📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Strategist
🔹 Company: University of British Columbia
🔹 Location: Walter C. Koerner Library (KLIB), UBC Vancouver Campus, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Higher Education, Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 25, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Designing and implementing coordinated communication strategies in the Vice-President Finance & Operations portfolio
- Providing graphic design and revision support for print and digital materials
- Crafting and coordinating content updates on VPFO websites
- Supporting internal stakeholders' marketing and communications needs
- Managing and publishing editorial and event calendars
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in communications, graphic design, and digital media, with a preference for experience in a post-secondary institution or similar environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Graphic Design: Provides basic design and revision support for print and digital materials, including digital signage, social media graphics, posters, postcards, reports, brochures, presentations, promotional assets, and/or illustrations, in line with the UBC VPFO brand and with attention to audience needs.
✅ Website Administration: Crafts and coordinates content updates on VPFO websites.
✅ Writing: Researches, writes, and/or coordinates web and social content for student, staff, and faculty audiences, including people profiles, announcements, educational and informative blog posts and stories.
✅ Content Development and Internal Communications: Creates content for digital channels, including photography, illustrations, video clips, blog posts, as aligned with wider communication initiatives and/or campaigns; supports internal stakeholders' marketing and communications needs by ensuring available assets, resources, guidelines, graphic standards, processes, and protocols are being leveraged and utilized effectively.
✅ Communications Support: Coordinates general communication efforts, including planning communication-related meetings, translating discussions into structured documents and plans, and tracking timelines; works with partners and stakeholders to evaluate existing platforms for gaps in consistency or areas which can be improved upon and/or require change management; develops basic communication plans as assigned and coordinates work flow amongst communication project contributors to meet targets.
✅ Photography/Video: Coordinates and/or produces photography and video content as needed and identified in communication plans; may engage and work with campus partners to produce such content.
✅ Email Marketing: Crafts internal and external newsletters, including media recaps, by writing and soliciting content internally and from campus-wide partners; designs and updates templates and produces analytical reports to inform decision-making.
✅ Event Support: Responsible for assisting with events, including event promotional materials, logistics, vendors, and day-of event setup and delivery; may attend events after regular hours as needed.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, as well as the ability to work with diverse individuals in a sophisticated setting.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
Experience: Minimum four years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Skills:
- 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 Skills:
- Experience in the field of communications, graphic design, digital media, marketing, journalism, or public relations
- Proven experience of working with digital channels in an organizational/corporate environment
- Experience using content management systems, specifically Drupal and WordPress
- Ability to adapt writing styles for different audiences and purposes
- Proven ability for graphic design in an organizational setting using Adobe Creative Suite
- Understanding of current digital, social media, and content marketing trends
- Outstanding writing abilities, being able to translate sophisticated information for a general audience in concise, efficient, and engaging copy
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Ability to work with diverse individuals in a sophisticated setting
- Strong project management and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge and experience of working in a brand environment, with an understanding of visual design principles
- Experience with social media monitoring and management, website analytics, and data visualization tools
- Ability to exercise tact and subtlety, when working with confidential and critical information
- Ability to be service-minded, and to function efficiently in diverse and multi-disciplinary project teams
- Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with an ability to deliver effective presentations
- Accuracy and attention to detail and an ability to work independently and assess own performance
- Maintains excellent rapport with the university community as well as external partners
- Exercises good judgment and maturity in all communications
- Ability to communicate effectively by composing correspondence, reports, presentations, and other written materials using clear concise business English
ASSUMPTION: The required and preferred qualifications listed are essential for success in this role, and candidates should possess a strong background in communications, graphic design, and digital media to be considered.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $5,791.00 - $8,323.42 CAD Monthly (Midpoint: $7,057.21)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package for full-time employees
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- Beautiful campus and work environment
Working Hours: 35 hours per week, with flexibility to work outside of regular hours as needed for events
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for the position, with the midpoint representing an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications, and experience for the position.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education. The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global leader in research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world.
Company Size: Large (1,001-5,000 employees). UBC offers a large and diverse work environment with numerous opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: 1908. UBC was established in 1908 and has since grown into one of the world's leading research universities.
Company Description:
- UBC is a global center for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world
- Offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional development programs
- Committed to collaboration, equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization in all aspects of its mission
Company Specialties:
- Research and teaching in various fields, including health, sciences, humanities, and social sciences
- Community engagement and outreach
- Sustainability and innovation
Company Website: http://educ.ubc.ca
ASSUMPTION: UBC is a large and complex organization with numerous departments and faculties, offering a wide range of career opportunities and a diverse work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level. This role requires a minimum of four years of related experience and offers opportunities for growth and development within the communications and digital services field.
