Communications Designer

Job Summary

This position will lead graphic design for internal and external communications for the Communications Unit in the Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) portfolio. The incumbent will lead communication design projects and will consult with clients and external agencies on deliverables. Materials produced are principally for engaging UBC's donors in the activities of the university, and for enhancing UBC's image and reputation in the donor community as well as potential donors.

Organizational Status
Takes direction from the Communications Manager and Senior Director of Integrated Communications and Marketing. Works as a member of the Development Communications team, and works closely with staff from other DAE units and other areas of UBC including central communications, alumni UBC and president’s office. Liaises with a project coordinator, printers, agencies, freelancers and other suppliers.

Work Performed

· Oversees the graphic design development of original materials for events, including invitations and programs, in both print and web-based electronic forms;

· Develops collateral materials in support of stewardship activities, including major gift stewardship and major fundraising campaigns;

· Oversees, evaluates and performs original graphic design, layout, and printing of stewardship reports for donors; and ensures we offer unique and groundbreaking alternatives to our stakeholders specially for presidential communications, milestone reports and major gifts proposals.

· Leads the development of advertising and other promotional materials

· Creates concepts in draft form for client review; through client consultation develops and brings product to final stage;

· Advises clients on development and implementation of graphic design (subject material, design objectives) and digital media, providing and implementing recommendations on design and media selection and costing;

· Leads communications projects as required - may include research, writing and editing, design and print coordination, and photography sourcing;

· Discusses projects with Communication Manager to clarify subject material, design objectives, and provide recommendations on selection of media;

· Hires internal and external service providers, such as, printers, designers, photographers and other suppliers, as required;

· Liaises with the Communications Manager, editors and content providers to establish and meet production deadlines;

· Provide document workflow process per project in conjunction with colleague’s requirements; and

· Performs other related duties, as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Must exercise tact and diplomacy when dealing with donors, staff, suppliers, students, alumni and faculty. May need to balance multiple projects with competing deadlines and make decisions on how best to manage the work given, based on the time frame, the relative strategic importance of the projects and the impact for failing to meet deadlines. The quality of the material developed has a profound influence on the public's opinion of the university and the UBC Development Office. The production and distribution of inaccurate, inconsistent or ineffective information could have a significant detrimental effect on UBC's ability to attract and steward donors. Failure to exercise appropriate judgment could damage the reputation of UBC and of the Development Office, resulting in alienation of donors, staff, suppliers and others.

Supervision Received
Takes direction from the Communications Manager and Senior Director of Integrated Marketing and Communications.

Supervision Given
May oversee the work of printers, designers and photographers, depending on the project. Provides guidance, best practices and process to the Communications Coordinator.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of three 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

University degree in communications or equivalent preferred. Experience in coordinating the production of print projects from the planning stage through to content development, design and print management. Excellent oral and written communication skills and a high level of proficiency in English grammar, spelling and punctuation. Experience with website content management systems. Training and experience in print graphic design. Knowledge of graphic and web design principles, and understanding of video production. Ability to adapt writing styles for various purposes, for different media requirements and for different audiences. Ability to set priorities, attend to details, work well under pressure to meet deadlines, balance competing deadlines. Ability to work effectively with minimum direction in a team environment. Ability to exercise initiative, resourcefulness and judgment. Skilled and adept in the following software: Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint. Wordpress, enterprise version. Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat. Working knowledge of HTML and CSS an asset. Experience and understanding of post-secondary education and fundraising an asset.