Manager, Communications and Partnerships

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
M&P - AAPS

Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level B

Job Title
Manager, Communications and Partnerships

Department
Administrative Management | Department of Psychiatry | Faculty 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 27, 2024

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

Job End Date

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 Description Summary

The Department of Psychiatry is one of the larger departments in the Faculty of Medicine (FoM) with close to 1000 department members including full time and clinical faculty, academic visitors, fellows, student employees and staff in varying job families and classifications, in addition to volunteers and others working in clinical and research environments. The Department’s medical education programs are some of the most widely distributed within the Faculty of Medicine with faculty appointees and trainees located within all six (6) Health Authorities. Funding within the Department, supporting positions and activities, is a mix of operating funds, clinical alternative payment program funds, significant research grant and donation funding, endowments, education program funding as well as external partnership funding.

This position is responsible for planning, developing and implementing communication strategy for the Department of Psychiatry and the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). It requires a detailed understanding of the organization and an ability to profile the organization and its activities in a clear, precise and professional manner to multiple audiences. The incumbent is expected to develop, implement and maintain an effective and strong strategic communications plan; to provide tactical advice and expertise in communications and public engagement; to actively seek out and identify key opportunities to promote the initiatives of the Department and IMH, and to enhance public and key stakeholder s awareness of the Department’s and its IMH s strategic priorities. The incumbent is responsible for developing initiatives to promote the Department and IMH profile through marketing and awareness-raising activities. The position requires a broad range of skills and expertise in the areas of communications, marketing, media relations and public affairs. The incumbent is a key liaison for the Department and IMH with the University community, various levels of government, BC's six Health Authorities, and other academic, funding, and international organizations on behalf of the Department Head and IMH Director.
Organizational Status
 

Reports to the Director of Administration. Receives work direction from the Department Head and IMH Director. May receive work direction from the Department Executive Team as required and needed. Work as part of the Department's Administrative team and meet regularly with the Director of Administration and other administrative staff.
 

The incumbent is required to work autonomously with minimal managerial direction. Work direction for new projects and initiatives is provided by the Department Head, IMH Director and/or Director of Administration.
 

This position liaises with faculty, students and staff within the Department of Psychiatry, IMH, Faculty of Medicine (FoM) units, UBC central units, external agencies and personnel such as health authorities, various levels of government, other academic, funding and international organizations, and other stakeholders.
 

This position will be required to work flexible hours and days to meet operational requirements. May be required to travel.
Work Performed

• Develops and implements communication strategy and work plan in support of the Department and IMH’s strategic goals; supports the development and implementation of priorities identified as parts of the strategic plans for the Department and IMH.

• Creates and implements communication initiatives including writing communications, branding strategy, business proposals and business cases for the Department and IMH.

• Provides tactical advice and ongoing evaluation to ensure communications efforts are meeting Department and IMH needs.

• Researches, writes and prepares all internal and external documents including department support letters, reports, briefing notes, brochures, advertisements and other documentation for internal and external purposes.

• Responsible for content development and dissemination of Department and IMH updates, brochures, and web/social media content, including development, collection and maintenance of digital assets (i.e. graphics, photos, videos).

• Ensures rapid and accurate flow of information between the Department and IMH and its internal and external partners within BC, Canada, and globally.

• Actively seeks out and identifies key opportunities to create and maintain an active network of internal and external contacts; promotes the initiatives of the Department and IMH and creates media opportunities to raise the profile of the Department and IMH as appropriate.

• Ensures appropriateness and consistency of key messages for targeted audiences; plans and disseminates strategies to key audiences.

• In consultation with the Department Head, Associate Heads, IMH Director and Director of Administration, identifies key opportunities to improve the organization’s existing engagement activities relating to mental health, donor and public relations, and provides ongoing public relations expertise to the Department and IMH.

• Coordinates with Faculty of Medicine and the University, and leads logistical planning for Department and IMH special events.

• Develops and executes communications strategy to foster public and donor engagement in the Department and IMH.

• Takes the lead on the development and implementation of all fundraising and awareness materials for public and donor relations; provides fundraising support.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
 

This position requires judgment, tact, discretion and initiative to an outstanding degree. Errors in judgment with internal or external constituents could have a negative impact on the Department and the University resulting in poor public relations, financial costs and loss of credibility.

Work must often meet tight deadlines and requires the incumbent to perform well under extreme pressure. The incumbent will be expected to respond well to unexpected circumstances and exercise independent judgment. The incumbent must demonstrate exceptional public relations and interpersonal skills in dealing with the government, high-profile members and senior administration of the university community. Inappropriate or errant communications of sensitive issues could have a serious impact on operations and have legal implications.

Exercises judgment and initiative in handling matters of a non-routine nature requiring the interpretation of University and Faculty guidelines, procedures and policies. Expected to exercise judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion in a timely manner. Reviews working procedures and implements changes were deemed appropriate.
Supervision Received
Works independently under the direction of the Department Head and IMH Director. Reports to the Director of Administration and may receive direction from other members of the Department and IMH Leadership Team.
Supervision Given
None.
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

• An undergraduate degree in Communications, English or Journalism or a Master’s degree in business administration, health administration or in public health is an asset.

• Education or experience related to the mental health field, and experience in working with executives and in roles related to communications are desirable.

• Knowledge of University policies, procedures, governance and administrative systems preferred.

• Ability to effectively facilitate groups to achieve appropriate outcomes.

• Knowledge of BC government organizations related to health and knowledge of health-related organizations in Canada and globally is highly desirable.

• Ability to work independently and cooperatively both within the UBC community and with external stakeholders.

• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities, and experience in managing projects that involve a variety of stakeholders.

• Experience in strategic planning, project management, and a broad range of digital and non-digital communications projects for a variety of audiences.

• Effective organizational, problem-solving, planning and analytical skills.

• Proficient in the use of English grammar, spelling and punctuation and professional terminology, proven ability to communicate professionally and tactfully, both orally and in writing, and ability to compose correspondence and other written materials using clear and concise business English.

• Experience working with web content management systems, including WordPress; knowledge and experience in website development, CSS and HTML an asset.

• Ability to use desktop publishing software at an intermediate to advanced level, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere), Canvas etc.

• Ability to effectively use survey applications (e.g. Qualtrics) and virtual meeting platforms (e.g. Zoom, MS Teams) at an intermediate/advanced level.

• Ability to manage staff performance by establishing standards and goals, evaluating performance, providing feedback and taking corrective action.

• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.

• Ability to exercise judgment, tact, discretion and diplomacy.

• Proactive and cognizant of conflicting priorities with the ability to advise and direct resolutions.