Job Description

Staff - Non UnionJob Category M&P - AAPSJob Profile AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level DJob Title Senior Manager of Marketing and CommunicationsDepartment Management | Innovation UBCCompensation Range $9,048.67 - $14,114.17 CAD MonthlyThe 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 September 12, 2024Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.Job End DateAt 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.OverviewThe Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications for Innovation UBC plays a pivotal strategic role in enhancing the visibility and impact of UBCs pioneering research and innovation initiatives. This position is essential for amplifying the success stories of UBCs research and innovation, supported by the three key units of Innovation UBC: Sponsored Research, Technology Transfer, and entrepreneurship@UBC. This position is responsible for a significant budget with expectations of increasing sponsored research funding (currently $200m/yr), technology licensing revenues (currently $20m/yr), and UBC spin-off company financing (
$20m/yr) through their marketing and communication activities. Through visionary leadership, intensive research, and discerning judgment, the Senior Manager will develop marketing and communication strategies and content for diverse audiences, driving engagement, fostering relationships and as a result beneficial revenue to the University. This role reinforces UBCs position as a global leader in research, innovation, and commercialization.Job SummaryThe role entails developing and leading an integrated marketing and communications strategy to align with Innovation UBC's goals and promote UBC's research achievements. The incumbent will collaborate with senior leadership to craft and implement a unified vision for UBCs research impact, targeting key audiences with tailored messaging. They will spearhead content creation, manage media relations, and lead event planning to showcase UBCs research. Budget and resource management are key, including supervising a marketing team and contractors. The role requires at least eight years of experience in strategic marketing and communications, exceptional skills, and a passion for fostering innovation within the academic community.Organizational Status
The position reports to the Managing Director - Innovation UBC and requires a high degree of autonomy and collaboration.Work PerformedStrategic Planning and Vision:

• Develop and lead a holistic and integrated marketing and communications strategy that aligns with the goals of Innovation UBC and its constituent units. This strategy will promote the achievements of UBC research as supported by Sponsored Research, Technology Transfer, and entrepreneurship@UBC.
• Exercise independent decision-making and sound judgment in acting in the strategic interests of the University.
• Conduct research and analysis of information to deliver the best possible content, solutions, and deliverables.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, including the Managing Director and Associate Directors of Innovation UBC, the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation, various Faculties, Deans, and Department Heads of UBC to craft and implement a unified vision for how UBC research impact is perceived both internally within UBC and externally in the broader community.
• Identify and target key audiences, including academic, industry, and government stakeholders, with tailored messaging and engagement plans.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by staying abreast of industry trends and best practices and integrating them into strategic plans.

Leadership in Content and Campaign Management:

• Spearhead the creation and dissemination of high-quality content that effectively communicates UBCs research breakthroughs and entrepreneurial successes. This includes overseeing the production of articles, press releases, newsletters, social media content, and multimedia presentations.
• Translate complex scientific and technological concepts into compelling and accessible content based on thorough research and analysis.
• Produce content for a wide variety of audiences, ensuring brand consistency and strategic alignment across all communication platforms and channels.
• Make critical decisions regarding visual communication materials with discerning judgment to create the best possible solutions.

Media and Public Relations Excellence:

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers to secure impactful coverage of UBCs research and innovation stories.
• Act as the primary spokesperson for Innovation UBC, effectively communicating its mission, achievements, and impact to the media and other external audiences.
• Develop and execute media strategies that highlight UBCs contributions to the innovation ecosystem and promote its research spin-offs and start-ups.

Event Management and Constituent Engagement:

• Lead the planning and execution of high-profile events, including conferences, seminars, and networking receptions, to showcase UBCs research and foster collaboration within the innovation community.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with internal and external constituents, including faculty, researchers, industry partners, and community organizations.

Budget and Resource Management:

• Effectively manage the Innovation UBC marketing and communication budget of $250,000 to ensure the highest possible impact.
• Supervise and mentor the 3-person marketing and communications team members, fostering a collaborative and innovative working environment.
• Manage external marketing and communication contractors on a project by project basis.
• Advise the Technology Transfer group in marketing efforts to identify new leads, resulting in increased licensing activity and revenue for the University.

Support for UBC Spin-offs and Partnerships:

• Lead and advise UBC spin-off companies in creating communication materials necessary for financing by the venture capital community.
• Provide partnership advice and guidance to the Deans of Faculties and Department Heads to maximize the potential for sponsored research with industry, government, and not-for-profit foundations.

Performance Metrics and Evaluation:

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness and impact of marketing and communications initiatives.
• Analyze data from various sources, such as website traffic, social media engagement, and event participation, to inform strategic decisions and improve future campaigns.
• Provide regular reports to senior leadership on the progress and outcomes of marketing efforts.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Decisions may result in the significant gain or loss of potential economic opportunities for the University, including the likelihood and financial magnitude of industry sponsored research, or the long-term value and viability of a new technology in the form of royalty and equity revenue. The potential opportunities may vary from a few tens of thousands of dollars to multi-million dollar agreements. The decisions may also damage the reputation of the faculty, the UILO and the University, or expose the University to unwarranted legal liability.The decisions will enhance or damage the reputation of the faculty, the UILO, and the University. The agreements should protect, not expose, the University to unwarranted legal liability. Decisions are often made under pressure and are considered time-critical in negotiations. In many cases, the results of the decisions may be irreversible.Supervision Received
Reports to the Managing Director - Innovation UBC. The role requires a high degree of autonomy and collaboration with senior leaders and team members. Must respond dynamically to high-priority initiatives as directed by the Managing Director of Innovation UBC.Supervision Given
Responsible for overseeing the work and professional development of the 3 person marketing and communications team. Provides leadership and strategic direction to ensure team alignment with organizational goals.Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum eight years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with ones own- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing ones own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusionPreferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field. A Masters degree is preferred.
• Progressive experience in marketing, communications, or public relations, particularly in roles that involve promoting research, technology transfer, or entrepreneurial activities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and implement strategic marketing initiatives that drive organizational success and stakeholder engagement.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a proven ability to distill complex information into clear and engaging narratives.
• Proficiency in utilizing digital marketing tools and platforms, including social media, email marketing, and content management systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Proven project management skills with a track record of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of the higher education landscape, particularly in research, innovation, and technology transfer is highly desirable.
• A passion for innovation and a commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within the academic community.

University of British Columbia