Job Description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category M&P - AAPS

Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level B

Job Title Communications Strategist and Writer

Department Communications & Events | Faculty of Education

Compensation Range $6,551.00 - $9,418.83 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date November 28, 2023

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Job Summary

UBC\xe2\x80\x99s Faculty of Education is one of the world\xe2\x80\x99s leading faculties of its kind. The Faculty of Education has served the international education community through leadership in research, teaching, and service for more than 60 years; including the work of over 51,000 alumni in 66 countries.

The Communications Strategist and Writer is an important member of the Faculty of Education\xe2\x80\x99s communications team, which is mandated to enhance the image and reputation of the UBC Faculty of Education and its initiatives, programs and research locally, nationally and internationally. Under the leadership of Director of Communications and Events, the incumbent develops, implements and evaluates a variety of media, public relations and other communications strategies, plans communications projects and their associated budgets, and writes materials for the Faculty\xe2\x80\x99s websites, social media channels and other communications platforms. A primary function of the job is to tell the Faculty of Education\xe2\x80\x99s success stories to diverse audiences locally, nationally, and internationally. The incumbent also participates in the planning, marketing and execution of events, as well as provides communications support for major initiatives (e.g., strategic plan) led by the Office of the Dean.

Organizational Status

The incumbent reports directly to and receives strategic direction from the Director of Communications and Events. The incumbent works with wide latitude and independence and maintains close working relationships with all units within the Faculty of Education, as well as with communicators, media relations staff, and other information service providers across campus. The incumbent collaborates closely with the Faculty of Education\xe2\x80\x99s unit-level communicators, the Development and Alumni Engagement team, the Office of Research in Education and other Faculty of Education personnel on Faculty-wide communications and media relations projects.

Work Performed

The incumbent works closely with the Director of Communications and Events to develop strategic approaches to communications, outreach and media relations, including creating and distributing content, with a view to enhancing the Faculty of Education\xe2\x80\x99s reputation locally, nationally and internationally. Critical areas of responsibility include oversight of the Faculty of Education\xe2\x80\x99s website, social media channels, publications, internal communications, brand strategy, media relations, and other communications initiatives.

Strategic directions and planning for communications:

• In conjunction with the Director of Communication and Events, leads annual planning of communications projects and initiatives, manages project timelines and develops approaches to issues management, with the goal of promoting the Faculty of Education at local, national and international levels
• Provides strategic input on the development of key messages, audience identification, strategic approaches and evaluation measures as relevant to current projects and job responsibilities
• May provide issues management and crisis communication support, as required

Writing:

• Independently conducts research, collects data and reviews information from various sources to write or edit a variety of communications materials, including in-depth research profiles, social media content, reports, articles, speeches and presentations to promote Faculty of Education success stories and provide key updates
• Demonstrates deep understanding of the Faculty of Education\xe2\x80\x99s areas of excellence and the ability to convey complex academic theories and findings into compelling communications to the media and other audiences

Strategic management of web and social media channels:

• Works closely with Office of the Dean communications staff on the ongoing strategic management of the Faculty\xe2\x80\x99s website, including coordinating content generation, developing electronic design via InDesign and Photoshop and graphic standards, facilitating intelligent navigation and audience engagement, as well as implementation of changes, including writing content, web programming via WordPress HTML and CSS, re-structuring sections, adjusting menus etc.
• Manages social media accounts, creating content and overseeing content creation, monitoring, and strategic development of existing and new communications channels
• Generates ongoing editorial content for Faculty communications vehicles, including, but not limited to: Faculty website, annual and community reports, electronic newsletters, researcher profiles, media releases, digital signage and videos
• Ensures quality, frequency and alignment with the Faculty\xe2\x80\x99s strategic goals and key messages

Strategic relationships across UBC and beyond:

• Maintains collegial and productive working relationships with other units at UBC, including UBC Media Relations and communicators in central units (e.g., VPRI, Office of the Provost), and with journalists working for radio, television and the print media regionally, nationally and internationally to garner media attention
• May act as a key liaison between the Faculty of Education and external organizations, such as government, media, industry and the wider community in general for specific projects as assigned

Development and implementation of Faculty-wide communications standards:

