Communications Specialist, Stone Centre on Wealth and Income Inequality

Job Summary

The Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications and knowledge mobilization plans, developing an editorial calendar and creating associated content, managing social media accounts, supporting outreach and engagement, and providing media outreach for the Stone Centre for Wealth and Income Inequality.

The Stone Centre on Wealth and Income Inequality at UBC is a research centre at the Vancouver School of Economics funded by a generous gift from the James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Foundation. Its purpose is to support research on the causes and consequences of wealth and income inequality, and possible remedies.

Established in 2024, the Stone Centre joins a prestigious network of fourteen global institutions committed to advancing research, teaching, and knowledge mobilization around wealth inequality. Led by esteemed economists Dr. Thomas Lemieux, Dr. Nicole Fortin, and Dr. David Green, the Stone Centre deepens our understanding of the causes and consequences of wealth concentration, providing valuable insights to foster a more equitable society. The Stone Centre supports cutting-edge research, offers fellowships and grants, and collaborates with Statistics Canada to develop comprehensive datasets on wealth and income inequality across the country.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Research Manager, Stone Centre. Works collaboratively with the Centre Director and Associate Directors, affiliated faculty, staff, and student fellows. When necessary, liaises with the Vancouver School of Economics Communications Manager and/or Arts Service Centre Communications team to ensure adherence to Arts and UBC brand guidelines and best practices and to support a coordinated approach. Interacts with external contacts such as vendors and media representatives as required.

Work Performed
Executes strategic communications plans (including an editorial calendar) and promotional strategies that align with the mission, research priorities, and public engagement goals of the Stone Centre for Wealth and Income Inequality at the Vancouver School of Economics

• Manages the Stone Centre’s online presence and creates and curates content:
• • Researches and produces content including feature stories, press releases, Q&As, social media posts (including LinkedIn, Bluesky, and YouTube), photography, videos, etc.
  • Creates webpages (via WordPress) showcasing Centre research, initiatives, and events; manages and maintains all website content including news, events, feature pages, RSVP links, and other updates as needed
  • Produces and publishes quarterly newsletters
  • Creates presentations to showcase the work of the Stone Centre to different audiences
  • Provides design and illustration, layout services, and process requirements; performs quality assurance on graphic materials.
• Identifies, supports, and executes media outreach opportunities including liaising with UBC Media Relations, directly pitching to and working with media, and organizing affiliated faculty participation in such opportunities.
• Manages the Centre’s social media channels including producing regular content, analyzing analytics, and providing issues management support.
• Liaises with internal/external partners for marketing and communications material, including photo or video shoots with faculty and fellows, to produce promotional materials.
• Provides strategic recommendations and advice on a variety of issues including knowledge exchange, marketing, etc.
• Develops and executes promotional campaigns for in-person and online events, such as public talks, panel discussions, graduate training initiatives, workshops, conferences, Research Days, etc.
• Drafts a Centre Communications Strategic Plan for knowledge mobilization activities, to be approved by the Research Manager and Director. Oversees implementation of strategic plans.
• Liaises with Vancouver School of Economics and Arts Service Centre Communications teams, proactively following best practices and guidelines. Participates in an integrated and coordinated approach to developing communications strategies and policies, and participates as an active member of the Arts Communications Network.
• Manages Research Assistants and Work Learn students supporting Centre communications-related work as needed.
• Drafts and designs Centre Annual Reports; works with Arts Development and Alumni Engagement to develop and create donor-focused materials.
• Develops and manages databases for newsletter subscribers; oversees all aspects of data and information related privacy and consent

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The successful candidate is expected to display a high level of initiative and judgement, and function with a high degree of independence. Errors made in this position, including incorrect information provided to the public, failure to act in a timely manner to issues, and failure to establish good working relationships with university and community partners, could reflect upon the reputation and image of the Stone Centre and the University, potentially damaging the brand, credibility, and integrity of both.

Supervision Received
Works under general direction with considerable autonomy. Receives guidance on strategic priorities and objectives but shows a high level of initiative to determines how to achieve communications goals, set priorities, and manage deadlines independently. The Communications Specialist will also work with the Director/s and affiliated faculty on implementing specific projects. Adheres to guidelines set out by Arts Service Centre Communications.

Supervision Given
May provide guidance to student employees (Research Assistants and/or Work Learn) involved in communications and event support.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum four 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

• Education in Digital Media, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English or related field. Work experience in a relevant context, preferably in research and/or inequality and/or public policy environments.
• Experience in online marketing and communications capacity. Experience in social media content development.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations. Ability to adapt writing styles for various purposes, for different media requirements and for different audiences.
• Professional experience with at least one CMS is required, familiarity with Wordpress and Envoke an asset, as are:
  • Deep familiarity with social media tools (particularly LinkedIn, YouTube, and Bluesky), channels, and trends (ideally in institutional contexts);
  • Knowledge of data analytics and search engine optimization techniques
  • Basic competence with digital imaging software for photo/video editing (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite)
  • Basic competence in graphic design software (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
• Other preferred (but not required) competencies include:
  • Knowledge of HTML
  • Knowledge of web browser standards and related design issues
  • Experience with audio production for podcast support
• Demonstrated project management skills and a proven track record in coordinating marketing and communications projects with multiple stakeholders. Experience working within a complex organizational structure; and understanding of the academic and public sector environment is an asset. Ability to exercise tact and discretion.
• Effective organizational, time management and prioritization skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Energy, enthusiasm and a passion for communicating issues of inequality.