Communications Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Specialist

🔹 Company: University of British Columbia

🔹 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Higher Education

🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and supporting multiple web properties
• Generating content across various platforms and channels
• Executing communications and marketing plans
• Raising the profile of UBC IT services, activities, achievements, and opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in communications, digital media, and project management. It is ideal for a creative and organized individual who can work both independently and collaboratively.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Writes, curates, updates, and organizes content for the UBC IT digital ecosystem in consultation with the communications team, IT service owners, and colleagues across the IT portfolio.

✅ Provides advice and assistance to content owners within UBC IT for the ongoing development and maintenance of their web presence.

✅ Project manages new website creation or social media campaigns, using knowledge of web and digital standards and excellent interpersonal skills to liaise with site owners and Web Services throughout the project.

✅ Researches, manages, and develops web-based communication strategies and materials using knowledge of graphic and web design, video creation, social media tools, web content management systems, and analytics.

✅ Researches, writes, and edits a wide range of communication and marketing materials, including the all-staff weekly newsletter, stories, briefing materials, reports, communications kits, and social media content.

✅ Designs and produces various promotional materials to support the needs of UBC IT. Materials include digital and physical signage, presentations, campaign materials, promotional products, and exhibition collateral.

✅ Provides updates on communications activities at regular meetings and coordinates the content marketing meeting for IT Communications.

✅ All members of the IT Communications team have rotational roles in the event of emergency, outage, and crisis situations, providing time-sensitive communications and response to multiple audiences.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, project management, and technical skills. It is essential to have experience working with web content management systems and social media tools.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

Experience: Minimum of four years of related experience

Required Skills:

• Web Content Management
• Graphic Design
• Video Creation
• Social Media Tools
• Communication
• Project Management
• Research
• Proofreading
• Presentation Skills
• Team Collaboration
• Attention to Detail
• Adaptability
• Tact
• Discretion
• Time Management
• Technical Support

Preferred Skills:

• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite
• Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations and workshops
• Effective project management skills
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in communications, digital media, and project management. They must demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to work independently and in a team environment.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $5,791.00 - $8,323.42 CAD Monthly

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package
• Opportunities for professional development
• Diverse and inclusive work environment

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job posting. Benefits may include health, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings plans, and employee discounts.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Founded: 1915

Company Description:

• Dedicated to creating an exceptional learning experience for students
• Committed to research that addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing our world today
• Focused on innovation and entrepreneurship to drive economic, social, and environmental progress

Company Specialties:

• Research and teaching excellence
• Student experience and success
• Community engagement and partnerships

Company Website: http://educ.ubc.ca

ASSUMPTION: The University of British Columbia is a large, research-intensive university with a strong global reputation. It offers a wide range of programs and has a diverse student body.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director, Communications

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the communications team
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• possibility to work on high-profile projects and collaborate with various stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the communications team. It is an excellent fit for an experienced communications professional looking to take the next step in their career.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with the possibility of remote work for specific tasks or projects

Office Location(s): The Leonard S. Klinck Building (LSK), UBC Vancouver Campus

Geographic Context:

• Vancouver is a multicultural city with a mild, oceanic climate
• UBC Vancouver Campus is a beautiful, green campus located in the Point Grey neighborhood
• The campus is easily accessible by public transportation and offers various amenities, including shops, restaurants, and recreational facilities

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, with the possibility of flexible hours or working from home for specific tasks or projects

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is collaborative and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication. The office is located on a beautiful campus with easy access to public transportation and various amenities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and team members
• Final interview with the director
• Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and experience
• Project management skills and experience
• Technical skills and experience with web content management systems and social media tools
• Cultural fit and alignment with UBC's values and mission

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience
• Provide specific examples of your communication, project management, and technical skills in action
• Demonstrate your understanding of UBC's mission, values, and the role's responsibilities
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview

ATS Keywords: Communications Specialist, Web Content Management, Graphic Design, Video Creation, Social Media Tools, Project Management, Research, Proofreading, Presentation Skills, Team Collaboration, Attention to Detail, Adaptability, Tact, Discretion, Time Management, Technical Support, Higher Education, UBC, University of British Columbia

ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates should highlight their relevant skills and experience in their resume and cover letter. They should also prepare for behavioral and technical interview questions.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Web content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)
• Social media tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Microsoft Office Suite

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are industry-standard and widely used in communications and marketing positions. Candidates should have experience with web content management systems, graphic design software, and social media tools.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Excellence in research and teaching
• Integrity and accountability
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Inclusion and diversity
• Sustainability and stewardship

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Creative and innovative
• Adaptable and flexible
• Results-driven and detail-oriented
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your communication skills and experience align with the responsibilities of this role?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed a project with multiple stakeholders?
• How do you approach working in a team and collaborating with others to achieve common goals?
• How do you stay organized and manage multiple tasks and priorities?
• How do you handle working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their skills and experience in relation to the role's responsibilities and UBC's values and work style. They should be prepared to provide specific examples of their skills in action during the interview.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Working with various stakeholders and balancing their needs and expectations
• Keeping up with the latest trends and best practices in digital communications and marketing
• Adapting to changes in the university's communications strategies and priorities
• Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management, communication, and adaptability skills. Candidates should be prepared to manage multiple projects and deadlines, work with various stakeholders, and adapt to changes in the university's communications strategies and priorities.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Communications Specialist vs. Marketing Coordinator: Both roles focus on creating and executing communication strategies, but the Marketing Coordinator role may have a broader scope, including market research and analysis.
• Industry-specific context: Higher education communications roles often involve working with academic faculty and staff, as well as students and external stakeholders.
• Career path comparison: This role can lead to advancement within the communications team or transition to other communications or marketing roles within the university or other organizations.

ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to other communications specialist roles but may have unique aspects specific to the higher education industry. Candidates should research the industry and the university to understand the specific context and requirements of the role.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and launching a new website for a UBC IT service
• Creating and executing a social media campaign to promote a UBC IT event
• Designing and producing promotional materials for a UBC IT conference

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are based on the responsibilities and required skills listed in the job description. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and how they align with the role's requirements.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe a time when you had to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously? How did you prioritize your tasks and ensure successful completion?
• How do you approach working with various stakeholders and balancing their needs and expectations?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to changes in communications strategies or priorities? How did you handle this change, and what was the outcome?
• How do you stay organized and manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced and dynamic environment?
• How do you handle working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to assess the candidate's skills and experience in relation to the role's responsibilities and the work environment. Candidates should prepare thoughtful and specific responses based on their qualifications and the job description.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience, including specific examples of your communication, project management, and technical skills in action
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, demonstrating your understanding of UBC's mission, values, and the role's responsibilities
• Prepare for behavioral and technical interview questions, focusing on your skills and experience in relation to the role's requirements
• Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your interest in the position and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.