Communications Manager

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
M&P - AAPS

Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level B

Job Title
Communications Manager

Department
Administrative Management | Department of Medicine

Compensation Range
$6,551.00 - $9,418.83 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
May 21, 2024

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

Job End Date

May 31, 2025

This position is located within a health-care facility, therefore, the successful candidate will be required to provide verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by a provincial health mandate.

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 will develop, manage, and implement a wide variety of print, electronic media, and public relations strategies and projects to communicate the teaching, research and other activities of the Department of Medicine to key audiences and the broader public at the local, provincial, national, and international level.

The position also leads brand and marketing communications strategies for the Department of Medicine, working closely with the Project Coordinator and collaborating with the Office and Communications Manager as needed.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Director of Administration. Works in collaboration with staff in the Administration Office, members in the divisions and sites in the Department of Medicine, faculty members, and Executive Committee members.
Work Performed

• Identifies and prioritizes annual, longer-term and project-based communications and marketing needs and opportunities.
• Develops, manages and implements communications plans, channels, strategies and vehicles for broad impact and appropriate to key audiences. Ensures content is relevant, timely, and aligns with the Department of Medicine’s strategic goals.
• Works with the Department Head and Division Heads on fundraising priorities; in conjunction with Development (UBC, FOM, hospitals foundations), creates materials for potential donors.
• Works closely with administrators in divisions and distributed sites to identify key stories in the Department of Medicine for wider dissemination.
• Manages the development, creation, production, editorial and distribution of materials (print and online) for public engagement. Writes and edits content for a variety of communication vehicles and audiences using appropriate writing styles and communication techniques.
• Researches and writes a variety of reports for unique and specific audiences. Ensures accuracy and effective messaging as well as adherence to UBC brand compliance.
• Manages the content, writing, and production of the Department’s website and social media accounts. Makes decisions on which platforms to utilize to maximize appropriate exposure. Provides advice to divisions about their websites and social media accounts including ensuring compliance with relevant UBC policies.
• Publicizes and markets guest lectures, distinguished visitors, and other high profile events.
• Ensures branding is accurate and reflected in all outgoing communications. Makes recommendations to divisions about content and branding appropriateness.
• Provides communications and public relations support for faculty members as needed. Ensures advice and support is within the directives of the Faculty of Medicine and UBC central.
• Provides communications direction to all internal and external clients and materials as needed.
• Remains current with major trends and issues in higher education marketing.
• Participates in relevant committees and attends events as needed. Works a flexible schedule as needed including flexibility of a hybrid work schedule as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
This position will require the exercise of judgment in the carrying out of most, if not all, of the above-noted tasks, in particular giving strategic advice, liaising with other UBC offices, and overseeing the Department of Medicine’s online content. Incorrect decisions can adversely affect the reputation of the Department and its eighteen divisions, faculty members, trainees, students, staff, and alumni.
Supervision Received
Reports to the Director of Administration. Works closely with the Project Coordinator and collaborates with the Office and Communications Manager as needed. May be called upon to take direction from other senior members of the Administration Office (i.e. Department Head, Associate Heads) and faculty members in respect of some of the tasks performed.
Supervision Given
Provides day to day oversight for tasks delegated to the staff in the divisions. Supervises students workers as needed.
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 one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline
• University degree in Communications, Marketing or Journalism or related field
• Related experience in communications, public and media relations, journalism or marketing.  
• Experience in publishing, print management, website development, communications product development and planning, and media relations.
• Experience in managing staff and giving advice and work direction.
• Prior experience working with public relations firm and/or other technical professionals an asset.
• Prior experience working in a research intensive centre or post-secondary institution an asset.
• Experience working with desktop publishing tools such as the Adobe Creative Suite and InDesign an asset.
• Demonstrated skills in writing, editing and managing overall design elements on a project.
• Computer experience required, both MAC and PC.
• Effective oral and written communication, prioritization, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt writing style for various purposes and for different publications and media requirements.
• Ability to break down complex information and exercise diplomacy, tact and discretion when working with information of a confidential and/or sensitive nature.
• Ability to work effectively and diplomatically with various levels of senior administration, external agencies and the public.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment and to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including early morning and evenings as needed.
• Ability to travel between sites and ability to be flexible if working a hybrid work schedule.