Communications and Public Relations Officer

Description:

COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (BAND LEVEL 7)

DUTIES

Reporting to the Manager of Marketing and Communications and working closely with the Memorial University Communications team (St. John’s Campus), the successful applicant will be responsible for identifying and researching opportunities and implementing communications strategies to elevate the Marine Institute’s profile and impact in the areas of education, research, and industry collaboration for the global oceans sector.

Duties

Duties include performing responsible public relations and journalistic work in the delivery of high level, impactful communication to all audiences across a wide variety of channels and media including:
 

• Researching, writing, editing and pitching a wide range of communications and news materials;
• Work collaboratively with Institute schools and units to maintain a strong knowledge base of Marine Institute activities to anticipate and pursue communications opportunities;
• Planning, implementing, and evaluating external communications;
• Preparing speeches and presentations for senior leadership;
• Establishing and leveraging relationships with local, national and international media;
• Coordinating news conferences, special media events and media tours;
• Establishing, creating, coordinating and monitoring social media content, including working with Student Navigators to produce content;
• Digital content creation and overseeing the quality, consistency and relevance of the campus' social media channels;
• Podcast episode development and production; and
• Performing other related duties as required.
   

Flexibility with regard to work hours, including occasional evening and weekend work, is required.

Qualifications

Considerable experience (3-5 years) in public relations, journalism or related work, preferably in a scientific, technical or educational environment; graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in public relations, communications or journalism; an equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in writing, communications planning and methods, social media content strategies and channels, and disseminating information are required.