Communications Manager

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
M&P - AAPS

Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level A

Job Title
Communications Manager

Department
PIMS Administrative Support | Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences | Faculty of Science

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 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
January 8, 2024

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

Job End Date

Mar 31, 2027

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 be 80% working for the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences (PIMS) and 20% working for the UBC Mathematics Department.

The Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences is a consortium of ten universities in Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Washington State united to promote discovery, understanding, and awareness in the mathematical sciences. The Communications Manager will be responsible for the development, implementation and management of a full range of communications projects and strategies to enhance the public image of PIMS at local, provincial, national, and international levels and improve PIMS presentation to it stakeholders.

This is an in-person position. Work will be done at UBC-Point Grey campus.
Organizational Status
The Communications Manager reports directly to and is supervised by the PIMS Chief Operations Officer. PIMS work may be assigned to the Communications Manager by the PIMS Directorate or by the PIMS Chief Operations Officer. Work for UBC Mathematics will be assigned and overseen by the Director of Administration, Finance and Operations of the UBC Mathematics Department. The PIMS Chief Operations Officer coordinates general workflow and advises on budgets and priorities. The Communications Manager will interact with faculty, staff, visiting scientists, communications partners and the general public.
Work Performed

AT PIMS:

-Advise PIMS Directors and staff on all communications related matters

-Identify opportunities to improve PIMS existing communications; implement and manage these new projects

-Maintain an evolving strategic communications plan and provide ongoing communications expertise to PIMS

-Manage PIMS interactions with the Media

-Research, write, design graphics, take photographs, edit and review extensive print and electronic materials for various communication tools in collaboration with PIMS staff and stakeholders

-Oversee development, printing and distribution of PIMS publications or news items including Pi in the Sky and PIMS Year in Review

-Is responsible for the growth and management of the Institute’s social media channels.

-Assist with writing and review of grant applications as well as reports to funding agencies and partners

-Works with suppliers and vendors in the production of communication and event products

-Oversees the accuracy of information on the PIMS website

-Manage the communications work of the Communication and Events Assistant

-Document processes and procedures for this position

-Perform other duties as required

AT MATH:

-Is responsible for the growth and management of the department’s social media channels.

-Research, write, design graphics, edit and review newsletters and other communication tools.

-Manage the department’s interactions with the media.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The image and reputation of PIMS and UBC Mathematics depends on their scientific presentation to the community of mathematical scientists in Canada and around the world.  On a practical level, errors made by the Communications Manager will result in miscommunication with, and inconvenience to stakeholders, as well as loss of time and efficiency.  At a higher level, errors may reflect negatively on the reputation of PIMS and UBC Mathematics in the broader community.  This may make it more difficult to attract the best researchers, and may ultimately negatively affect the funding that is received.
Supervision Received

Works independently and reports to the PIMS Chief Operations Officer. Work for UBC Mathematics will be overseen by Director of Administration, Finance and Operations.  Works in collaboration with Directors and staff, faculty members and event organizers.  Chief Operations Officer will give guidance on budgets, priorities and overall work flow.

Supervision Given
Manages the communications work of the PIMS Communication and Events Assistant.
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 one’s own

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

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to conceptualize and provide strategic communications solutions linked to PIMS mission and goals. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to communicate effectively with the media and public relations agencies. Ability to effectively use standard office software at an intermediate level (e.g. Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, Google Docs). Knowledge of creative software packages, (e.g. Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop) for desk-top print publishing and web-publishing. Knowledge of video-conferencing (e.g. Zoom) and social collaboration platforms (e.g. Slack/Teams), and social media streams (e.g. X/Medium). Creative graphic design abilities and experience developing materials for a variety of audiences, familiarity with the design and print production process. Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively in a team environment.