Advancement Communications and Events Officer

COVID 19 On-Campus Requirements

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status and provide proof that they were fully vaccinated or had an approved accommodation to engage in in-person University activities. These requirements were suspended effective May 1, 2022, but the University may reinstate them at any point.

About Queen's University

Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.

We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

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Applicant Guidance & Information

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Disclaimer: As part of the application process at Queen's University, our recruitment system uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), as defined under the Ontario Employment Standards Act, to ask job-related questions and confirm eligibility for hire. All final hiring decisions are made using non-AI related processes.

Job Summary

A Brief Overview

The Advancement Communications and Events Officer works collaboratively with Advancement colleagues and university partners to plan, promote and execute alumni and donor-focused events and programs that support Advancement and university-wide strategic priorities. These experiences and related communications are designed to strengthen constituent engagement, deepen connections with Queen's and support the university's broader philanthropic goals.

The incumbent develops and implements communications plans that drive awareness, participation and engagement in Advancement events and programs. This includes developing project plans and timelines; creating and building event invitations and email communications; writing and updating web copy; building event registration pages and forms; and developing other promotional communications required to support an event. The Advancement Communications and Events Officer also plans, project manages and executes alumni and donor-focused events, coordinating all aspects of event logistics and delivery in collaboration with internal and external partners. This includes supporting programming, venues, vendors, guest experience, event materials, on-site execution and other logistical requirements. Following events, the incumbent develops and administers post-event surveys and supports the collection of participant feedback and event results to help evaluate effectiveness and inform future programming.

Events and related communications are tailored to a range of audiences, including alumni, donors, prospective donors, volunteers, community members, the Queen's University Alumni Association (QUAA) and its branches.

This position develops, organizes, and implements communications strategies and plans that promote and profile departments, programs and services. This position performs market scans, recommends the focus of communications, and develops measurement criteria to evaluate effectiveness. This position also manages ongoing communication projects for publications and social media and serves as editor/publisher for print and digital publications.

The schedule for this position requires the incumbent to work variable hours on a regular basis, including evenings and weekends. In addition, travel is an inherent part of the position. This position is subject to the Averaging and Travel Time Credit provisions of the USW Local 2010 Collective Agreement.

Job Description

What you will do

• Develops, organizes, implements and measures communication plans and initiatives that promote and profile departments, programs, and services.
• Provides input to assist with the development and implementation of communication plans.
• Organizes the workflow of communications projects.
• Scans media and works with the team to identify areas of focus for communications.
• Writes articles, as well as prepares information sessions, presentations, Q&As, fact sheets, and other training and learning material.
• Maintains content on the department's website.
• Edits and proofreads copy for internal and external stakeholders.
• Develops measurement criteria for evaluating the communication plans, measures effectiveness, and recommends changes for improvement.
• Serves as editor/publisher for print and digital publications in the department.
• Plans, organizes, and facilitates social events for the department.
• Coordinates and oversees the execution and/or logistics of other events including information sessions, industry nights, workshops, orientations, and/or alumni events.
• Builds relationships and liaises with other departments, faculty, student leaders, external partners, and community resources.


• Compiles, organizes, and analyses data to track the effectiveness of communications and engagement tools.
• Other duties as required in support of the department and/or unit.

• Four-Year Bachelor Degree or equivalent. In addition, requires trade certification, qualification, or on-going learning to remain ahead of changes in technology or emerging fields.

• More than 3 years and up to and including 5 years of experience.
• Experience working at a post-secondary education institution considered an asset.
• Experience in data, trend analysis and reporting considered an asset.
• Experience in planning and/or managing projects considered an asset.
• Experience in managing/developing strategic communication plans considered an asset.
• Experience planning, coordinating and/or managing events or promotions considered an asset.

• G Driver's Licence required.
• Valid Passport with no travel restrictions is required.

• Knowledge of concepts and principles in a specialist field that is typically acquired through a combination of advanced professional or academic qualifications and/or substantial work experience.
• Provide effective consultation and advice on non-straightforward and/or complex issues.
• Interaction with others requires interpersonal skills and the ability to understand and influence.
• Adapt messages to meet the different needs of different audiences.
• Builds relationships, trust and credibility.
• Prioritize and distribute work to deliver objectives on time and to the highest standard.
• Identify in advance when the intended results may not be achieved and develops a plan to address the gaps.
• Actively participate in project team meetings and develop individual and unit project plans.
• Lead procedural or technological change within a unit.
• Identify opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of work processes.
• Seek information and input to fully understand the cause of problems.
• Appropriately assesses risks before making a decision.
• Contribute to the creation and evaluation of possible solutions.
• Take action to remove obstacles and address problems before they impact performance and results.
• Apply equity, diversity, accessibility, inclusion and Indigenization considerations to decision making and planning.
• Promote a work environment that is free from sexual violence, harassment and discrimination, and the ability to show empathy for those who have experienced trauma.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at [email protected].