JOB SUMMARY

Perform a wide variety of external and internal communications services on behalf of the President's Office, working with senior administrators, faculty and staff to provide consultation and communicate UBC's strategic objectives and enhance the university's reputation as a whole - reaching local, national and international audiences.

Communicate the President's vision effectively to internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, staff and students; government (federal/provincial/municipal); business and community partners; non-governmental organizations and the broader public via social and traditional media.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

This role reports to the Executive Director, President's Office, as well as the Associate Vice-President, Communications. Works closely with the Executive team as well as other senior communication professionals across the University.

WORK PERFORMED

-Liaise directly with External Relations, Development and Alumni Engagement, Student Services and other departments and portfolios to deliver the President and UBC's external and internal communications by conceptualizing communication strategies, providing communications counsel and creating multi-media editorial content and collateral.

-Oversee and manage roster of speaking engagements and coordinate with event organizers to ensure all pertinent information and suggested speaking points are submitted. Draft speeches for a variety of events and engagements, including sourcing appropriate content for speeches for larger events to ensure key message alignment with UBC's strategic objectives.

-Actively partner with Internal Communications and Student Services to research and write complex, high-profile communication pieces including e-mail copy; draft President's blogs, newsletters, reports and talking points for functions involving internal audiences (staff, faculty and students). Collaborate with Internal Communications and Student Services on faculty, staff and student engagement opportunities.

-Work with Communications & Marketing and Public Affairs to deliver the President's social and digital media strategy, including providing editorial direction for the President's social media accounts and the President's website. Liaise with Communications & Marketing and Public Affairs staff to monitor social media channels and draft responses as needed; produce regularly updated website content for the President's page, including photos, infographics and videos.

-Collaborate with Public Affairs on earned media strategies, including selection and timing of major media events worthy of President's involvement; talking points for the President; approval of news releases involving the President. Attend events with the President to provide logistical support and media management as needed. Work with Public Affairs to draft and shepherd approval of President's op-ed copy for local, provincial and national publications. Work with Public Affairs to plan and execute special media outreach projects.

-Liaise with Public Affairs and Internal Communications to brief President as required on urgent issues and campus-wide crises. Craft content for responses (written and video) for internal and external distribution via e-mail, social media, media statements and the President's website. Provide talking points and Q and As, so the President is prepared to respond to questions about urgent issues from internal or external stakeholders.

-Provide messaging to respond to correspondence from donors, alumni, stakeholders and others on reputational issues (campus safety, animal research, divestment, etc.) Acknowledge and respond to incoming letters, petitions, e-mails and congratulatory notes to President. Prepare greetings for events the President is unable to attend.

-Work with Communications & Marketing to manage the annual report; produce the President's letter and other editorial content to provide an overview of the university's key accomplishments of the year to demonstrate progress towards strategic goals to the Board of Governors and meet the Ministry of Advanced Education's requirement for an accountability report.

Leads or participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR

The position is expected to function by exercising high degrees of maturity, autonomy and independence, while working under broad guidelines. The consequence of error in this area could be very serious for the university as it concerns the public image and profile of UBC on a provincial, national and international level. The position also has an impact on relationships with government, provincial authorities, industry and other organizations that are vital for UBC. Incorrect or insufficient information and advice subsequently passed on to the senior administration could have grave consequences and result in loss of support and embarrassment to the university.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under broad guidelines, the individual in this position will be expected to work independently and reports to the Executive Director, President's Office as well as the Associate Vice-President, Communications. This position also works closely with the VPs, Communications and Marketing and Public Affairs. Collaborates with senior communications professionals at the university.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

This position provides direction to the President's Office administrative support staff in relation to communications and engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. A minimum of 8 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong writing and editing skills; experience in multi-media story-telling; and an ability to develop communications products for external and internal audiences required. Demonstrated experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and interests, and managing sensitive issues. Ability to conceptualize and provide strategic communications advice. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively with various levels of senior administration, government agencies and university personnel. Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Organizational and multi-tasking skills required. A background in communications at a research-intensive institution would be an asset.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community.  We especially welcome applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.  All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.