Communications Manager

Job Category

Job Profile

Job Title

Department

Compensation Range

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 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

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

Job End Date

This is a part-time 60% position for leave replacement. The full-time salary range will be prorated accordingly.

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
The Communications Manager works to determine the communications needs of the Geography Department and advises on the appropriate communication tools to use in order to meet those needs. The position will play a pivotal role in the planning of communications projects and participates in the development of communications strategies including the ability to translate the research output of the Department to the general public and prospective students in a compelling way. The incumbent also manages and coordinates electronic and print communications including the Geography website faculty research websites social media digital signage podcasts and videos. The incumbent also supports communications and advertising of fee-for-service initiatives such as the Geographic Information Centre.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Administrator receives direction from the Department Head. Liaises with the Arts Communications team to ensure adherence to Arts and UBC brand guidelines and communications best practices. Works closely with members of the Arts Communications team and other campus communicators.

Works with faculty staff graduate students and representatives from other departments and other organizations. Works closely with the IT staff in developing electronic communications strategies. Provides instruction and guidance to Geography members on communications and website issues.

Work Performed

Strategic Communications

• Develops and implements departmental communication strategies.

• Plans and oversees high-level content across platforms (web newsletters social media podcasts videos).

• Identifies and acts on opportunities to promote research teaching and community engagement.

• Writes and edits stories op-eds press releases and features for external audiences.

• Leads social media strategy staying current on trends analytics and best practices.

• Coordinates donor-facing communications in collaboration with UBC Development.

• Collaborates with Arts Communications and other partners on media outreach and campaigns.

• Advises faculty on knowledge translation and public dissemination of research.

• Monitors and shares media coverage relevant to the department.

Content Development

• Maintains and updates the department website; manages content flow and quality.

• Writes edits and streamlines website content in coordination with faculty and staff.

• Translates complex academic research into accessible formats for broad audiences.

• Creates and modifies web templates for interactive applications.

• Provides technical support and training on website and communication platforms.

• Prepares user guides supporting best practices and delivers in-person support as needed.

Media Production

• Coordinates the production of multimedia content including videos podcasts and photography.

• Produces engaging content to showcase departmental research and activities.

• Hires and supervises contractors as needed for media projects.

• Oversees digital signage content ensuring policy compliance.

Public Engagement

• Supports departmental events (colloquia lectures receptions book launches).

• Assists in organizing student-facing events and workshops.

• Develops alumni engagement initiatives through newsletters events and social media.

• Designs and produces branded materials for events and outreach.

Other Responsibilities

• Provides backup for other staff.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Inappropriate or incorrect communications reflect poorly on the department. Poorly designed websites (ones that have significant numbers of inactive links) would negatively impact the educational experience of students and increase the time instructors must spend dealing with questions. Incorrect decisions/judgment will negatively affect the Geography programs the success and operations of the department and the reputation of the University. Failure to proactively monitor and investigate new technology could mean extra time and funding are spent unnecessarily on outdated and cumbersome procedures. Failure to evaluate thoroughly the impact of new operations (e.g. through consultation with affected parties and real costs in funding and time) could result in dissatisfaction and extra cost. Not staying current on security practices relevant laws and procedures (i.e. Copyright) could lead to legal action for the University.

Supervision Received
Reports to the Administrator receives direction from the Department Head who provide the goals to be achieved and timeframes involved when assigning new initiatives. Steps to achieve the goals would be devised by the incumbent. Work is reviewed in terms of achievement of high professional standards in the delivery of communications services. Is expected to anticipate potential issues or problems based on a thorough knowledge of Geography operations and to develop effective solutions.

Supervision Given
May supervise other staff involved in communications or student workers.

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 ones own.

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing ones own awareness knowledge and skills related to equity diversity and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate in Geography an asset.

• Experience in journalism or communication services which includes social media and multimedia aspects is an asset (broad-based public relations an asset).

• Outstanding oral and written communication.

• Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner.

• Ability to select and prepare the most effective communication media for a situation.

• Ability to adapt to changing technology and practices.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment.

• Familiarity with copyright law privacy and security practices (e.g. FIPPA) an asset.

• Ability to understand specialized geography research summarize key findings and convey them to a variety of audiences in lay terms.

• Ability to deal with a diverse group of people in a calm courteous and effective manner and to work effectively with various levels of administration and university personnel.

• Ability to analyze problems identify key information and issues and resolve accordingly.

• Ability to take a high level of initiative and clearly communicate economic ideas.

• Enthusiasm open to trying new things and ability to recognizing opportunities.

• Ability to conduct needs analyses plan organize manage monitor complete and evaluate projects within allocated time and resources.

• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.

• Ability to effectively design create content and modify web sites.

• Experience in web design including knowledge of open-source website technologies an asset as well as familiarity with Content Management Systems (especially WordPress) an asset.

• Ability to effectively engage faculty to provide content for the creation and dissemination of podcasts videos and news releases.

• Demonstrates capability to quickly and independently become proficient in new technology platforms such as new social media technologies producing podcasts building websites and finding new and innovative ways to meet communication goals.

• Ability to set priorities and work effectively on several projects simultaneously in a high-volume dynamic environment to meet deadlines.

• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.

• Ability to be thorough accurate and have a high level of attention to detail including copywriting skills and the ability to edit and proof-read documents and news releases.

• Ability to exercise a high level of diplomacy tact and discretion when working with information of a confidential and/or sensitive nature.