Job Description

Staff - Non Union
Job Category M&P - AAPS
Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level B
Job Title Digital Communications Specialist
Department Communications and Knowledge Translation | Dean's Office | Faculty of Science
Compensation Range $6,747.50 - $9,701.42 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 9, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date Ongoing
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 Summary
The Digital Communication Specialist enhances UBC Science's online presence and reputation by creating inspirational web and other digital content for the Faculty, and supports the development and operation of the Faculty's digital communication initiatives and channels.
The role is responsible for content development, updates, information architecture, and user interface (UI) structure across the website ecosystem, and also supports email marketing, social media, video and digital signage content development. The incumbent collects and analyzes user analytics, ensures that websites are effective and engaging, and enhances the system-wide user experience. The role requires a passion for clear and compelling writing, user experience, and research- and data-driven communications.
Organizational Status
UBC Science brings together a community of more than 11,000 students and scholars internationally recognized for their commitment to discovery and innovation. Our vision: Improving our world through science. Our mission: Working together to advance scientific knowledge through research, education, and engagement. Our research in environmental science, math, plant and animal science, computer science, oceanography, geology and microbiology are consistently rated best in Canada by international and national rankings.
This position resides within the Dean's Office, Faculty of Science, and reports to the Director of Communications. The incumbent is part of an agile communications and STEM knowledge translation team. The role interacts deeply with student-, alumni- and other public-facing units across the Dean's office, and collaborate with UBC's Web Services team and external vendors.
Work Performed
Develops, maintains and evaluates content for core UBC Science dean's office, sub-unit, and unit websites. Updates websites using the Drupal content management system (CMS). Performs iterative content reviews, develop content strategy, including scoping, timelines and workflows.
Provides training in web writing and using the CMS for website owners and subunits, and develops a community of practice in web communications and usability best practices.
Collaborates with website owners, subunits and clients to implement and leverage the website CMS to improve the user experience. Works with vendors or internal UBC web development teams to develop CMS features, maintain and enhance the Faculty's Drupal framework.
Develops, evaluates, implements and maintains website information architectures. Researches and applies up-to-date web communications and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices to implement continual web improvements.
Analyzes, reports on, and makes recommendations regarding site usability using tools like Looker Studio and Google Analytics 4.
Works with the Director and Manager of Communications to set the strategic direction for digital channels across the Faculty. In collaboration with the Communications Manager, helps develop, plan and implement paid and organic social media and other digital content.
Designs and produces a variety of visual and multimedia assets and content for web, social media and other new media channels.
Performs related duties as required.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The quality of work and decisions made by the Digital Communication Specialist will have an impact on the goals and overall efficacy of the Faculty, as well as on the ability of its portfolios to support UBC's strategic objectives. The consequence of error associated with this position is serious--a mistake could have a negative impact on the perceptions international and Canadian audiences have of the Faculty, its research and programs. Incorrect or erroneous information delivered through online channels (including websites, social media and advertising) could mislead or misinform stakeholders, alumni, prospective students, members of the media, and the university community. Poor performance in this role could ultimately embarrass UBC and reflect negatively on its reputation as one of Canada's leading universities.
Supervision Received
Works independently, under the general strategic guidance of the Director, Communications. Receives program- and business-level guidance from website owners and clients. Work is reviewed in terms of achievement of high professional standards in the delivery of UX design and practice, content quality, and the evaluation of related metrics.
Supervision Given
May work with external vendors or UBC Central IT web teams for project work, and supervise student employees as needed. The position is expected to make moderately complex decisions, with guidance provided in exceptional circumstances.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate 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 one's own.
Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in communications, marketing or journalism.
Demonstrated skills in writing for the web, digital publishing, research, information hierarchies, content strategy.
Experience in using and administering CMSs, specifically Drupal.
Experience with CSS and HTML.
Familiar with search engine optimization and metadata strategy.
Experience in Google Analytics 4 to provide breakdowns of basic site metrics and user reports.
Intermediate level of graphic design skills using Adobe Creative Suite software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Familiar with Microsoft Office and Teams.
Professional experience with social media management and email marketing platforms.
Ability to exercise diplomacy, tact and discretion when working with confidential or sensitive information and in dealing with various levels of administration and external agencies.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail. Demonstrated organizational skills in project and time management.
Demonstrated strong interest in science and enthusiasm for engaging with scientific topics and environments is an asset.
Experience and comfort with photography and videography are considered assets, though not required.

Skills Required