Administrative Assistant, Communications (LCSFS an d NSFSRG)

Department: Faculty of Science 

Job Type: Limited Term

Full-time/Part-time: Part Time (>910 hrs/year) 

Campus: Waterloo 

Reports to: Director, LCSFS

Employee Group: WLUSA 

Application Deadline: July 17 2026

Requisition ID: 10884 

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier’s thriving community has a place for everyone.

Laurier has more than 21,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well locations in Kitchener and Milton. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace, a flexible work policy and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Laurier's Waterloo, Kitchener, and Brantford campuses are located on the shared traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe peoples and symbolizes the agreement to share, protect our resources, and not to engage in conflict. Laurier's Milton campus is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and part of the Nanfan Treaty of 1701 between the British Crown and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

This job posting is for a current vacancy.

Position Summary

The Administrative Assistant, Communications (LCSFS and NSFSRG) provides part‑time communications and knowledge mobilization support to the Laurier Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (LCSFS) and the Northern Sustainable Food Systems Research Group (NSFSRG). These groups advance community‑engaged, interdisciplinary research focused on sustainable, resilient, and food systems, with a strong emphasis on partnership‑based work with Indigenous communities, northern organizations, citizens, practitioners, policy‑makers, and researchers.

Working collaboratively with researchers, staff, students, and community partners, the incumbent supports the preparation and dissemination of clear, accessible, and timely communications that share research activities, events, and outcomes with diverse audiences. The Communications Coordinator contributes to the coordination of digital communications, outreach, and knowledge mobilization activities in alignment with Laurier’s commitment to community engagement, sustainability, equity, and the sharing of knowledge beyond the university.

This role supports Wilfrid Laurier University’s mission by helping communicate research initiatives and partnerships in ways that promote learning, collaboration, and community awareness, while working within established project priorities and communications processes.

This position has a university-wide mandate and is based at the Waterloo Campus. The incumbent provides subject matter expertise to all campuses, requiring regular interpersonal interactions and collaboration with departments at the Waterloo Campus, the Brantford Campus, locations in Kitchener and Milton, and external partners. Special attention is given to ensure equitable service delivery across all locations.

Accountabilities

Communications and Knowledge Mobilization

• Develop and support communications and knowledge mobilization activities that advance project goals and the broader priorities of the Laurier Centre for Sustainable Food Systems (LCSFS) and the Northern Sustainable Food Systems Research Group (NSFSRG). Contribute to planning and implementation of communications initiatives in collaboration with project leads and partners.

Digital Platforms and Social Media

• Manage and update digital communication channels, including social media, project websites, and newsletters, to support strategic communications and reach diverse academic, community, and public audiences. Synthesize reports and publications into accessible knowledge mobilization products, such as summaries, visuals, or infographics. Provide support for the promotion and dissemination of LCSFS and NSFSRG communications products, including the Handpicked podcast.

Events and Outreach Support

• Support the organization and promotion of online and in‑person events such as webinars, workshops, and student-focused research events. Responsibilities may include preparing promotional materials and agendas, setting up registration forms, coordinating room bookings or Teams/Zoom meetings, and assisting with post‑event communications such as sharing recordings, surveys, or summaries. Assist with tracking basic event metrics to support reporting and evaluation.

Coordination and Administration

• Collaborate with LCSFS and NSFSRG researchers, students, community partners, and relevant university departments (e.g., communications and external relations) to coordinate outreach activities and ensure consistent, accurate, and timely communications across projects and initiatives.

Other Project Support

• Support communications-related research activities as needed, including editing and formatting reports and publications and organizing key outputs for knowledge mobilization and outreach.
• Provide communications support for funding proposals as needed, including light editing and preparation of partner-facing or background materials related specifically to grant applications.
• Contribute communications insights to future initiatives by summarizing engagement metrics, feedback, and emerging themes from LCSFS and NSFSRG communications activities.

Qualifications

• Completion of a 2 to 3 year College Diploma in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum two (2) years of relevant communications experience.
• Excellent written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Experience managing social media platforms and content management systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Cascade, Canva, or Adobe Creative Suite is considered an asset.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively in a part-time role.

Hours of Work: This is part-time, limited term role with an approximate end date of May 31, 2027. The regular work schedule is two (2) days per week (14 hours per week). Some flexibility in scheduling may be required to support events, deadlines, or time-sensitive communications. When possible, the manager will adjust the work schedule so that no more than 20 hours are worked in a week. 

This position is eligible for a flexible work arrangement, as per Policy 8.14 (Flexible Work Policy). All arrangement must be approved by the direct manager. In-person attendance for events, as required to meet operational needs, is expected. On occasion, this schedule may need to be adjusted to meet operational requirements.

Compensation:

Level: B

Rate of Pay: $31.86 to $36.41 per hour

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier’s core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources. Contact information can be found at careers.wlu.ca/content/How-to-apply/

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careers for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online. Please note, a resume and cover letter will be required in electronic form.

Please note, when pre-screening questions are used as part of the application process, AI is utilized to score responses. All other aspects of the hiring process are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team.