Communications Assistant (Co-op)

Position: Communications Assistant (Co-op) Location: Conestoga College - Various Campuses Time Requirement: 35 hours per week (some evenings and weekends may be required) Reporting to: Corporate Communications Coordinator OR Digital Communications Coordinator Hourly Wage: $23.15 Revised: August 2023 Company Overview Conestoga Students Incorporated ("CSI") was founded in 1973 and is the official student association representing more than 21,000 students at all Conestoga College campuses. All full-time fee-paying students are the owners and customers of CSI, and we are dedicated to serving the students to the best of our ability. CSI's mission is to enhance student satisfaction and success by providing a variety of student services at a cost justified by the results. To achieve this mission, we are working to ensure students have access to skills development. Why Join Us? CSI is a team of enthusiastic individuals ready to assist students in their academic and professional ventures. CSI is committed to supporting its team members every step of the way through active coaching, and opportunities to develop the necessary skills for all professional fields. CSI's student employees also have access to: Competitive Wages Paid Sick Days Paid time off to observe culturally significant events Discounts at our food services outlets Employee engagement activities For more information on what we do and the services we offer, please check out our website at: https://conestogastudents.com/ Position OverviewThe Communications Assistant is responsible for assisting in external communications, press releases, and speeches presented by executives/employees, as well as assisting in all communication aspects of web, social media and on campus promotional efforts, and content. The Communications Assistant ensures accuracy and consistency of CSI branding and corporate identity across all marketing and communication platforms. In carrying out the duties of this position, a great deal of autonomy is exercised with final overview by Corporate Communications Coordinator OR Digital Communications Coordinator. It is also important that the Communications Assistant works extremely closely with the supervisor to ensure that they are up-to-date on the basic overall operations of CSI's communications. In all activities, it is crucial that the Communications Assistant recognizes that service to students is a top priority. You will learn to: Identify and respond to advertising and marketing objectives by applying principles of marketing and communications, and adhering to current industry standards and business practices Develop, curate, and post branded content on a variety of platforms (both through social media and on campus) to support the production of effective, timely communications appropriate for diverse channels and audiences. Use various sources, research tools and results, and apply analytical skills to determine the effectiveness of various communication strategies and tactics, and measure of the impact of public relations activities. Duties and Responsibilities Assist the Marketing & Events team in developing targeted marketing campaigns Assist in development of external communications - company presentations, training programs, paper media, social media, website, etc. Produce creative writing for print and digital applications to drive development of CSI's campaigns and social media efforts Edit & proofread external communications/marketing, ensuring all communication distributed to students and college are compliant with AODA Assist in creation of content and posts for social media - Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, website, etc. Assist with social media contest rewards, prizing, gift bags, etc. Monitor CSI social media for accuracy related to services, representation, activities, and updates Revise college student guides and documents annually to ensure CSI is accurately represented Respond to student comments or inquiries on social media Assist in management of annual sponsors, ensuring sold sponsorship space is accurately included in external media outreach Assist in classroom presentations where required Ensure goals and targets for marketing & events are met as outlined in the annual CSI Marketing & Communications Plan Send all facility requests to the Administrative Assistant to have requests filled Assist in the setup, production and clean-up of events where required Other General Duties Work in accordance with corporate by-laws, policies, and procedures, particularly to the CSI Mission Statement Adhere strictly to health & safety laws, policies, and procedures Maintain confidentiality for business practices Work in an organized manner where detail, accuracy and confidentiality are critical Mandatory attendance at CSI related training days Other duties as assigned Working Conditions Physical Demands This position may spend long hours sitting and using office equipment and computers, which can cause muscle strain. Lifting of supplies and materials up to 30lbs is required from time to time Environmental Conditions This position performs work from a suitable location of their choosing and may be faced with frequent interruptions and meetings with others on a regular basis. Travel between campuses and performance of work from home is required as needed. Some work may be required after office hours and on weekends. Sensory Demands This position requires long periods of intense concentration. The incumbent may also spend long hours on the computer which requires visual focus, attention to detail, and high levels of accuracy. Mental Demands This position is expected to manage and meet multiple competing deadlines, which can cause significant stress. The incumbent also deals with a wide variety of people on various issues. Qualifications Must be enrolled in a full-time program at Conestoga College and be a fee-paying student Preference will be given to those in a program related to public relations, communications, marketing, or a related field Candidates must also be able to demonstrate the following: Knowledge in creating and editing press releases, company statements and speeches Familiarity with social media platforms, apps, programming, and editing software's Ability to think creatively and produce thought-provoking marketing campaign material Highly organized and skilled time management Ability to balance multiple competing priorities while maintaining quality of work and meeting deadlines Consistent and reliable access to a stable internet connection Student Eligibility All students in this position must: Be in a full-time degree, diploma or certificate program at Conestoga College Maintain a full-time course load. Part-time studies may be allowed for students who are registered with Accessibility Services and require a reduced load For Spring term positions (May to August), students must be returning to full-time studies in the Fall term in order to be eligible. Have a valid Social Insurance Number International students must also: Hold a valid Canadian study permit that allows on-campus employment Adhere to all requirements stated on their study permit Adhere to all Canadian student visa requirements Domestic Students Must: Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person (under the immigration act) Be eligible for OSAP, or another province's student financial assistance program and show at least one dollar of need on their assessment. Or, be in receipt of funding from a First Nations band, or similar sponsoring agency, and provide a budget demonstrating financial need Provide a letter of explanation and budget demonstrating financial need if they are restricted from OSAP or another Provincial Government student assistance program. Restricted students are expected to be working toward bringing their student aid status back into good standing. How to Apply Application Materials To have your application considered, you must prepare the following Application Materials: A resume, letter, or audio/video recording that provides the following information: Why you are interested in this position What skills and/or experiences you have that you feel would be helpful in this position Whether you are willing and able to perform work at other campuses A sample of your work in the area of marketing & communications Your schedule of availability for work shiftsInstructions If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply through the Conestoga Students Inc. website at https://conestogastudents.com/about-us/employment-opportunities/, providing all of the above Application Materials. If you are an international student, please also provide a copy of your Study Permit allowing for on-campus employment during the term. Accessibility, Diversity & Inclusion Conestoga Students Inc. is committed to providing equal opportunity for employment without regard to any prohibited ground of discrimination. If you anticipate any need for accommodations for disabilities in the process of applying, interviewing, or working, please feel free to let us know as soon as possible and at any time so that we are most equipped to provide a barrier-free experience.