Position Purpose:

 The Liaison Officer represents the University of Ottawa as an expert and acts as a marketing officer to promote the University (especially its undergraduate programs) throughout Canada and the Unites States to generate admissions applications to achieve the University’s enrollment objectives. The incumbent helps develop the University’s recruitment plan and maintains close relationships with high school and CEGEP guidance counsellors, faculty communication officers, the Admissions Office, and the Marketing and Communications offices. In addition, the Liaison officer develops and organizes events, both in-person and virtually, in response to the needs of their market and to help convince admitted students to accept their offer.  They also ensure that the information presented, and publications distributed to students are accessible and that they meet the students’ needs. The Liaison Officer’s role is essential to maintaining a positive reputation for uOttawa.

​In this role, your responsibilities will include:

• Develops and implements uOttawa's recruitment strategy for their assigned market in accordance with the University's overall recruitment strategy and objectives. Advises communications officers in the faculties to assist in their recruitment efforts. Evaluates the effectiveness of the recruitment strategies for their market and makes changes as required.
• Represents the University to counsel students, parents and guidance counsellors on the admission process, programs, scholarship and financial aid program, career opportunities for graduates, and other services. Promotes uOttawa and its programs through visits to educational institutions, information fairs and school events. Organizes travel for out-of-town visits.
• Prepares and delivers dynamic presentations to high school, CEGEP, and other prospective students, with group sizes ranging from five to over 200, in person, and virtually, travelling by rented car for a minimum of 17 weeks during the year. Working flexible hours during travel weeks, the incumbent can also adjust their presentation style and topics to suit the audience and incorporate new technologies into presentations.
• Establishes close and sustained relationships with school guidance counsellors and teachers in their assigned market.
• Responds to enquiries (phone calls, email, and virtual meetings) from students, parents, and guidance counsellors. Ensures prompt and efficient service by providing complete and accurate information at all times.
• In collaboration with other sectors at the University, organizes special events for their market, ensuring that budgets are respected, and the event is promoted. Evaluates the impact and customer satisfaction of each event.
• Contributes to the preparation, publication, and distribution of recruitment tools (e.g. brochures, email campaigns, guides, websites, etc.) through their knowledge of the 16-22 age group for their assigned market.
• Participates in the training of new liaison officers and acts as a mentor and resource person to colleagues and communications/marketing officers in faculties and departments across the University. Participates in the preparation of an annual training program.
• Represents the University on provincial advisory committees. Understands the strengths and weaknesses of our Canadian competitors and provides feedback to enable the University to adjust quickly to changes in the marketplace.

What You Will Bring:

• Undergraduate degree in any field, or an equivalent combination education and work experience. Considered an asset if degree is in marketing, communications, public relations.
• Minimum 3 year of experience in client services, sales, marketing, public relations, or other similar experiences dealing with the public. 
• Bilingualism: French and English (spoken and written), to be considered for this position, candidates must be rated at the Low Advanced proficiency level or higher for both oral comprehension and reading comprehension in their second official language. The rating is determined by a proficiency test designed by the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute.   
• Holds a valid G class driving license and must be at least 21 years old within the first month of hiring (requirement for a car rental due to distance and material transport needs).
• Experience in public relations or making public presentations in both official languages and the ability to design presentations for a variety of audiences, both in-person and virtually.
• Experience in client services as a resource person. Ability to understand and maintain a vast amount of detailed knowledge and dealing with a diversified clientele.
• Experience in developing promotional materials (publications, brochures, promotional items, and other promotional material).
• Excellent judgement and initiative with superior problem-solving skills.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, tact and diplomacy.
• Strong analytical skills, critical thinking and decision-making skills;
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team.
• Advanced level of competency with the Microsoft Office 365 Suite including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Teams, OneDrive, and the ability to keep up with and adapt to changing technology.
• Experience with and knowledge of a CRM tool (such as Talisma) is an asset.
• Familiarity with virtual communication tools such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Virtual bookings and scheduling technology.