Date:	May 2016
Reports to (Job Title):	Manager, Program Development & Partnerships
Jobs Reporting (Job Titles):	None
Department:	Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy
Location:	CPH 3611
Grade:	USG 6 35 hr/wk

Primary Purpose

This position is responsible for maintaining the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy (WISE) website and for supporting the media relations and outreach activities of WISE using various communication platforms and interpersonal skills. WISE’s presence on its website is a key marketing and communications tool consistent with branding objectives.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Maintain website on a daily basis;

Update news channels and event calendar as requested by WISE staff and membership; monitor, manage and update the social media channels; create new member profile pages
Create new pages and write and self-edit new content and edit existing content, applying principles of writing for the web and foster a commitment to quality design
Select and update graphic images and photography using Faculty, University and stock sources as appropriate, ensuring consistency
Regularly assess current website to determine future directions and priorities and make recommendations to the Executive Director or Managers
Regularly assess the website to determine compliance for accessibility standards

2. Assist with announcements, publicity and public relations:

Investigate new and emerging e-communication technologies and vehicles for WISE use
Evaluate tools such as flash document , forms, surveys chatrooms, blogs, social media applications and multimedia content
Participate in the continuous improvement of the WISE websites (WISE and AE4H) including design, consistency, navigation, user interface and functionality
Participate in the ongoing evolution and continuing improvement of existing e-publications and e-communications strategies
Establish and collect, analyze and report on relevant web traffic data upon request
Coordinate the collection of and responses to website feedback
Become familiar with the central university best practices to ensure consistency with the UW web design standards where appropriate

3. Provide organizational support under the direction of the Manager, Program Development & Partnerships with respect to (Workshops, Visits & Events);

Take the lead when assigned to coordinate and do project management for WISE member workshops and provide organization support for visits and events
Assist with the organization of event logistics (e.g. venues, technical, transportation)
Exercise detailed management of visitor travel arrangements and assist with the individual needs of the delegates during the workshop/visit
Provide assistance to organize and deliver regular WISE events such as the WISE Public Lecture Series
Provide assistance to give tours of WISE affiliated facilities (ERC, G2N, High-voltage Lab)
Assist in arrangements for special events including the creation of special promotional material such as videos, CD’s and pamphlets
Pre-flight jobs for digital production
Assist the Executive Director and Manager to execute new outreach activities

4. Drive 4 Data Program;

Manage the Drive 4 Data project by facilitating communication between car dealerships, customers and technology partners
Maintain relationships with participating EV customers in the program in order to enhance access to electric vehicle information for UW researchers
Manage the monthly data downloads and uploads
Help new customers with data logger installation
Maintain the equipment inventory spreadsheets

5. Secondary Responsibilities;

Assist the Executive Director and Managers with the production of the WISE annual report
Monitor events and developments, identifying those with the greatest potential for increasing WISE’s media and web presence including WISE social websites (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter)
Provide animations or other multimedia showcasing research and/or the institute as a whole
Provide visual communications recommendations to implement marketing strategies
Other duties as assigned, such as assistance to facilitate meetings by booking facilities and refreshments and preparing handouts

Position Requirements

Education:

University degree preferred or equivalent design and communications work experience.

Experience:

The position requires excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as flexibility, resourcefulness, and approachability. Excellent communication skills, both in verbal and written form. Demonstrated experience with web content development and new media. Knowledge and experience of web tools, accessibility standards, usability concerns. Good organizational and project management skills. Ability to work independently and as a team member.

Technical:

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Other

Very Good

Basic

Very Good

Proven experience using various social media and networking platforms (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter). Well versed in MS Office products (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). Experience with Photoshop, In-Design, Illustrator, web widgets, wikis or equivalents, HTML programming and CSS script

Design software - Excellent

Web Management Skills - Excellent.

Nature and Scope

Interpersonal Skills:

Excellent communication skills in written and verbal form and demonstrated ability to provide a clear network of communication with utmost professionalism to on/off campus origins, on behalf of WISE.

Level of Responsibility:

The job has defined specialized or routine tasks and receives specific guidance. The successful candidate will work as part of a team, to develop and manage series and programs within a high-profile research Institute. This position entails a good understanding of the necessary technical, organizational, creative and interpersonal skills to achieve results in a team environment.

Decision-Making Authority:

Initiate and maintain contact with Marketing and Strategic Communications Office as needed regarding media relations support, digital communications for on and off campus relationship knowledge, creative services for production assistance, publications and web technicians to ensure up to date knowledge of accessibility guidelines; Igloo support technician and account manager.

Physical and Sensory Demands:

Requires exertion of physical or sensory effort resulting in slight fatigue, strain or risk of injury.

Working Environment:

Much of the time is spent sitting in a comfortable position with frequent opportunity to move about. Located in a comfortable indoor area. There is a frequent need to five close attention to various stimuli such as written material and information given verbally by co-workers. The work is varied. There are deadline pressures, while at the same time there is a demand for thoroughness and accuracy. Work outside the normal operating hours of the institute can be expected in this role.

Communication Specialist