Communications Specialist (Creative Content)

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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 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 ones own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing ones 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.