Communications and Engagement Strategist

Staff - Non UnionJob CategoryM&P - AAPSJob ProfileAAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level BJob TitleCommunications and Engagement StrategistDepartmentUBCO | Communications and Government Relations | Office of Deputy Vice-Chancellor and PrincipalCompensation Range$6, $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 DateDecember 6, 2025

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

Job End Date

January 5, 2027

NOTE: This is a fixed term leave replacement appointment for a Maternity leave. 12-14months.

NOTE: This is a fixed term leave replacement appointment for a Maternity leave. 12-14months.

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
This position manages complex communications projects and initiatives, employs diverse communications tools and storytelling techniques, and coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to create and distribute compelling content that highlights UBC Okanagan's academic mission, community impact and institutional priorities in a variety of mediums and formats, as appropriate. This position is responsible for the development, tracking and processing of a diverse array of communications materials for the Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (P&DVC) office.

Organizational Status
This position works with independence and maintains close working relationships with P&DVC leadership and staff, University Relations, faculty and unit communicators and other communications professionals across both campuses.

Work Performed

Content Development

• Develops and executes communications strategies
• Develops content to support strategic communications plans for target audiences, including faculty, staff, students and external stakeholders.
• Manages communications projects, determines project timelines and budgets and develops contingency plans to keep projects on track.
• Manages projects and coordinates workflow of content providers, editors, designers and external service providers.
• Researches and writes a wide range of communication materials, including but not limited to correspondence; web copy; presentations; teaching, research and community engagement articles and stories; videos; speaking notes; and briefing materials.
• Edits a range of communication materials for style, substance and organization; reorganizes text to create consistency in grammar, format, message and voice, recommending substantive editorial changes as needed.
• Reviews, proofs and fact-checks copy, and provides layout-ready copy according to UBC brand editorial style guide specifications.
• Provides fact-checking support and research where required.
• Identifies the most appropriate communication channel for communication messages, including digital, print and social media mediums, and distributes and implements as needed.
• Ensures that messages are delivered in a coordinated fashion across appropriate communications channels.
• Evaluates publishing requirements and provides recommendations regarding media and format.
• Collaborates with internal units and external service providers to plan and organize video and photo shoots.
• Co-develops video concepts and develops and manages project plan. 
• Creates effective presentations and materials to ensure the broader campus community is aware of university initiatives; campus, portfolio and unit priorities; and strategic opportunities.
• Utilizes UBC branded templates and, where appropriate, works with creative services partners in University Relations to create social media graphics, charts/graphs, infographics, posters, etc.
• Coordinates and execute events, both virtual and in-person, as needed in support of the P&DVC office objectives.
• Manages the P&DVC's key annual events, including Town Halls and Principal's Updates. Provides quality assurance support, as needed, for internal and external events involving the P&DVC.
• Maintains familiarity with major communications trends, issues and technologies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Digital communications

• Leads new web development projects for P&DVC office.
• Writes/edits/publishes content for P&DVC-owned digital channels (social media, websites, newsletters, bulletins) and tracks performance to adjust as necessary and ensure increased engagement.
• Maintains a monthly social media content calendar and monitors social media.
• Reviews data/analytics on a regular basis, provides summary reports and develops innovative solutions to solve complex, multifaceted problems.
• Audits, creates and edits content within a web content management system (WordPress)
• Advocates for the adoption of best practices in website information organization and user-centered design to balance the needs of the audience with the units' goals.
• Researches, develops and drafts web-based communication materials using knowledge of web content management systems, graphic and web design, social media tools, and creating and delivering messages in various web-based platforms.
• Performs routine content audits on the P&DVC website, editing, archiving and creating content as required.

Support for other sub-units

• Provides communication and other support as needed related to the UBC Okanagan United Way campaign. Activities include contributing to campaign planning, conducting website updates and maintenance, drafting and distribution of campaign promotion messaging and social media communications.
• Provides communication support to offices and sub-units reporting to the P&DVC, as needed

Relationship/Project Management

• Fosters close working relationships with P&DVC leadership and staff; Faculty communicators; University Relations (communications and marketing, public affairs, community engagement, ceremonies and protocol); and UBC Studios to ensure timely and relevant sharing of information on overlapping projects and stay up to date on these partners' own activities.
• Coordinates internal and external communication resources (i.e. video production, graphic design).
• Participates in Communicators Network and other relevant working groups, as required.
• Works collaboratively with units across campus, as necessary, to design and produce various promotional materials to support the needs of P&DVC office. Materials include presentations; publications/brochures; event materials and programming; and digital and physical signage.
• Works with campus staff and external agencies, as necessary, to coordinate and develop photo and video shoots both on and off campus.
• Ensures communication and marketing materials are compliant and align with UBC brand guidelines.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This position requires a high level of discretion, judgment, and initiative. Documentation and information that passes through the P&DVC office is often highly sensitive and/or confidential; as such, this position will be required to show the utmost discretion. Poor judgment could have significant negative implications for the P&DVC office and the university in general.

This position requires a high degree of maturity, autonomy, collegiality and independence. This position must make decisions on how to best manage projects considering elements including short timeframes, relative strategic importance and the impact of failing to meet deadlines.

Works under the general direction of supervisor. Work reviewed in terms of conformance with established standards and specific objectives. Makes decisions regarding the design, composition, writing and editing of communication materials. Makes recommendations on appropriate communications vehicles to achieve stated goals. Manages multiple tasks requiring judgement in prioritization.

Supervision Received
This position works independently with direct supervision from the Manager, Government Relations and Executive Communication in the P&DVC Office.

Supervision Given
None.

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

• Proven experience with use of Microsoft Office applications at an advanced level.
• Demonstrated experience working with web content management and social media tools in an organizational and/or corporate environment; knowledge of graphic and web design principles is also beneficial.
• Experience in creating and delivering messages in various platforms. Proficiency using Adobe Creative Cloud and/or Canva, Microsoft 360, Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
• Photography/videography experience and skills would be an asset.
• Knowledge of content management systems (WordPress) and user-experience (U/X) best practices.
• Advanced understanding of digital media and social media and knowledge of web content management systems (particularly WordPress).
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to conduct a needs assessment, plan, organize, manage, monitor, complete and evaluate projects within allocated time and resources.  
• Ability to adapt writing styles for various purposes, for different media requirements and for different audiences.
• Ability to compose correspondence, reports, presentations and other written materials using clear concise business English.
• Ability to think critically and make thoughtful, informed and thorough decisions.
• Strong planning, organizational, time-management, decision-making, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of the principles and practices of communications, marketing, new media, public engagement and stakeholder relations.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement digital performance metrics using Google Analytics and other relevant tools and advanced understanding of digital and social media platforms and content strategies.
• Familiarity with blogs, wikis and basic HTML is an asset.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.
• Ability to work with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Exceptional organizational and multi-tasking skills.  
• Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines across multiple portfolio units.
• Strong commitment to accuracy and attention to detail.

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