Communications Specialist

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

M&P - AAPS

Job Profile

AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level A

Job Title

Communications Specialist (Creative Content)

Department

Communications | VP Research and Innovation Office

Compensation Range

$5, $8,323.42 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

December 19, 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 Description Summary

The Communications Specialist (Creative Content) helps to promote the activities and support provided by the Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) portfolio and helps to tell the story of the impact of UBC research and scholarship through the development of creative materials (graphics, video, photography, podcasts, animation etc.). This individual is a talented creative, who has a passion for supporting the communication of research and innovation through visual and audio media.

The role is responsible for producing creative assets for the VPRI portfolio, with a particular focus on support for Innovation UBC. A strong proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud is required and a basic understanding of website content management systems is an asset.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Senior Manager, Communications in the Office of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation. Works closely with Innovation UBC and with other members of the VPRI office and portfolio, research faculty and staff, and campus communicators to deliver objectives.

Work Performed

• Works with the Senior Manager, Communications in the VPRI Office and colleagues in portfolio units, to identify opportunities to create audio and visual assets that:
• • promote activities, programs and events that support the research community;
• support storytelling activities that illustrate research excellence and impact; and
• align with UBC brand guidelines and the tone and messaging of the specific units.
• Creates and edits creative assets to meet identified opportunities. This includes graphic design, photography, videography, animation and audio interviews. The range of materials produced may include digital signage, website banners, posters, digital and hardcopy reports, toolkits, infographics, media assets included in blog posts/website stories/social media, podcasts and short videos.
• Researches, creates and edits a variety of communications materials. Develops content for websites and other digital communication platforms in collaboration with the VPRI Office and other portfolio units, with accountability for creating and editing communication materials. Provides research, fact-checking and additional support where needed.
• Researches, manages, and develops web-based communication strategies and materials using knowledge of graphic and web design, social media tools, web content management systems, and various web-based platforms.
• Participates in the strategic conceptualization of projects, and is responsible for the implementation of these projects. Establishes project timelines, milestones and deliverables. Manages project progress, liaises as necessary, and ensures timelines are met. Follows up and takes-action as necessary to help ensure project targets are met.
• Collaborates with colleagues in portfolio units and the VPRI communications team to contribute ideas and creative approaches to help shape the narrative and structure of videos, podcasts and other audiovisual products.
• Engages with faculty members, graduate students, staff, and spinoff companies in producing content.
• Develops and manages digital asset management systems to ensure that all creative assets are securely stored, managed and catalogued.
• Provides design and creative guidance and advice to units in the VPRI portfolio.
• Provides photo and video coverage of, and audio-visual support for, events, workshops and training sessions.
• Other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This position requires a high degree of maturity, autonomy, collegiality and independence. Errors in judgment or action could negatively impact the reputation of the university at an international level and impact the ability of the VPRI Office to provide trusted and effective support to the UBC research community and external partners.

Supervision Received

Reports to the Senior Manager, Communications in the VPRI Office, and works under general direction. Work is reviewed in terms of conformance with established standards and specific objectives. When working with units in the VPRI portfolio, task-specific supervision may be provided by the respective units in consultation with the Senior Manager, Communication.

Supervision Given

May supervise student workers.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum four 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

• Graphic design degree or diploma preferred. Graphic design experience preferably in a not-for-profit agency and/or educational setting.
• Demonstrated experience designing a variety of communications and marketing collateral pieces.
• Skilled using video, photo & graphic design software within the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly: InDesign, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Lightroom and Illustrator.
• Experience in website content management systems an asset.
• Project management expertise, ability to prioritize and meet tight timelines.
• Digital design skills and high level of expertise.
• Professional manner, customer-service orientation and comfort with a fast-paced environment.
• Positive, creative, collaborative and organized.
• Ability to manage changing priorities, concurrent projects and demanding deadlines.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of events.