Job Description

Staff - Non UnionJob Category M&P - AAPSJob Title Communications & Marketing SpecialistDepartment Department of Ophthalmology | Faculty of Medicine | Provost and VP Academic (Neeru Gupta)Posting End Date December 3, 2024Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.Job End Date Oct 20, 2025Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.Job SummaryThe Communications and Marketing Specialist is responsible for developing, managing, and executing all communication, marketing, and outreach strategies to enhance the reputation, engagement, relationships, and awareness of initiatives for all units and programs within the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the local, provincial, and international level. Working in a matrix reporting structure, this role collaborates across Ophthalmology units to implement both department-wide and unit/program-specific strategies through a variety of print, web, video, and digital/social media projects. This role provides writing, publishing, photography, graphic design, web design, podcasting, and video content development and editing skills to the establishment and maintenance of high-quality communications and marketing standards, and accuracy of publications in print and web-based media. This role is expected to be able to move seamlessly between communications strategy, high-impact marketing projects, and integrated communications, all while building a strong community within Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. This role includes developing communications for international Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences communities at the direction of the Head.This position is critical to fundraising initiatives through the creation of reports and development of materials to promote the activities of the Department with internal and external stakeholders. The Communication and Marketing Specialist is expected to meet with stakeholders as required to successfully complete the task.This role requires an incumbent who is flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working across multiple units/programs with a high level of ambiguity as systems and processes are established.Organizational StatusThe Department of Ophthalmology will strive for excellence in health care delivery, education and research. The mission of the staff of the department is to:xc2xb7 Provide exemplary patient care to set standards and establish a base for outstanding teaching and research programs in Ophthalmologyxc2xb7 Disseminate and preserve knowledge for medical students and postgraduate students and provide continuing medical education for practicing physiciansxc2xb7 Encourage understanding for patients and families of their eye diseasesxc2xb7 Lead and provide research programs in both basic science and clinical studies in Ophthalmology to advance knowledge and contribute to the application of new discoveries for the development and advancement of eye carexc2xb7 To provide training in clinical and research Ophthalmology to programs in emerging nationsThis position has functional reporting to the Department Head and takes direction from the Head and Administrative Manager for the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.Work Performedxc2xb7 Creative writing.xc2xb7 Leads the development and implementation of strategic communication and marketing plans that reflect and support achievement of the Department and unit/program goals.xc2xb7 Creates, maintains, and communicates project timelines, schedules, and cost estimates that support the progress of initiatives, including post-mortem reports, analysis, and recommendations for future improvements.xc2xb7 Ensures that initiatives effectively promote the objectives and key messages and are aligned with communications and marketing strategies, and the branding and reputation of the Faculty of Medicine and UBC.xc2xb7 Ensures consistent messaging across all units/programs within the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences while tailoring content and voice to the respective channel and audience.xc2xb7 Leads the development of a strong web presence for the Department, including graphics, photos, and video. Develops and maintains web content style guides, standards and templates.xc2xb7 Oversees the development and maintenance of web platforms including directing the work of external service providers.xc2xb7 Develops, manages, and evaluates a robust social media strategy.xc2xb7 Develops, writes, edits, and curates content, video, audio, and photos to support communications channels and campaigns, including stories, announcements, fact sheets, newsletters, podcasts, advertising copy, and reports.xc2xb7 Develops and writes materials for fundraising initiatives in the Department.xc2xb7 Actively engages and solicits feedback from the ophthalmology community and adjusts communication strategies accordingly based on needs.xc2xb7 Develops and manages relationships with internal and external stakeholders.xc2xb7 Actively seeks out partnerships to identify and leverage opportunities for collaboration.xc2xb7 Assesses the effectiveness of established communication and marketing plans and makes recommendations for future improvements.xc2xb7 Maintains familiarity with major communications and marketing trends, issues, and technologies.xc2xb7 Keeps abreast of the latest news in ophthalmology across the province, nationally, and internationally.xc2xb7 Creates communication and marketing best practices.xc2xb7 Foster a communications and marketing community of practice within the department and with the ophthalmology communityxc2xb7 Ensures all communications activities and materials comply with UBC standards, and other standards where applicable.xc2xb7 Participates in meetings with Faculty of Medicine communicators.xc2xb7 Performs other related duties as required.Consequence of Error/JudgementThis position represents the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences as well as the Faculty of Medicine and University. Errors in decision-making or judgment will directly affect UBC's reputation with students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.Supervision ReceivedReports directly to and takes direction from the Department Head. Works independently within established guidelines and standards. Work is reviewed in terms of achievement of defined goals. Makes recommendations in areas of prioritizing, planning, and executing communications plans.Supervision GivenMay provide direct supervision of staff and students involved in communication-related tasks or projects. May direct the work of internal and external service providers.Minimum QualificationsUndergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum five years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with onexe2x80x99s own- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing onexe2x80x99s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusionPreferred QualificationsEducation: University degree in Communications, Marketing or Journalism preferred. A master's degree is preferred.Experience: Communications and marketing experience, preferably in large, complex organizations, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Proven experience in strategic communication and marketing planning and project management. Computer experience required using content management systems, email marketing systems, SEO, various social media platforms and analytics programs (such as Google Analytics). CSS and HTML considered an asset. Experience developing audio and video content (such as podcasts and video blogs) is an asset. Experience using established and emerging social media channels for communication and audience engagement. Experience in public relations, publicity, media relations, and fundraising.Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:xc2xb7 Strong creative writing skills.xc2xb7 Ability to plan, implement and evaluate a broad range of digital and non-digital communications projects.xc2xb7 Possess an understanding of web design and usability best practices.xc2xb7 Adept in researching, selecting, testing, and measuring traditional and innovative communications channels.xc2xb7 Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.xc2xb7 Strong presentation and public relations skills.xc2xb7 Knowledge of technical writing, or other editing experience with English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.xc2xb7 Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within and across teams.xc2xb7 Exceptional service orientation and interpersonal skills. Ability to work in an environment that is decentralized, complex, and with a diverse range of stakeholders.xc2xb7 Demonstrated ability to work in a project-based environment and handle multiple and concurrent priorities.xc2xb7 Strong leadership and motivational skills.xc2xb7 Ability to exercise diplomacy, tact, and discretion when working with confidential and/or sensitive information and in dealing with staff, faculty members, students, and alumni both across the university and externally.xc2xb7 Ability to work independently and demonstrate a high level of initiative and self-directedness.xc2xb7 Ability to assess own performance and regularly report on project status.xc2xb7 Possess a deep understanding of branding. Exemplifies the attributes of UBC's brand, including being bold, open to new ideas, adventurous, respectful, compassionate, and fun, with a global perspective.xc2xb7 Ability to work effectively with people from differing backgrounds.xc2xb7 Ability to promote a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

University of British Columbia