Communication and Engagement Specialist

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
M&P - AAPS

Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level A

Job Title
Communication and Engagement Specialist

Department
Communications and Engagement | UBC Sustainability Initiative

Compensation Range
$5,622.33 - $8,081.00 CAD Monthly

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 position. In 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
June 23, 2024

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

Job End Date

Jul 1, 2025

Job Summary
The Communications and Engagement Specialist supports the implementation of communication and engagement activities that advance the overall mission of the UBC Sustainability Hub.
Organizational Status

UBC strives to be the world's most sustainable university campus and has demonstrated leadership in academic and operational sustainability.

The UBC Sustainability Hub, a staff unit in the Provost’s portfolio, builds on UBC's sustainability leadership record, and works to reinforce the University's goals to inspire action for a better world.

The Sustainability Hub is focused on catalyzing change – across UBC and beyond. To realize this mission, the Sustainability Hub works to embed sustainability across all aspects of UBC’s academic endeavours, focusing on student education and faculty support.

Work Performed

The Communications and Engagement Specialist supports communications and engagement activities across the Sustainability Hub’s Teaching, Learning and Student Engagement, Research, and Regional and International Engagement groups. In addition, the specialist will collaborate with partners in UBC’s Campus & Community Planning, and Wellbeing.

The incumbent will support efforts that (1) raise awareness of the UBC community’s sustainability leadership and contributions, (2) enable students to become sustainability leaders, (3) advance and share interdisciplinary sustainability research, practices, and policies, and (4) expand regional and international engagement.

Key duties

- Print design: creates annual reports and other publications, graphics/infographics, print templates/layouts, brochures/leaflets, etc., specifically supporting the development, production, and distribution of UBC’s Annual Sustainability Report.

- Digital design: creates materials for digital media use including campus signage, website content, email newsletters, social media content, on-screen presentations, etc.

- Copywriting: develops short and medium engaging and accessible writing for a variety of communications channels, and in a variety of voices

- Social media management: prepares content, schedules content, interacts with users, moderates content

- Advertising and marketing: supports student and faculty engagement programs e.g. UBC Reads Sustainability speaker series, UBC Sustainability Scholars, Sustainability Fellowships, and Sustainability Ambassador recruitment through advertising/marketing activities including social advertising, email, and on-campus media

- Events: supports events and CIRS building animation projects including creating invites, flyers, managing RSVPs through online systems, prepares materials for event day, set-up, take-down.

- Reporting: supports digital analytics and event evaluation Sustainability Hub Google Analytics and survey tools; monitors media and research and produces reports so as to inform communication and engagement planning and strategy.

- Ensures all materials and assets produced adhere to UBC brand guidelines.

- Oversees project work by a work-learn student staff member

- Maintains strong relationships with all stakeholders allowing for open and constructive communication and supporting the Sustainability Hub goals

- This position may require some work outside of regular work hours.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The incumbent is expected to operate with high degree of maturity, while working under broad guidelines. The consequence of error in this could be very serious for the University as it concerns the public image and profile of UBC on a provincial, national and international level.

Poor decisions or lack of tact, diplomacy or sensitivity in dealing with faculty, industry and government contracts could potentially result in missed opportunities, damaged relationships and loss of credibility for the University.

Supervision Received
The position reports to the Manager, Communications and Operations, who reports to and operates under the guidance of the Executive Director. The Manager assigns work and provides guidance based on direction, departmental client and partner needs, as well as identified opportunities by the Specialist.
Supervision Given
May manage the activities of work-learn student staff, including the assignment of duties and responsibilities and setting of priorities. May supervise contractors.
Minimum Qualifications

- Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of four years of 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

Preferred Qualifications

- An undergraduate degree in a related discipline required, graduate degree preferred (Graphic Design, Communications, Community Planning, Sustainability, Social Science, Environmental Science, English, Journalism) and/or demonstrated interest and experience in sustainability.

- Experience with graphic design programs (i.e. InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva) to develop communications collateral in a carefully considered brand environment

- Graphic design and photography editing skills are essential. Basic video editing may also be required.

- Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including with writing stories, press-releases, and similar content, developing presentations.

- Experience with website content management systems and social media channels essential.

- Experience supporting communications planning desirable.

In general, the incumbent will be required to demonstrate initiative and exercise a high level of diplomacy. Experience working in a university environment is an asset.

Possesses a collaborative, team-focused working style and has an ability to establish a high level of rapport with colleagues, peers and partners. Understands the value of building meaningful and productive relationships.

A problem-solver that takes ownership of tasks and gets them completed in a timely and responsive manner under dynamic circumstances. Able to quickly grasp the scope of specific issues and the potential impacts on the organization. Ability to effectively and pro-actively identify and manage sensitive or controversial issues.