Communications Specialist

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist coordinates and implements communication plans, initiatives and activities in partnership with teams across the Vice-President, Human Resources (VPHR) portfolio, including talent development, recruitment and retention, performance enablement, recognition, total rewards, HR systems, wellbeing, and employee relations.

Focused primarily on communication to faculty and staff audiences, the role ensures consistent, accessible internal communications across various touchpoints, including the UBC HR website. The role coordinates projects and campaigns through strong content management and editorial practices, aligning communications with institutional priorities and brand standards.

This position serves as a trusted advisor and collaborator—providing guidance on messaging, channels, and effective approaches, enabling coordinated, strategic communications across central HR.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Manager, Communications and Engagement. Is a collaborative member of the HR Communications team, within the Talent and Organizational Development unit within the VPHR portfolio. This position partners with various internal client departments across UBC in addition to partnering with teams across the VPHR portfolio. The position liaises with the central communications team, Integrated Service Centre, President’s Office, UBC IT, and other communications colleagues across the University. The role may also work with external consultants and service providers.

Work Performed

• Develops and executes communication plans and activities that support HR priorities, initiatives, and employer brand.
• Uses audience insights, analytics, research, and partner feedback to inform clear, accessible, user-centered content.
• Establishes and maintains communication workflows, templates, and communication standards to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with the UBC brand.
• Manages HR digital communication channels (e.g., websites, newsletters, SharePoint), including content updates, workflows, quality assurance, best practices, and platform coordination with UBC IT and contractors.
• Supports strategic projects (e.g., website redesigns, emerging AI tools, campaigns) through research, insights and analytics, and communications expertise in collaboration with the HR Communications team and other partners.

• Builds and sustains collaborative relationships across HR and UBC to ensure alignment, consistency and effective communications practices.
• Provides communications support and guidance on messaging, channels, and communication approaches.
• Proactively engages and coordinates with partners to understand project needs and provides guidance informed by communication best practices.
• Design and deliver tools, training, and guidance to strengthen the communications capability across HR.

• Develops content and storytelling to support HR priorities and key experiences across employee communications and HR programs, translating complex HR information into clear, accessible, and user-focused content using plain language principles.
• Writes, edits, and reviews content to ensure clarity, consistency, tone, and alignment with brand standards.
• Plans and coordinates integrated editorial calendars across HR channels, ensuring alignment with operational priorities, days of significance, and employee lifecycle.
• Prepares communication materials including briefing notes, speaking notes, presentations, and related assets.

• Applies a structured project management approach to communications work, including scoping, timelines, deliverables, milestones and budgets.
• Coordinates workflows across contributors and partners (e.g. subject matter experts, editors, designers, vendors) to ensure timely, high-quality delivery.
• Supports intake and workload planning processes for the HR Communications team.
• Manages vendor relationships and oversees deliverables, as required.

• Contributes to the evolution of HR Communications through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and continuous learning and improvement.
• Stays current on trends in internal communications, digital experiences, employee engagement, and equity-informed approaches.
• Supports the development of visual and content assets, including coordinating photoshoots and maintaining media assets.
• Monitors and responds to general inquiries through shared channels.
• Participates in institutional committees and initiatives requiring HR Communications, and other duties, as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Attention to detail and sound judgment are required when preparing and publishing communications materials. Errors or delays may affect the accuracy, consistency, and effectiveness of communications provided to the community.

Supervision Received
Works under the direction and guidance of the Manager, Communications and Engagement.

Supervision Given
This position may supervise student staff and may direct and review work from internal and external service providers.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum five years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- 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 Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of current and evolving communications practices with experience executing integrated digital and print communications plans in a large, complex organization.
• Advanced writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to adapt style and tone for different audiences, channels and brand guidelines.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including planning and delivering multiple projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and influencing across organizational levels. Experience using project management and collaboration tools, such as Asana.
• Experience using digital tools and content management systems (e.g., Drupal/WordPress, SharePoint, CyberImpact, Google Analytics) to create, distribute and assess content and engagement.
• Working knowledge of graphic and web design principles, with experience using tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to communicate effectively, foster inclusive and respectful environments, and build partnerships across teams.
• Strong critical thinking and organization skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, adapt to change, embrace new approaches, and deliver high-quality work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in standard business tools (e.g., Microsoft 365) and the ability and interest to learn new and evolving technologies and systems.