Creative Strategist and Copywriter

About this

Opportunity

The University of Victoria is one of Victoria's largest employers and one of Canada’s best diversity employers. Together we are more than 5,000 dedicated faculty, librarians and staff supporting the University of Victoria’s diverse academic programs, world-class research and commitment to civic engagement.

*This position is eligible for a hybrid flex arrangement*

The salary range for this position is:

• Recruitment range: $72,242 to $79,650. Starting salary is determined in accordance with the PEA Collective Agreement.
• Performance range: Up to $93,951. Progression beyond the recruitment range is available through annual performance increases, in accordance with the PEA Collective Agreement.
  

Job Summary

Mandate:
The Creative Strategist and Copywriter position is a cross between the Big Idea person and the person in the weeds crafting the story. As the primary content strategist on the team this role oversees and implements omni-channel storytelling as well as produces content. They are SEO savvy, love a good style guide, believe in the power of concise and short-form storytelling while recognizing there is still a place for long-form content. The focus is not only on the story but in working with a communications team, how to make sure that their stories have a broad reach and deep and measurable engagement. Knowing which form of content will have the greatest impact is more important than any one type of content.

As copywriters their focus is telling a persuasive story as part of an integrated strategy that leads to action. They know how to pitch their story to the media but more importantly how to work with influencers to reach audiences for specific outcomes.

As the creative strategist on the Research Profile team they help lead the creative ideation on many projects, they often have the ‘Big Idea’, they ensure a consistent brand voice that is driven by their deep understanding of our audiences, they bring a mastery of written storytelling – short and long, but they also understand when to recommend visual, auditory or other content formats when they are more suited to get the job done and have the needed impact . One day they may be writing a video script, the next an op ed for Maclean’s Magazine and the next day content to profile strategic research initiatives.

The core purpose of this role is to ensure that there is a consist and compelling brand story and voice shared across platforms and audiences in support of the university’s and Office of the Vice-President of Research and Innovation objectives.

Objectives:

• Copywriting and omni-channel compelling and persuasive storytelling
• Creative strategy development
• Traditional and non-traditional media management
• Project management and leadership
• Issues communications

Job Requirements

This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to:

• a Bachelor’s degree in communications, advertising, marketing or public relations.
• Five years of copywriting, creative strategy and persuasive storytelling experience across multiple channels and a variety of formats.
• Three years of work experience with media relations including non-traditional and/or non-mainstream media outlets is required.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Proficiency in project management.
• Demonstrated understanding of tracking impact and results of stories.
• Proficiency in using CMS, media monitoring tools and Adobe Creative Cloud. Ability to produce content for podcasts, video, and visual platforms desired but secondary to strong written format competency.
• Demonstrated ability to produce, curate and repurpose content in a compelling and persuasive way.
• Understanding of principles of web accessibility and SEO – certification is desired.
• Attention to detail is critical, customer service important, and a high level of initiative required.
• Expert level of written English communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines, sometimes in stressful circumstances and with shifting priorities.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proven record of accomplishment of successful earned media on a national impact level.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population and with all levels of university personnel.

Territory Acknowledgement: We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and WSÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

Equity Statement: UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who are eager to actively participate in that shared responsibility. We actively encourage applications from members of historically and systemically marginalized groups.

Accessibility Statement: If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process contact: uviccareers@uvic.ca Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

What UVic Offers: To learn more click here