📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Marketing and Media Relations Strategist
🔹 Company: University of British Columbia
🔹 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing & Public Relations
🔹 Date Posted: June 19, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing digital marketing plans to increase awareness and engagement in Forestry initiatives.
- Leading brand and marketing projects, including print advertising, online publications, events, media engagement, digital campaigns, video, and newsletters.
- Planning and executing student recruiting initiatives through digital and email campaigns.
- Managing social media amplification budget and representing the Faculty in community management on all digital channels.
- Leading strategic media relations efforts by identifying opportunities, crafting compelling story pitches, and securing high-profile coverage for UBC Forestry.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of digital marketing, social media management, and media relations. The ideal candidate will have experience in a similar role and be comfortable working independently with minimal supervision.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement digital marketing plans for Forestry initiatives, utilizing tools such as websites, social media, podcasts, videos, digital signage, and media designed to increase awareness and engagement.
✅ Lead brand and marketing projects, including print advertising, online publications, events, media engagement, digital campaigns, video, and newsletters, to promote programs, research, events, awards, and initiatives.
✅ Plan and execute student recruiting initiatives through digital and email campaigns for undergraduate, professional masters, and micro-certificate programs.
✅ Manage social media amplification budget and represent the Faculty in community management on all digital channels to build and grow trust and relationships with target audiences.
✅ Lead strategic media relations efforts by identifying opportunities, crafting compelling story pitches, and securing high-profile coverage for UBC Forestry.
✅ Support media needs of Forestry departments, research forests, research centres, and the Haida Gwaii Institute, including liaising with campus and local media as required. Pitching story ideas to news media.
✅ Oversee and mentor student trainees and co-op students engaged in media-related projects and communications support.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, the ability to multitask, and the capacity to work effectively under pressure to meet critical deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Undergraduate degree in a relevant academic discipline.
Experience: Minimum of three years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in digital marketing, social media management, and media relations.
- Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt tone and messaging for diverse audiences and channels.
- Strong project and time management skills, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, and web-based design tools (e.g., Canva); working knowledge of WordPress.
- Experience using analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics), SEO practices, and digital research platforms to support content strategy and performance tracking.
- Experience with social media platforms (i.e., Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, TicTok) and social media management platforms.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams, build relationships, and work effectively with diverse partners and communities.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working within a large, complex organization, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively within dynamic team environments.
- Demonstrated willingness to learn and adapt flexibly to changing priorities.
- Knowledge of graphic design software including, Adobe CC suite: Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.
- Ability to perform video editing and graphic design.
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite and experience with graphic design software would be beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $6,747.50 - $9,701.42 CAD Monthly
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
- Employee and family assistance programs.
- Professional development opportunities.
Working Hours: Full-time position with a standard workweek of 35 hours, typically Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. However, hours may vary based on project demands and deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the job posting. However, it is essential to verify the compensation package directly with the employer, as benefits and additional perks may not be explicitly stated in the job description.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1915 (UBC was founded, the Faculty of Forestry was established in 1924)
Company Description:
- The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global center for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the world.
- The Faculty of Forestry at UBC is recognized globally as one of the leading forestry faculties in the world, offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
- The Faculty embodies a broad spectrum of disciplines, including wood products science, natural resources conservation, forest sciences, urban forestry, and forest resources management.
Company Specialties:
- Forestry and environmental sciences research
- Sustainable resource management
- Urban forestry and green infrastructure
- Natural resources conservation and management
Company Website: http://educ.ubc.ca
ASSUMPTION: UBC is a large, research-intensive university with a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. The Faculty of Forestry is a key component of the university, with a global reputation for excellence in forestry education and research.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level professional with opportunities for growth and development within the Faculty of Forestry and the broader university community.
Reporting Structure: This position reports directly to the Associate Director of Communications and Marketing within the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Forestry.
Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site position with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks or projects.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to senior roles within the Faculty of Forestry or other departments at UBC.
- Opportunities to lead and mentor junior staff and student trainees.
- Professional development opportunities through workshops, courses, and conferences.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the Faculty of Forestry and the broader UBC community. The ideal candidate will be proactive in seeking out professional development opportunities and taking on new challenges as they arise.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks or projects.
