The University of Waterloo Libraries seek a creative, collaborative and strategic individual to join the Libraries' Communications Team. Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Communications Specialist, Design is primarily responsible for the ideation, design, execution and evaluation of a range of marketing materials that strengthens the Libraries' communications efforts. The position acts as the accessibility and brand champion on the team and works with library colleagues and campus partners to successfully complete projects. The incumbent uses research and audience insights to design engaging visual solutions for campaigns.
The University of Waterloo Libraries are the campus's partner in learning, research and innovation. It has two main campus locations plus three satellite locations to meet the diverse needs of our community. The University was built for change and the Libraries' agility allows us to continuously transform approaches to creating, discovering, using, sharing and preserving information. We equip researchers and students with critical research skills – while committing to open and equitable access to information – to empower our campus community to improve our world as active citizens, creative problem solvers and agile leaders. Our work is done with a strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and access (EDIA).
The Libraries support many campus priorities including student wellness, sustainability, and the development of Indigenous initiatives, recognizing the responsibility of truth and reconciliation as outlined in the 94 Calls To Action.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in related discipline and/or diploma in graphic design/web design plus proven related experience or equivalent education and experience
- Three years of experience with, and strong working knowledge and understanding of, effective design principles
- Proven graphic design experience using Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premier Pro)
- Experience designing accessible content and familiarity of relevant legislation
- Experience working with technology platforms for website content management and social media
- Experience identifying emerging design trends, and integrating them with print and digital visual communication campaigns
- Experience managing design projects from ideation through production
- An eye for effective design and the impact of layout and messaging in communication materials
- Thorough knowledge, understanding of and practical experience in communications/marketing for an established brand, across a variety of channels (web, print, social media, video etc.)
- Knowledge of new and emerging design trends, especially for younger audiences, and how they can be integrated with an overall traditional and digital communications plans
- Knowledgeable about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and accessibility requirements and design best practices
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and campus partners at all levels
- Strong project management skills to move projects forward to meet production deadlines
- Strong organizational skills coupled with the ability to handle multiple tasks and excel in a fast-paced environment characterized by changing priorities
- Demonstrated ability to thrive in and contribute to an integrated and collaborative team environment and to apply a positive team approach to working with colleagues
- Asset: experience with photography, videography, and illustration
- Beginner to intermediate use of the following technical tools: Social Media Management/Scheduling platforms (e.g., Emplifi), Project Management Software (e.g., Airtable), and Confluence
- Intermediate to advanced use of the following technical tools: Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premier Pro), Social Media (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn), Content Management systems (e.g., Drupal) and web user interface (UI) design, and Office 365 (Teams, OneDrive, Word, PowerPoint)
Compensation
The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and qualification within the USG 8 salary level. Hiring range: 59,127 – 73,909 based on 2023/2024 salary scales
For more information about this job and to apply: go to external opportunities at Careers at Waterloo.
We welcome interested candidates to connect directly with Tanya Snyder, Communications Manager to learn more about this exciting position.
Deadline for applications: For assured consideration, application should be received by October 5, 2023.
Job openings are posted until the position has been filled. Due to the number of applications received, only applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
The University of Waterloo 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 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 Inuit/Inuk, Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
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.caor 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.
About the University of Waterloo
Waterloo has spawned thousands of commercial and social enterprises, is home to the world's largest co-operative education program and boasts a uniquely entrepreneurial culture that encourages experimentation and risk-taking. The result is an outstanding learning and research experience for more than 36,000 undergraduate and graduate students in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada — the anchor of Canada’s innovation corridor.
University of Waterloo — Canada’s top innovation university — is a research powerhouse and the engine of one of the world’s leading startup ecosystems. Offering world-class scholarship and research, combined with unparalleled experience-based education, Waterloo builds a better future for Canada and the world by championing innovation and collaboration to create solutions relevant to the needs of today and tomorrow.
For more information about Waterloo, please visit the University of Waterloo website.