Brock University is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement.
We are one of Canada’s outstanding comprehensive universities, where excellence and innovation thrive! Brock has been recognized as a Top Employer in Hamilton-Niagara for seven consecutive years. We have been ranked #3 as Canada’s Best Employers and top 10 as one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity. For 2025, Brock has been proudly recognized as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Company Culture, ranked seventh by Forbes in partnership with Statista. At Brock, you will find a welcoming, inclusive community and an exciting range of meaningful career opportunities.
Ignite new possibilities for your career. Break through at Brock.
About the Role:
Reporting to the Associate Director, Strategic Communications, the Communications Specialist supports the priority communications needs of assigned portfolios by developing and delivering clear, engaging and aligned content. The incumbent works with internal partners to advance key initiatives, identify, develop and share compelling stories, and enhance Brock’s reputation. The Communications Specialist supports communications strategies and related activities that enhance visibility and strengthen the University’s overall brand and presence.
The Communications Specialist will:
- Develop and deliver content in collaboration with internal partners, aligning messaging with Brock’s strategic priorities and institutional goals;
- Build and maintain strong relationships to support aligned, strategic storytelling across the University;
- Plan, create and produce content for a range of channels and promote programs, services and initiatives through branded marketing materials and media releases;
- Determine and implement effective communication approaches, applying best practices for storytelling and content delivery;
- Evaluate communication effectiveness using analytics and insights to inform continuous improvement;
- Collaborate with campus partners to highlight Brock’s achievements, initiatives and successes, enhancing visibility and institutional pride;
- Write clear, compelling media releases that support Brock’s reputation and can be leveraged online, on Brock News and through other communication channels;
- Proactively pitch story ideas to media, including local, national and international outlets as well as industry journals, niche publications and podcasts;
- Develop and deliver internal communications aligned with Brock’s initiatives to promote transparency, engagement and alignment;
- Support crisis and change communications with timely, clear and empathetic messaging as directed by the Associate Director;
- Align internal and external communications where appropriate to ensure consistency across audiences.
Key Skills and Experience:
- An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (i.e. Communications, Journalism or Public Relations) or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
- Experience of news media or media relations work experience;
- Experience developing substantive editorial and digital content, supported by knowledge of publishing processes and standards;
- Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to craft clear, engaging narratives for diverse audiences;
- Understanding of media practices, formats and industry expectations, with awareness of relevant trends and issues;
- Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office, web applications and content management systems;
- Strong project co-ordination, organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines;
- Promotes and embodies inclusivity and respect within the workplace and the broader community;
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively;
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to translate complex concepts into accessible content;
- Highly adaptable, proactive and responsive in fast-paced, evolving environments;
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within defined objectives.
Preferred or Asset Skills:
- A graduate degree in public relations, marketing or communications.
Salary and Total Rewards:
- Job Grade K, Salary Scale ($62,115-99,384);
- Target Hiring Range: $62,115-$66,950 *
- This is a permanent position that includes:
- Health & Dental Benefits: Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Pension Plan: Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan.
- Vacation: Up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays.
- Professional Development: Eligibility for the Brock Tuition Waiver Program.
*The final salary is based on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations within the target hiring range.
We are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where possible as outlined in our Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. As a student-centered organization, all employees are required to work on campus as needed.
Brock University is committed to creating a respectful and equitable workplace. We strive to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in our work and learning environments. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and actively encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous Peoples, people who identify as Black, African and/or Caribbean, as racialized and/or as from ethnic and cultural minority groups, and other underrepresented demographic groups at Brock and in the Niagara region. Brock also recognizes intersectionality and the interconnected identities, histories, and experiences of these aforementioned groups.
We are committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment, and we accommodate the needs of applicants throughout all stages of the recruitment process, as outlined in our Employment Accommodation Policy and consistent with the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Please contact [email protected] if you require a disability related accommodation so we can ensure your participation needs are met.
Brock University does not use AI Technology at any stage of the recruitment process.
We appreciate all applications received. Candidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted.
Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca.
Skills Required
- An undergraduate degree in Communications, Journalism or Public Relations or equivalent education and experience
- Experience of news media or media relations work
- Experience developing substantive editorial and digital content
- Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills
- Understanding of media practices and industry expectations
- Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office and content management systems
- Strong project coordination, organizational and time management skills
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- A graduate degree in public relations, marketing or communications
What We Do
Brock University is a public research university located in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