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Manager, Digital & Creative, and works closely with staff and faculty, as well as other internal and external partners.
Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of working outside of regular hours as needed for events.
Growth Opportunities:
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Potential for career progression within the communications and digital services field
- Chance to work on high-impact projects and initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the communications and digital services field, as well as the chance to work on high-impact projects and initiatives.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a beautiful and historic campus located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Office Location(s): Walter C. Koerner Library (KLIB), UBC Vancouver Campus, Canada
Geographic Context:
- Vancouver is a multicultural city with a mild climate and stunning natural surroundings
- The UBC campus is located in the scenic Point Grey neighborhood, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities
- The campus offers a vibrant and diverse work environment, with numerous opportunities for collaboration and engagement
Work Schedule: 35 hours per week, with flexibility to work outside of regular hours as needed for events
ASSUMPTION: The on-site work environment at UBC offers a beautiful and historic campus, with a vibrant and diverse work community, and numerous opportunities for collaboration and engagement.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or panel
- Background check and reference check (if applicable)
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and experience
- Graphic design skills and experience
- Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Ability to work with diverse individuals in a sophisticated setting
- Alignment with UBC's values and mission
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of UBC's mission, values, and the specific needs of the Vice-President Finance & Operations portfolio
- Provide examples of your graphic design work and communication projects
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills
ATS Keywords: Communications Strategist, Graphic Design, Digital Media, Content Creation, Internal Communications, Project Management, Higher Education, UBC, Vice-President Finance & Operations
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant skills and experiences, as well as their alignment with UBC's mission and values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Content management systems (Drupal, WordPress)
- Social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Email marketing tools (Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
- Project management tools (Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Analytics and data visualization tools (Google Analytics, Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed are commonly used in communications and digital services roles, and candidates should have experience with a majority of these tools to be competitive for this position.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence and innovation in research and teaching
- Collaboration and partnership across disciplines and communities
- Integrity, accountability, and respect for diverse perspectives
- Equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization in all aspects of the university's mission
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Data-driven and analytical
- Creative and innovative
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with UBC's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization?
- How do you approach working with diverse individuals in a sophisticated setting, and how have you demonstrated this skill in previous roles?
- How do you balance creativity and innovation with data-driven decision-making in your work?
ASSUMPTION: UBC values candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to its mission, values, and the specific needs of the Vice-President Finance & Operations portfolio, as well as the ability to work collaboratively and adaptably in a diverse and dynamic work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a large and complex organization with numerous departments and faculties
- Balancing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Managing confidential and critical information with tact and subtlety
- Adapting to change and responding to evolving communication needs
ASSUMPTION: The Communications Strategist role at UBC offers numerous opportunities and challenges, and candidates should be prepared to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, balancing multiple projects and priorities, and managing confidential and critical information with tact and subtlety.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Communications Strategist roles in higher education typically focus on internal communications and supporting the needs of various departments and faculties
- Compared to communications roles in the private sector, this role may require more focus on internal communications and less emphasis on external marketing and branding efforts
- Career progression in communications and digital services roles at UBC may involve moving into management or specialized roles within the field
ASSUMPTION: The Communications Strategist role at UBC is similar to communications strategist roles in higher education, with a focus on internal communications and supporting the needs of various departments and faculties. Compared to communications roles in the private sector, this role may require more focus on internal communications and less emphasis on external marketing and branding efforts.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive communication plan for a major university-wide initiative or event
- Creating a series of engaging and informative blog posts or articles on a specific topic or theme, targeted at various audiences
- Designing and implementing a social media campaign to raise awareness and engagement for a specific program, service, or event
ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed are representative of the types of projects a Communications Strategist at UBC might work on, and candidates should be prepared to provide examples of their own relevant work in their application materials.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role support the overall mission and goals of the Vice-President Finance & Operations portfolio?
- What are the most pressing communication challenges facing the portfolio, and how can this role address them?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments and faculties within UBC, and what opportunities are there for cross-functional collaboration and learning?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how can the successful candidate hit the ground running?
- How does UBC support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the communications and digital services field?
ASSUMPTION: The key questions listed are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the portfolio, and the university, as well as to demonstrate their interest and engagement in the position.
📌 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 experiences for this role, demonstrating your understanding of UBC's mission, values, and the specific needs of the Vice-President Finance & Operations portfolio
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
