Posting 25-49 (Regular Full Time Position)

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not representing an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Bishop's University is seeking a Communications Specialist for a regular full-time position.  Reporting to the Manager of Communications, the incumbent supports strategic internal communications across the institution. This role is instrumental in shaping how the organization communicates within its internal channels, ensuring messages are clear, engaging, and aligned with institutional priorities. The Communications Specialist contributes to building a unified organizational culture, enhancing community engagement, and strengthening storytelling across the University.

Key responsibilities include content planning, bilingual communication (English and French), and strategic messaging to maintain a consistent voice and impactful presence across internal – and occasionally external – platforms. The role also ensures that all content reflects the University’s mission, values, and brand with high quality and consistency.

This position has a work week of 35  hours from Monday to Friday with occasional evenings and weekends required.

NATURE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Internal Communications

• Develop and implement internal communication strategies that support institutional priorities and foster a sense of belonging among faculty, staff, and students.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative units to ensure timely and effective dissemination of key messages.
• Distribute internal messages, announcements, and updates to foster transparency, collaboration, and community engagement.
• Manage internal communication platforms (e.g., Intranet (MyBU), notice/newsletters, digital displays, Viva Engage, Event Calendar, etc.).
• Advise departments on effective internal communication best practices.
• Support change management and organizational initiatives with clear and empathetic messaging.
• Gather feedback and assess communication effectiveness to continually improve internal channels.
• Perform related tasks as required.

Content Strategy and Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive content strategy that supports organizational goals and aligns with brand voice and values.
• Plan, write, edit, and coordinate bilingual (English/Frenc) content for a variety of channels.
• Ensure all communications reflect the organization’s tone, accessibility, and inclusivity standards.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to translate information into clear, engaging, and audience-appropriate content.
• Maintain editorial and content calendars and contribute to editorial planning.
• Provide guidance on content priorities, tone, and audience segmentation.
• Align messaging across initiatives to ensure coherence between internal and external communications.
• Contribute to campaigns, reports, and strategic projects requiring thoughtful narrative framing.
• Identify opportunities to highlight success stories and organizational impact.
• Perform related tasks as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience ins communications, content strategy, or related roles.
• Excellent writing and editing skills in both English and French.
• Strong ability to adapt tone and style to different audiences and platforms.
• Strong understanding of internal communications principles and engagement strategies.
• Experience working with digital communication tools (e.g., SharePoint, CMS, email platforms).
• Proven experience developing communication strategies and managing multi-channel content.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Comfortable collaborating with cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal and social skills.

ABOUT BU

Founded in 1843, Bishop’s is a primarily undergraduate university offering an outstanding liberal education in a small, residential setting in Quebec’s Eastern Townships region. Located in Sherbrooke, about 1.5 hour drive southeast of Montreal, the Eastern Townships offers a safe and welcoming atmosphere, exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities, and a great quality of life. Bishop’s University is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Abenaki people. We acknowledge their stewardship of this land and appreciate that we are all guests on Abenaki territory.

We offer our students over 100 majors within five academic divisions: humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, social sciences, business, and education. The language of instruction at Bishop’s is English.

Our 550-acre campus contains 25 buildings including seven residences, two libraries, two theatres, outstanding classrooms, laboratory and athletic facilities, an arena, a historic chapel, a music recital hall, and a daycare centre. A duck pond, wildlife refuge, and golf course are also found on campus.

WHAT WE OFFER – Employees benefit from:

• Medical, vision, health and travel insurance
• Generous vacation as well as a 10-day holiday break between December and January
• Flexible scheduling and work from home possibility
• Employee discounts to our sports center and Golf course
• Defined benefit and/or simplified pension plan
• Employee Family Assistance Plan (EFAP)
• Sustainable development and Wellness initiatives
• Access to ongoing cultural and educational events

Classification:         Class 12    $28.87 to $37.70   per hour     ( unionized position)

Bishop’s University implements an equal access employment / program under the Act respecting equal access to employment in public bodies. The University welcomes applicants who are committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and who will assist us expand our capacity for diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous peoples, visible and ethnic minorities, persons living with disabilities, women and LGBTQ2S+ persons.

If interested, please submit your curriculum vitae and cover letter, including what position you are applying to. This position will remain open until filled.

Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted and testing may be required; thank you for your interest. We provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact us.