Communications Specialist

University of British Columbia•Vancouver, BC

About The Position

The Communications Specialist plays a critical role in helping UBC's Internal Communications team establish and maintain strategic, campus-wide communications to inform and engage the university's faculty and staff. With an audience of more than 16,000 people, this role will support the delivery of strategic, timely, informative, two-way communication to a diverse range of groups. The Internal Communications team comprises a Director, Internal Communications and two Managers, Internal Communications. The Communications Specialist will report to one of the Managers, Internal Communications. The role will work closely with all members of the team, as well as communications colleagues from across the university. This role is responsible for the planning, development and implementation of university-wide faculty and staff communications initiatives, aligned with UBC's strategic plan. The position reports to the Manager, Internal Communications and works collaboratively with colleagues within Internal Communications, the Communications Portfolio as well as stakeholders across the university.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
Minimum of five years' 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.

Nice To Haves

Diploma in Communications or Journalism preferred.
Proven experience in developing and executing strategic communications plans.
A proven strategic storyteller who can plan, create, and implement a broad range of digital and non-digital communications tactics to support and promote organizational goals.
Understands the dynamics of a fast-paced, ever-changing environment and can prioritize effectively.
Experience working in a large, complex institutional or multi-stakeholder environment is an asset.
Demonstrated ability to work in a project-based environment, handle multiple and concurrent priorities, assess own performance, and regularly report on project status.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Experience with Adobe Creative Suite an asset.
Knowledge and experience using web CMS and/or email tools preferred.
Strong oral and written communication, presentation, facilitation and interpersonal skills.
Ability to establish rapport with colleagues within the university community; utilize judgment and sensitivity in presenting issues.
Possesses a collaborative, team-focused working style.
Self-sufficient and self-motivated.
Lives our team values by being a good listener and collaborator, a creative storyteller and problem solver.

Responsibilities

Under provided frameworks, develops and implements a range of communications initiatives and projects including prioritizing, planning, executing, and measuring communications plans.
Tracks and reports on project milestones and provides status updates to the Internal Communications team.
Develops, writes, designs and edits materials such as community stories, website content, surveys and research reports.
Leads on the compiling and editing of UBC Today, the bi-weekly university-wide newsletter for all UBC faculty and staff.
Acts as Editor for The Watercooler, the quarterly newsletter for the External Relations portfolio.
Responsible for the production of faculty and staff communications, sourcing imagery, creating and editing copy, proofing materials, and managing data lists.
Develops new storytelling strategies, tactics and content for multi-channel publishing.
Manages the Internal Communications web presence, uploading and archiving announcements and community stories.
Works with the Manager, Internal Communications to create and maintain a new university-wide website for faculty and staff.
Works with the broader Communications Portfolio to drive university-wide internal communications initiatives.
Ensures the UBC brand, and diversity of its faculty and staff, are connected and relevant across internal communications platforms.
Acts as an internal communications champion, spearheading new and/or improved methods of communicating with faculty and staff (including use of new media platforms).
Exercises a high level of diplomacy and discretion, and develops strong rapport and relationships with all stakeholder groups.
Performs other related duties as required.