Special Projects 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

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 will serve as the departments primary communications specialist responsible for coordinating messaging outreach and external addition to communications functions the role will support strategic initiatives partnerships donor engagement and selected international activities to advance the departments visibility and impact.

The Special Projects Manager is responsible for developing managing and executing all communication marketing and outreach strategies to enhance the reputation engagement relationships and awareness of initiatives for all units and programs within the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the local provincial and international level. Working in a matrix reporting structure this role collaborates across Ophthalmology units to implement both department-wide and unit/program-specific strategies through a variety of print web video and digital/social media projects. This role provides writing publishing photography graphic design web design podcasting and video content development and editing skills to the establishment and maintenance of high-quality communications and marketing standards and accuracy of publications in print and web-based media. This role is expected to be able to move seamlessly between communications strategy high-impact marketing projects and integrated communications all while building a strong community within Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. This role includes developing communications for international Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences communities at the direction of the Head.

This position is critical to fundraising initiatives through the creation of reports and development of materials to promote the activities of the Department with internal and external stakeholders. The Communication and Marketing Specialist is expected to meet with stakeholders as required to successfully complete the task.

This role requires an incumbent who is flexible adaptable and comfortable working across multiple units/programs with a high level of ambiguity as systems and processes are established

Organizational Status

The Department of Ophthalmology will strive for excellence in health care delivery education and research. The mission of the staff of the department is to:

• Provide exemplary patient care to set standards and establish a base for outstanding teaching and research programs in Ophthalmology

• Disseminate and preserve knowledge for medical students and postgraduate students and provide continuing medical education for practicing physicians

• Encourage understanding for patients and families of their eye diseases

• Lead and provide research programs in both basic science and clinical studies in Ophthalmology to advance knowledge and contribute to the application of new discoveries for the development and advancement of eye care

• To provide training in clinical and research Ophthalmology to programs in emerging nations

This position has functional reporting to the Department Head and takes direction from the Head and Administrative Manager for the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

Work Performed

• Develop and implement a departmental communications strategy including messaging for events donor engagement strategic initiatives and partnerships.

• Coordinate the departments strategic planning process liaising with consultants preparing materials scheduling and follow-up.

• Lead the development and implementation of communication and marketing plans that support departmental and program goals.

• Ensure consistent messaging across departmental units while aligning with Faculty of Medicine and UBC branding and priorities.

• Plan and support donor and partner engagement activities including events receptions and educational programs.

• Draft and edit donor letters announcements newsletters and other strategic communications.

• Develop and maintain the departments web presence including web content graphics photos and video.

• Manage the departments social media strategy and develop content to support online engagement.

• Collaborate with university communications and external service providers to ensure alignment with institutional standards and effective project delivery.

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and enhance communication efforts.

• Collaborate on fundraising activities and contribute to long term plans.

• Maintain familiarity with current communication trends tools and technologies.

• Participate in Faculty of Medicine communications meetings and foster collaboration within the departments communications community.

• Perform other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This position represents the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences as well as the Faculty of Medicine and University. Errors in decision-making or judgment will directly affect UBCs reputation with students faculty staff and the broader community

Supervision Received

Reports directly to and takes direction from the Department Head. Works independently within established guidelines and standards. Work is reviewed in terms of achievement of defined goals. Makes recommendations in areas of prioritizing planning and executing communications plans.

Supervision Given

May provide direct supervision of staff and students involved in communication-related tasks or projects. May direct the work of internal and external service providers.

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

• Bachelors degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• Professional experience in communications education advancement or strategic initiatives.

• Strong writing and editing skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and persuasively.

• Excellent organizational project management and interpersonal skills.

• Experience in event planning donor relations or partnership development strongly preferred.

• Experience with international collaborations or cross-cultural environments a plus.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities with discretion and professionalism.

Education: University degree in Communications Marketing or Journalism preferred.

Experience: Communications and marketing experience preferably in large complex organizations or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Proven experience in strategic communication and marketing planning and project management. Computer experience required using content management systems email marketing systems SEO various social media platforms and analytics programs (such as Google Analytics). CSS and HTML considered an asset. Experience developing audio and video content (such as podcasts and video blogs) is an asset. Experience using established and emerging social media channels for communication and audience engagement. Experience in public relations publicity media relations and fundraising.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Strong creative writing skills.

• Ability to plan implement and evaluate a broad range of digital and non-digital communications projects.

• Possess an understanding of web design and usability best practices.

• Adept in researching selecting testing and measuring traditional and innovative communications channels.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

• Strong presentation and public relations skills.

• Knowledge of technical writing or other editing experience with English usage spelling grammar and punctuation.

• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within and across teams.

• Exceptional service orientation and interpersonal skills. Ability to work in an environment that is decentralized complex and with a diverse range of stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a project-based environment and handle multiple and concurrent priorities.

• Strong leadership and motivational skills.

• Ability to exercise diplomacy tact and discretion when working with confidential and/or sensitive information and in dealing with staff faculty members students and alumni both across the university and externally.

• Ability to work independently and demonstrate a high level of initiative and self-directedness.

• Ability to assess own performance and regularly report on project status.

• Possess a deep understanding of branding. Exemplifies the attributes of UBCs brand including being bold open to new ideas adventurous respectful compassionate and fun with a global perspective.

• Ability to work effectively with people from differing backgrounds.

• Ability to promote a culture of equity diversity and inclusion.