• In conjunction with the Director of Communications and Events, develops and refines Faculty of Education-wide communications standards that are presented in a dynamic brand guide
• Establishes and maintains high standards for aesthetic quality and accuracy of Faculty publications in print and electronic media, and provides expertise to all Faculty units toward maintaining
• Provides guidance to unit-level communicators on communications matters, including content and visual standards, copywriting, editorial standards and compliance with the Faculty of Education brand guide and communications protocols

Strategic relationships with other Faculty of Education units:

• Provides leadership on integrated communications planning and processes across the Office of the Dean, the Office of Research in Education, Development and Alumni Engagement, the Office of Indigenous Education and other units to ensure all communications are compliant with UBC and Faculty of Education policies, brand guidelines, and communications protocols
• Provides communications support and expertise, including writing and editing for Office of the Dean leadership and staff, as required (e.g., speaking notes, announcements, media quotes, content for presentations and annual reports, etc.)

Research profile and reputation management:

• Leads the development and implementation of a variety of marketing and communications projects and initiatives to strengthen and enhance the Faculty of Education brand and research profile regionally, nationally and internationally
• Works closely with communications colleagues across campus to promote research and innovation stories and successes
• Plans and delivers on research-related communications initiatives, such as fact sheets, research impact statements, media quotes, etc.
• Collaborates with other UBC communicators to build relationships and ensure communication methods and messaging are complementary and consistent to provide maximum value to the Faculty of Education

Event planning:

• In conjunction with the Director of Communication and Events, participates in event preparation and implementation, including, but not limited to: securing venues, caterers, photographers, videographers and other contractors; conducting guest research and creating marketing lists; developing and publishing promotional materials; coordinating stage, audio-visual and IT setup; coordinating day-of event setup, registration and event delivery; conducting rehearsals and debriefs; and budget development
• Works flexibly and collaboratively with colleagues and co-hosts to plan and execute components which may include attending or leading event planning meetings, and liaising with visiting guests (speakers) or stakeholders
• Consults on matters of protocol, including members of Indigenous communities, government branches, etc.
• Ensures that UBC policies related to event management are adhered to

Consequences of Error/Impact of Decisions

The incumbent requires a high degree of maturity, autonomy, collegiality and independence. Errors in judgment or action could negatively impact the reputation of the Faculty of Education and the university at a local and international level. The incumbent exercises sound judgement and makes responsible decisions in determining the content of various publications and the preparation of articles and news releases. Inappropriate or inaccurate content and/or statements may seriously affect the image and reputation of individuals or the Faculty and the University as a whole.

Supervision Received

The incumbent reports to the Director of Communications and Events. The incumbent works independently and consults the Director of Communications and Events regarding large projects, and unusual or complex problems. Work undertaken requires the incumbent to take initiative to plan and complete recurring assignments independently. A variety of job tasks require ongoing prioritization and collaboration with other team members. Deviations from practices, finalization of budgets, and delicate matters are referred to the Director of Communications and Events. Work is subject to approval by the Director of Communications and Events, and periodic formal reviews. The incumbent\xe2\x80\x99s duties are governed by broad instructions and policies, involving frequently changing conditions and priorities.

Supervision Given

May oversee the work of the Communications Coordinator, Work Learn students, other student employees, temporary staff and contractors of the Communications and Events team in the Office of the Dean.

Working Conditions
Works in an office environment. Occasional evening and weekend hours are expected in order to attend work-related functions, including local off-campus functions.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum five years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications
An undergraduate degree in journalism, communications, marketing, or public relations with a minimum of 5 years of writing, journalism or communications writing experience is required. Graphic design (i.e. InDesign, Photoshop) experience strongly preferred. Web programming (i.e., WordPress, HTML, CSS) experience and event planning experience are considered asset.

• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing media relations strategies to meet the needs of a diverse set of stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience gathering and drafting reader-worthy content in complex environments, preferably in a public sector or post-secondary setting
• Ability to assimilate materials from a wide variety of sources and assemble them in a coherent fashion
• Superior communications writing, editing and proofreading skills
• Effective oral communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to exercise confidentiality, tact and discretion in dealing with all levels of administration and external stakeholders
• Ability to work well with others, demonstrate effective intercultural communication skills and sensitivities, and deal professionally and diplomatically with others at all times
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to take appropriate initiative, prioritize and work effectively under pressure and meet the deadlines and demands of a high-profile office
• Ability to effectively resolve client complaints in a calm manner and exercise sound judgment