Marketing & Communications Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Marketing & Communications Specialist

🔹 Company: University of British Columbia

🔹 Location: Neville Scarfe Building (SCRF), UBC Vancouver Campus, Canada

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing & Professional Development

🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing marketing and communication plans for the Office of Professional Learning (OPL) and its programs
• Collaborating with various units and stakeholders within the Faculty of Education and across the province
• Creating and curating content for various channels, including digital and print materials
• Managing and growing social media channels
• Overseeing website updates and ensuring brand compliance

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of initiative, strong project management skills, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Plans and implements well-coordinated, effective communication and marketing plans and vehicles for OPL and the various units and programs we support

✅ Drafts strategies and policies to ensure alignment on internal and external communication and marketing guidelines, shares best practices, and maintains UBC and Faculty brand standards

✅ Responsible for researching, writing, editing, and curating content and preparing marketing & communication plans, advertising copy, reports, and articles

✅ Designs and produces effective and visually appealing communications and promotional materials and digital assets to support the needs of OPL and the units and programs we support

✅ Participates in strategic planning with Manager, Marketing & Communications. Meets regularly with OPL Management team, providing regular updates through informal and formal communication

✅ Serves as an internal advisor to Faculty staff regarding marketing & communications best-practices and provides guidance and assistance with major website updates/developments and other large-scale projects

✅ Develops, measures and reports on the success of marketing & communications initiatives. Oversees the use of Google Analytics and other analytical software to ensure data is being collected and used when making marketing and communication deliverables and decisions

✅ Oversees numerous websites and webpages. Makes web updates up to an intermediate level of complexity. Works with web developers for more advanced updates and changes

✅ Liaises with and/or oversees freelance and contract workers to ensure delivery of brand-aligned marketing & communications deliverables

✅ Liaises with a network of marketing and communications professionals across campus to share best practices, collaborate on special projects, and stay informed of UBC brand guidelines and initiatives

✅ Upholds UBC brand standards for work completed within OPL and in collaboration with on-campus and off-campus program partners. Ensures compliance with industry regulations and standards (e.g., Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation or Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act)

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

Experience: Minimum five years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong project management and time management skills
• Ability to conduct needs analysis, plan, organize, manage, monitor, complete, and evaluate projects within allocated time and resources
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail
• Experience with digital and social advertising platforms such as Google Ads and LinkedIn
• Experience with growing and managing social media channels
• Familiarity with UBC systems and procedures

Preferred Skills:

• A university degree in marketing, communications, or related discipline
• Certificate in project management
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and project management software
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with additional relevant certifications or experience in higher education marketing will be preferred.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $6,747.50 - $9,701.42 CAD Monthly

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package for full-time employees
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Generous vacation and leave policies

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the midpoint of the range and represents an employee with full job knowledge, qualifications, and experience for the position.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Founded: 1915 (UBC), 1920 (Faculty of Education)

Company Description:

• UBC is a global leader in research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world
• The Faculty of Education is committed to advancing education through research, teaching, and community engagement
• OPL supports the professional development of educators across British Columbia and Canada

Company Specialties:

• Education
• Research
• Community Engagement

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

ASSUMPTION: UBC is a large, research-intensive university with a strong commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level professional with opportunities for growth and leadership

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Manager, Marketing & Communications, and works collaboratively with the Marketing & Communications team, Management team, and Dean’s Office communication staff

Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site position with opportunities for flexible work arrangements

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for career advancement within the Faculty of Education or UBC
• Opportunities for professional development and skill-building
• Chance to work on high-impact projects and initiatives

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a large, dynamic organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with opportunities for remote work

Office Location(s): Neville Scarfe Building (SCRF), UBC Vancouver Campus, Canada

Geographic Context:

• Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Beautiful, urban campus with easy access to public transportation
• Close to nature, with mountains, forests, and beaches nearby

Work Schedule: Standard office hours, Monday to Friday, with opportunities for flexible scheduling

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is collaborative, inclusive, and supportive of work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring team
• Final interview with the Dean or a representative from the Dean’s Office

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Project management and organizational skills
• Creativity and problem-solving abilities
• Understanding of UBC brand guidelines and marketing best practices

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
• Provide specific examples of your marketing and communication achievements
• Demonstrate your understanding of the role and the Faculty of Education’s mission and values

ATS Keywords: Marketing, Communications, Project Management, Content Creation, Digital Advertising, Social Media Management, Google Analytics, HTML, CSS, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Hootsuite, UBC, Faculty of Education, OPL

ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates should highlight their relevant skills and experiences to increase their chances of success.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Canva
• Hootsuite
• Google Analytics
• HTML and CSS
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have experience with relevant marketing and communication tools and be willing to learn new technologies as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Excellence
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Inclusion
• Courage

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Creative and innovative
• Committed to continuous learning and improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you embody UBC’s values in your work?
• How do you approach collaboration and teamwork in a dynamic, fast-paced environment?
• How do you stay up-to-date with marketing and communication trends and best practices?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong fit with UBC’s values and work style to be successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Balancing the needs of various stakeholders, including faculty members, staff, and external partners
• Upholding UBC brand standards while maintaining creativity and innovation

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to manage multiple priorities, work effectively under pressure, and adapt to change in a dynamic environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique to the Faculty of Education at UBC, with a focus on supporting the professional development of educators
• Similar roles in higher education may have a broader focus on institutional marketing and communication, rather than program-specific marketing and communication
• Career paths in higher education marketing and communication may include roles in institutional advancement, alumni relations, or public affairs

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research the unique aspects of this role and how it fits within the broader context of higher education marketing and communication.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a marketing and communication plan for a new professional development program
• Creating and executing a social media campaign to promote an upcoming conference or event
• Designing and producing promotional materials for a series of workshops or webinars

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to provide specific examples of their marketing and communication achievements and how they align with the requirements of this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role support the mission and values of the Faculty of Education?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the Office of Professional Learning, and how can this role help address them?
• How does this role collaborate with other units and stakeholders within the Faculty of Education and across the province?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth in this role?
• How does this role balance the needs of various stakeholders, including faculty members, staff, and external partners?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should ask thoughtful, insightful questions to demonstrate their interest in and understanding of the role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences, including specific examples of your marketing and communication achievements
• Prepare for your interview by researching UBC’s mission, values, and the Faculty of Education’s programs and initiatives
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role

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