Communications Specialist

Posted: April 27, 2022

The Department of Theatre & Film is hiring for a full-time Communications Specialist role.

Job Summary

• Responsible for developing and implementing design and content for various internal and external communication channels for the Department of Theatre and Film.
• Plans in-person and virtual activities to support community engagement and the recruitment of students to the undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Executes communications and marketing deliverables to raise the profile of the Department of Theatre and Film and the Faculty of Arts.
• Participates in an integrated and coordinated approach to developing communications strategies, tactics and policies.
• Works with Department Head and Administrator to set communications goals and targets.
• Collaborates with faculty, staff, graduate students and representatives from other departments and other organizations.
• Works closely with the other members of the Arts Communications team and Network, Arts ISIT, and various campus communicators.

Organizational Status

• Reports to the Manager, Arts Communications.
• Works with Department Head and Administrator to set goals and targets.
• Works with faculty, staff, graduate students and representatives from other UBC departments and other organizations.
• Works closely with the other members of the Arts Communications team and Network, Arts ISIT, and campus communicators.

Work Performed

• Develops, writes, and edits a wide range of communication materials for the Department of Theatre and Film including newsletters, blog posts, web copy, advertising copy, and social media content. Identifies the most appropriate and effective communication channel for messages and distributes and implements as needed. Provides research and fact-checking support where needed.

• Designs and produces various communications material to support the needs of the Department. Materials include digital and physical signage, presentations, brochures, campaign materials, promotional products, and digital assets. Works with external vendors to produce materials. Ensures communication and marketing materials are compliant and align with the Faculty of Arts visual identity and UBC brand standards.

• Works closely with the Arts Communications team to execute projects and campaigns in support of the Departments’ objectives. Coordinates projects, develops briefs, proposes timelines, and creates content and assets that highlight the departmental programs and outputs.

• Participates in regular team meetings with the Arts Communications team and the Arts Communications Network. Liaises where needed with UBC Brand and Marketing, Media Relations and other campus communicators.

• Responds to requests for information from the media or general public or makes referrals to an appropriate spokesperson within the department or other University office. Identifies opportunities to provide leads and public relations materials to Arts Communications and UBC Media Relations, develops and drafts stories for consideration to focus attention on the publication and other achievements of members of the Department of Theatre and Film.

• Assesses and manages departmental social media accounts. Acts as social media community manager where appropriate. Monitors and escalates issues to Arts Communications Team and departmental leads.

• Works with Development and Alumni Engagement to engage donors and inform them of the work going on in the department.

• Collaborates with Graduate Advisors, Undergraduate Advisors, Department Head, Arts Communications Manager, and UBC Recruitment Marketing and Prospective Student Engagement to develop strategies for student recruitment at the graduate and undergraduate levels. This includes developing and implementing communications strategies to inform current and prospective students, the general public, and other related public interest groups about the programs, key dates/deadlines, initiatives, and accomplishments of the Departments.

• Develops student surveys to gather data from current students and alumni. Locates, contacts, and interviews alumni to gather data on success beyond degree completion and to write testimonials.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

• Works under the general direction of a supervisor.
• Work reviewed in terms of conformance with established standards and specific project objectives.
• Makes decisions regarding the design, writing, and editing of communication and marketing materials.
• Makes recommendations on appropriate communications approach to achieve stated goals.
• Manages multiple tasks requiring judgement in prioritization.
• Error in the performance of duties, mishandling of sensitive topics or inappropriate disclosure of confidential information may adversely affect the image and reputation of the faculty and the university.

Supervision Received

• Reports to the Administrator, Department of Theatre and Film and the Department Head and takes subject area direction from the Arts Communications Manager.

Supervision Given

• May supervise student staff and direct the work of internal and external service providers.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with issues management and crisis communications, editorial writing and research storytelling.
• Knowledge of graphic and web design principles required.
• Demonstrated experience assessing social media channels in an organizational environment using analytics reporting and tracking tools.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to adapt writing styles for various purposes, for different media requirements and for different audiences.
• Ability to effectively use desktop publishing software at an advanced level is an asset.
• Ability to effectively use word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software at an advanced level.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations.
• Ability to compose correspondence, reports, presentations, and other written materials using clear concise business English.
• Effective project management skills. Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to recognize, respect and work effectively with individuals and groups with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• Takes initiative in learning about language and issues relating to equity and diversity.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
• Ability to recognize and appreciate the contributions of colleagues.
• Committed to demonstrating respect to colleagues at every level by trusting in their abilities and knowledge to perform their roles and earning respect through meeting commitments.
• Models and demonstrates good communication through active listening and appreciative inquiry and open to providing and receiving timely, constructive feedback.
• Listens to, encourages and expresses creative and innovative ideas.
• Open to experiment and improvise with new ways of approaching processes, tasks or problems.
• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion.

Deadline

Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on May 7, 2022.