Communication and Design Specialist

Job Summary

This role is responsible for the delivery of internal and faculty-facing communications and creative production for the VP Academic Internal Communications team, a large and complex administrative portfolio. Focused on execution, this role helps implement communications and engagement strategies by writing, editing, and publishing digital content across web, email, and social platforms as well as developing graphic and multimedia assets for web, newsletter, and digital communications. The position also develops print and digital communications materials, manages website and social media content, and contributes to communications strategies and campaigns. The role collaborates with campus partners and ensures all materials align with UBC brand and accessibility standards. Experience in digital media, project management, and audience-focused communications is essential.

The Specialist is responsible for producing timely, accurate, and audience-appropriate communications; supporting content workflows; and providing data-informed insights to improve reach and impact. The role works under general direction and is expected to manage day-to-day tasks independently while aligning closely with university brand and messaging standards.

Organizational Status
The Communication & Design Specialist reports to the Senior Manager, VPA Internal Communications. This position works as part of the VPA Internal Communications team, which is part of the VPA Communications unit that resides in the Office of the Provost & VP Academic portfolio at UBC. The incumbent collaborates regularly with other members of the VPA Communications team and may interface with other VPA staff, faculty and service providers. The role may also liaise with central UBC communications partners and vendors.

Work Performed
Works with the VPA Internal Communications team to write, edit, and format content for email newsletters, intranet articles, website updates, event announcements, social media, and internal messaging. Identify opportunities to create and edit creative assets for campaigns, initiatives and events, with a focus on graphic design, photography and videography. The range of materials produced may include illustrations, posters, digital and print reports, toolkits, infographics, media assets included in blog posts/website stories/social media, podcasts and short-form videos.

Researches, manages, and develops web-based communication strategies and materials using knowledge of graphic and web design, social media tools, web content management systems, and various web-based platforms.

Creates and designs staff- and faculty-facing newsletters, including writing updates and sourcing content from portfolio and campus-wide partners.

Designs print and digital materials, including digital signage, social media graphics, posters, postcards, reports, brochures, presentations, and various other promotional assets in line with the UBC brand and with attention to audience needs.

Develops content for websites and other digital communication platforms in collaboration with the Office of the Provost & VP Academic and other portfolio units, with accountability for creating and editing communication materials.

Updates content on unit websites supported by the VPA Internal Communications team, and ensures units’ online presence adheres to UBC communications and brand standards.

Develops templates that help accelerate production and unify the look and feel of communications materials.

Engages with faculty members, staff, and students across UBC Vancouver in producing content.

Manages digital asset management systems to ensure that all creative assets are securely stored, managed and catalogued.

Provides design and creative guidance and advice to units in the VP Academic.

Performs other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors can have significant negative impacts on the achievement of UBC's strategic goals and commitments related to diversity, equity and inclusion, and UBC's reputation.

Supervision Received
Reports to the Senior Manager, VPA Internal Communications, and works under general direction. Work is reviewed in terms of conformance with established standards and specific objectives. Receives project-based assignments with defined goals, timelines, and outcomes. Expected to manage day-to-day execution independently and escalate issues or decisions requiring strategic input. Work is reviewed for quality, adherence to standards, and alignment with broader communications goals.

When working with units in the VPA portfolio, task-specific supervision may be provided by the respective units in consultation with the Senior Manager, VPA Internal Communications.

Supervision Given
May provide guidance or task-level supervision to Work Learn students or coordinate with vendors and service providers on specific deliverables.

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

• Professional experience in a post-secondary institution or similar environment is a strong asset.
• Experience in communications, graphic design or digital media preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Ability to adapt writing styles for different audiences and purposes.
• Experience working with social media and websites in an organizational/corporate environment.
• Working knowledge of content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Experience with email newsletter software (such as CyberImpact or Envoke) an asset.
• Demonstrated graphic design ability using Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Understanding of current digital, social media, and content marketing trends. Experience with social media monitoring and management, website analytics, and data visualization tools.
• Skilled in the areas of aesthetic design principles, photography, video, and video & audio editing.
• Knowledge and experience working in a brand environment, with an understanding of visual design principles.
• Ability to work with diverse individuals in a complex setting.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy when working with confidential and sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently within a collaborative team environment.
• Maintains excellent rapport with the university community as well as external stakeholders.
• Exercises good judgment and maturity in all communications.
• Understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and respectful engagement.