Job Description

Staff - Non Union
Job Category M&P - AAPS
Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level D
Job Title Director of Communications
Department Faculty Operations | Dean of Arts Office | Faculty of Arts
Compensation Range $7,933.42 - $12,395.83 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date September 1, 2022
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.
Job End Date
Summary

The Director of Communications, Faculty of Arts is responsible for the strategic direction in creating a unified, integrated and centralized hub for all communications, along with brand building within the Faculty of Arts.

The Director of Communications is also responsible for the promotion of the faculty s strategic narrative and the brand of the faculty. An essential priority for this role is relationship building across the faculty identifying potential opportunities, collaborations and organizational alignment within the broader mandate of the faculty. This position is also responsible for exploring, developing, and expanding the faculty s community engagement initiatives, social media presence and development support.

The Director is a key administrator within the Assistant Dean Faculty Operations Senior Management Team, playing a critical role in developing, managing and leading the strategic development of systems, processes, planning, promotion and implementation, media relations and crisis management. The position promotes and elevates the faculty s reputation at the local, provincial, national and international levels while ensuring integration with University wide communications plans and projects aligned with UBC s strategies in the area of research excellence, local and global engagement, and transformative learning.

Organizational Status

Working autonomously, this role reports directly to the Assistant Dean, Faculty Operations in Arts. The Director works closely and build relationship with UBC s Communications & Media Relations, Public Affairs, Government Relations, UBCO, University Affairs, VP.

Research/International. Works directly with Heads and Directors across the Faculty of Arts.

Work Performed

Leads, develops and implements communication strategies, both internal and external, for the Faculty of Arts that engage staff, faculty, students and external partners in our organizational priorities.

Oversees and leads a team of communication and marketing strategists to plan and implement a new operating model for integrated distributed communications and marketing - unifying, promoting and elevating Art s reputation - from local and provincial level (UBCO collaboration; Indigenous Initiatives; alumni outreach) to international partner universities and institutions (both academic and research).

Provides input into the development of the Faculty of Arts strategic plan, responsible for conceptualization, design and implementation of the Faculty of Arts communications and marketing plans, programs, projects that advance the Faculty s strategic initiatives, enhance donor relations and fundraising and marketing activities.

Develops and executes a robust digital engagement strategy for the Faculty: working in partnership with UBC s centralized Communications & Marketing team and other stakeholders and departmental communicators to help elevate and enhance brand reputation of the Faculty, through storytelling, and where appropriate, more consistent branded communications and marketing that align with UBC s overall brand identity.

Build a Communications Office within Faculty of Arts that lays out a clear framework for communications including governance, review processes, escalation mechanisms, policies and procedures, and roles and responsibilities.

Design, develop and implement an effective and appropriate organizational structure and team; including management and mentoring of staff responsible for Faculty-wide communications and marketing activities.

Leads the graphics, signage activities of the Faculty of Arts; setting program standards.

Provides expert communications counsel executive, senior leadership team and individuals within the Faculty of Arts.

Advises in response to any public relations crisis management and develops mission critical strategies for crisis and incident management.

Drives communications innovation across the Faculty by spearheading new and/or improved methods of communication with external and internal stakeholders, staff, faculty and students to enhance opportunities for information sharing and two-way dialogue. Cultivation and maintenance of relationships beneficial to advancing the Faculty s interests with a wide variety of interest groups including faculty, public affairs, government offices, other institutions and professional associations, donors and funders.

Creates and fosters an environment of collaboration, innovation, best practice sharing, and strong partnership (working with other communicators across the Faculty, ARTS ISIT, UBC, partner universities). Closely collaborate and lend specific support to fundraising and major gifts activities of the Development Office through development of communications strategies, programs and materials.

Assesses communications opportunities and analyzes resulting media coverage. Develops and maintains contacts with external media to bring to their attention discoveries, innovations and student activities.

Works closely with key stakeholders including Faculty Government Relations, UBC Government Relations, and UBC Public Affairs in development of pro-active strategies and key messaging for issues management.

Works closely with project management and change management units within the Faculty to ensure communications strategies are aligned strategically and appropriately.

Identifies workforce value-add opportunities and hires and supervises external consultants and contractors as needed, to drive optimal communications, engagement and marketing results.

Responsible for the management of Faculty s communications annual budget that supports strategic and annual plans.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Must be able to work independently and exercise extensive judgment and decision making in managing proactive and reactive communications needs and issues. Every action and decision made could have significant impact on the brand equity and reputation of the Faculty and potentially the University. The quality, ethics, integrity, and accuracy of communicated information/publications produced by this position are critical to the Faculty. Given the wide distribution of these materials and the diverse audiences of the Faculty s publications e.g., alumni, potential donors, provincial and federal government leaders, knowledge based businesses, public schools and the media as well as across the University including senior administrators, Arts faculty and other UBC units, inaccurate and inappropriate or poor messaging could seriously affect the image and reputation of faculty members, the Faculty and the University as a whole and could result in poor fundraising and/or negative perception of the University s academic record. Poor judgement may lead to poor quality of publications and affect the image of the Faculty or may lead to overly high costs and damage to the Faculty s overall budget. Requires professional judgements and initiative in managing special projects. Requires high level of tact, discretion and negotiating skills to effectively bring together and coordinate input from various stakeholders.

Supervision Received

Works with minimal guidance under broad guidelines established through the Assistant Dean, Faculty Operations: Arts. The individual in this position will be expected to work independently and report to the Assistant Dean. This position also works closely with the Faculty s executive team and with communication professionals across the university, and partner universities.

Supervision Given

This position manages several direct and indirect reports as well as external communications service providers.

Preferred Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.University degree in Communications or Journalism preferred.A minimum of 8 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.Experience with communications services, including experience operating at a strategic level with accountability for communications and marketing. Proven track record and demonstrated accomplishments in media relations, and issues management, including strong written and oral skills, ability to assess the broad implication of developments, anticipate issues and develop proactive strategies to mitigate risk. Able to work in a complex environment with a diverse range of stakeholders. Significant experience and demonstrated skill in developing, implementing and evaluating strategic communications plans, marketing and engagement strategies, including development of brand architecture and brand strategies, and understanding of social media and emerging digital platforms. Innovative thinker with the ability to lead in new directions and position the Faculty of Arts as a leader in communications within the University. Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team environment; ability to motivate a team and develop relationships to move initiatives forward. Strong organizational and project management skills. Ability to exercise judgment, tact, discretion and creativity. Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and to juggle multiple priorities and assignments. Ability to think and act independently and see the broad implications of events; evaluate long range opportunities and potential problems. Exceptional service orientation and interpersonal skills.