university as a welcoming, supportive, culturally-safe environment in which Indigenous languages, ways of knowing, being and doing are respected and supported. 

Responsibilities

The Communications Coordinator will play a vital role in advancing Indigenous strategic directions across the University, with responsibility for carrying out a variety of communications functions and processes.  The role will support the development of communications strategies and initiatives, with an emphasis on strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities.  The Communications Coordinator will support the articulation and promotion of Indigenous strategic directions at Western, through the design, creation, and management of communications and marketing efforts to enhance Western’s brand and reputation as a leader in Indigenous education locally, nationally, and internationally.  The Communications Coordinator will provide professional advice and guidance regarding the development of effective communication plans and related projects that are consistent with relevant University guidelines. Additionally, the Communications Coordinator will develop and execute community opportunities for cultural reclamation and associated programming. 

Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree in Journalism, Media Relations, Communications, Indigenous Studies or other related field
• International Association of Business Communicators Designation completed or in progress is preferred 

Experience:

• 2 years experience in a communications or marketing role, supporting Indigenous initiatives or students
• Experience preparing visually appealing materials, through graphic design 
• Experiencing working with Cascade, or other website creation tools 
• Experience writing grants and reports
• Experience building relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations is preferred 
• Experience in a post-secondary environment is preferred 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of Indigenous communities, including First Nations’ governance structures and processes, and of Indigenous ways of knowing and perspectives
• Knowledge of culturally responsive and appropriate communications and marketing best practices, processes, trends, and tools 
• Indigenous cultural competency with an ability to interact and work effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds
• Ability to establish effective routines for excellent communication with all members of the team to maximize productivity
• Compelling and persuasive communication skills to engage individuals and teams inside and outside the University
• Ability to analyze metrics and consider past communications to craft engaging written communications using social media or other appropriate channels
• Ability to apply creativity and recommend strategies for engagement initiatives in response to cultural and social trends
• Innovative and flexible critical thinking skills to adjust to and implement new processes or technology to the University’s advantage
• Discretion, tact and maturity to deal with public relations issues related to higher education
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proven ability to build both formal and informal professional relationships within, across, and external to organizational boundaries
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve departmental goals
   

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.


Learn more and Apply