Communications Assistant

Staff - Union

Job Category
CUPE 2950

Job Profile
CUPE 2950 Salaried - Marketing & Comm Asst (Gr5)

Job Title
Communications Assistant

Department
CUPE Staff and Work Learn Students | Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies

Compensation Range
$4,314.00 - $4,532.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
June 25, 2024

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

Job End Date

Jul 31, 2025

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 Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies (CIS) is an interdisciplinary research unit for Indigenous critical theory and politics, language revitalization, arts research, and applied social practice within the humanities and social sciences at UBC. In addition to providing institutional support for undergraduate and graduate education and a home for visiting scholars in the field, CIS fosters ethical research practices and meaningful partnerships with communities that further the social and political health, capacity, and self- determination of Indigenous peoples locally and globally.

The Communications Assistant will support the Institute of Critical Indigenous Studies (CIS), its programs and initiatives as part of the Communications, Outreach and Engagement team, in website editing, graphic design, and social media as well as the coordination of events.

Works with CIS Director, Administrator, Outreach, and Engagement Specialist to set communications goals and targets. Collaborates with faculty, staff, students and representatives from other UBC units and community organizations. Works closely with the other members of the Arts Communications team and Network, and various campus communicators.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

The Communications Assistant reports to the Administrator, and will receive direction from the Outreach and Engagement Specialist and work closely with the Director, Associate director and staff regarding work related to communications, outreach and events support. This position will work as part of the Communications, Outreach and Engagement team and will liaise with CIS staff, faculty and Work-Learn students. Liaises with the Arts Communications team to ensure adherence to Arts and UBC brand guidelines and communications best practices. Works closely with the other members of the Arts Communications team and network and campus communicators.

WORK PERFORMED

1. Communications support:

• Assists in the implementation and coordination of the CIS communications plan and strategy
• Assists with the development and maintenance of relationships between CIS and Indigenous communities, and other internal and external partners
• Assists with the content of the CIS public facing and internal websites, makes recommendations for improvements and performs updates
• Performs the task of editor for CIS’s annual publication spa:l’/The Raven
• Assists in the development of promotional material (digital and print) CIS programs
• Designs and develops brochures, promotional event posters, information sheets, communication and presentation material
• Creates digital signage and other digital communication items
• Tracks CIS, its programs and initiatives in the news
• Conducts research on content and gathers related materials from a variety of sources
• Assists in creating and sending CIS’s biweekly newsletter
• Maintains CIS’s contacts lists
• Assistance with video production, editing and photography
• Performs other related tasks as required.

2. Events support:

• Assists in the organization of community events, presentations and other meetings hosted by CIS and its programs
• Provides logistical support to regular events hosted by CIS, and liaises with CIS programs and initiatives on support needed for regular events
• Designs and develops promotional, communication and presentation materials for events, and disseminates publicity materials for events to media, community partners, and the public
• Performs room-booking tasks (including logistical work before and after the function/event e.g. unlocking and locking doors; setting up of room, tables and chairs per required layout; post-event tidying up of room and tables; post-event inspection and reporting of room condition)
• Performs other related tasks as required.

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR

The essence of the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies is collaborative and meaningful relationships (student/faculty/staff/community). Excellent judgment, tact and exceptional interpersonal skills is required in all aspects of communications and interactions with members of Indigenous communities, community partners, students, staff, faculty, and senior administrators. Inappropriate or errant communication of sensitive issues could have a serious impact on the reputation and credibility of the Institute and its faculty, staff as well as the University, cause severe, if not irreparable, damage to these relationships, and impact the Institute's to effectively fulfil its objectives.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports to the CIS Administrator and receives direction from the Outreach and Engagement Specialist.

Work is performed in accordance with accepted practices involving freedom to select which methods are applicable in any given situation. Organization of work to accomplish goals is expected. Workspace interruptions are expected and the variety of job tasks require ongoing prioritization.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

May train and oversee the work of students and/or temporary staff.

Minimum Qualifications
High School graduation, plus two years of post-secondary education, plus three years of related experience, or an 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

• Knowledge, expressed interest and/or experience working with Indigenous students and/or communities.
• Working knowledge or experience with a website content management tool or html coding, WordPress platform and/or current communication forms/media; experience with general administrative work preferred. Proficiency with the WordPress platform and website layout.
• Strong and effective written and verbal English communications skills. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to prioritize, work under pressure and meet deadlines. Ability to work independently and in a team environment. Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work. Demonstrated high level of initiative.
• Ability to understand and apply policies, procedures and instructions. - Ability to exercise good judgment, tact and discretion when dealing with sensitive and confidential matters.
• Working knowledge of standard computer software applications at the Intermediate level: MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Ability to effectively use online meeting and webinar applications (e.g. Zoom, Microsoft Teams), Adobe Suite, MS Office. (e.g., Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel) and social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
• Ability to adapt to emerging software and internet technology including social media tools.
• Ability to approach interactions with awareness of sensitive issues. Ability to maintain a professional, courteous, and calm demeanor at all times.
• Available to work additional hours on occasion for event support