Office Location(s): Forest Sciences Centre (FSC), UBC Vancouver Campus
Geographic Context:
- The University of British Columbia's Vancouver campus is located in the Point Grey neighborhood of Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- The campus is situated near the coast, offering stunning views of the mountains and the ocean.
- The campus is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus routes and a Canada Line SkyTrain station nearby.
Work Schedule: Standard workweek of 35 hours, typically Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. However, hours may vary based on project demands and deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong focus on collaboration and teamwork. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a busy, high-pressure environment and be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the UBC Careers website.
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager or a member of the recruitment team.
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and other key stakeholders within the Faculty of Forestry.
- Final round interview with the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry or their designate.
- Reference checks and background verification.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Digital marketing and social media management skills.
- Media relations and communication skills.
- Project management and organizational skills.
- Cultural fit and alignment with UBC's values and mission.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of UBC's mission, values, and the Faculty of Forestry's priorities in your application materials.
- Prepare examples of your past work that showcase your digital marketing, social media management, and media relations skills.
- Be prepared to discuss your experience with and approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion in your interview.
ATS Keywords: Digital Marketing, Social Media Management, Media Relations, Brand Management, Project Management, Communication Skills, Adobe Creative Cloud, Graphic Design, SEO Practices, Analytics Tools, Google Analytics, WordPress, Microsoft 365
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and the ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio of past work and be able to articulate their approach to digital marketing, social media management, and media relations effectively.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
- Microsoft 365
- WordPress
- Google Analytics
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
- Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with the tools and technologies listed above and be comfortable learning new tools as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in research and teaching
- Integrity and accountability
- Respect and inclusivity
- Collaboration and teamwork
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced work environment
- Strong focus on collaboration and teamwork
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Support for work-life balance
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you approach equity, diversity, and inclusion in your work, and how have you demonstrated this in past roles?
- How do you balance multiple projects with competing deadlines, and how do you prioritize your work to ensure that critical tasks are completed on time?
- How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with key media contacts, and how have you secured meaningful coverage in the past?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and be able to balance multiple projects with competing deadlines effectively. They will also be able to build and maintain strong relationships with key media contacts and secure meaningful coverage for the Faculty of Forestry.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities.
- Working effectively with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, staff, suppliers, students, and alumni.
- Balancing the need for consistency in branding and messaging with the desire for creativity and innovation in marketing and communication efforts.
- Keeping up with the latest trends and best practices in digital marketing, social media management, and media relations.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be proactive in seeking out opportunities for professional development and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on digital marketing and media relations within the context of a large, research-intensive university.
- Compared to similar roles in the private sector, this role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the broader UBC community.
- Compared to similar roles in other universities, this role offers a unique opportunity to work within a globally recognized faculty of forestry.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be interested in the unique aspects of this role and be excited about the opportunity to work within a globally recognized faculty of forestry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive digital marketing plan for the Faculty of Forestry's undergraduate recruitment campaign, including targeted social media advertising, email marketing, and website optimization.
- Leading a media relations campaign to secure high-profile coverage for a major research project or initiative within the Faculty of Forestry.
- Managing a team of student trainees and co-op students to create engaging content for the Faculty of Forestry's social media channels, website, and email newsletters.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with and be comfortable leading projects of this scale and scope.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the Faculty of Forestry's priorities for the upcoming academic year, and how this role supports those priorities?
- How does this role fit into the broader communications and marketing strategy for the Faculty of Forestry and UBC as a whole?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and the broader UBC community?
- How does the Faculty of Forestry support work-life balance for its employees?
- What are the key challenges facing the Faculty of Forestry in the coming years, and how can this role help to address those challenges?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be proactive in seeking out information about the Faculty of Forestry's priorities and the opportunities for professional growth and development within this role.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the UBC Careers website by July 8, 2025.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, demonstrating your understanding of UBC's mission, values, and the Faculty of Forestry's priorities.
- Prepare examples of your past work that showcase your digital marketing, social media management, and media relations skills.
- Follow up with the hiring manager or a member of the recruitment team 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.
