Director, Communications & Events Jobs

Staff - Non Union
Job Category
M&P - AAPS
Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level C
Job Title
Director, Communications & Events
Department
Academic & Administrative Leadership | Faculty of Education
Compensation Range
$6,677.33 - $10,433.50 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Posting End Date
June 9, 2023
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.
Job End Date
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
The Director, Communications and Events, is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating a wide variety of media, public relations and other communications strategies designed to enhance the image and reputation of the UBC Faculty of Education and its initiatives, programs and research locally, nationally and internationally. This position manages one-time or annual outing events hosted by the Dean and/or the Dean’s Office and has a direct responsibility for event planning, logistic organization, event communication and budgets.
Organizational Status
Reports directly to the Dean of Education and interacts regularly with the Faculty’s senior leadership team including Associate/Assistant Deans, Heads and Directors, the University’s senior administrators, donors as well as government agencies and professional organizations. Works closely with unit-level communications teams. Maintains a close working relationship with UBC Communications and other Faculties to promote the Faculty of Education and coordinate key messages.
Work Performed

• Conceptualizes, develops, implements and evaluates Faculty-wide communications strategies, plans and protocols to advance the Faculty’s strategic goals. This requires a thorough understanding of the Faculty’s vision and priorities, which can be distilled into effective communications practices.
• Identifies and responds to emerging opportunities to profile the Faculty of Education and its programs. Analyses media coverage and media trends.
• Responsible for the ongoing development, content planning and generation for Faculty communications vehicles including but not limited to: Faculty website, annual reports, electronic newsletters, researcher profiles, media releases and digital signage. Ensures quality, frequency and alignment with the Faculty’s strategic goals.
• Acts as a key liaison between the Faculty of Education and external organizations such as government, media, industry and the wider community in general. Responds to media inquiries.
• In collaboration with the Dean’s executive support team and the Faculty of Education DAE team, as needed, manages event planning, organization, communications, logistics and budgets.
• Develops and executes plans for various events, both annual and one-off events, hosted by the Dean and/or by the Dean’s Office. These events include, but are not limited to, recognition events for staff, faculty, donor, the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series, Tea with the Dean, etc.
• Develops key messages, identifies audience and evaluates the Faculty’s internal and external communications strategies and activities. Initiates evidence-based changes in the portfolio.
• Provides guidance to unit-level communicators; nurtures and leads Faculty-wide and cross-unit collaboration in implementing communications strategies and carrying out communications activities/campaigns.
• Other related duties as directed.
• Oversees the annual communications budget, projecting and monitoring financial results.
• Develops and executes a robust digital engagement plan to increase awareness of our programs, research achievements and growing impact on the community at the local, national and international levels.
• Responsible for issues management and crisis communication planning. Advises the Faculty of how best to respond to serious or complex issues. Anticipates potential communication challenges and in the event of a crisis, ensures all communications are appropriate and timely.
• Prepares speaking notes, letters and announcements for the Dean, as needed, on all aspect of affairs in the Faculty, including materials that may be highly sensitive and confidential in nature, where impeccable writing skills with an ability to convey information with fluidity in a variety of styles is crucial.

Consequences of Error/impact of Decisions
The performance of this position has a major impact on how students, alumni, journalists, community partners, university administrators and other stakeholders perceive the Faculty of Education. The position exercises considerable judgement and makes responsible decisions in determining the content of various publications and the preparation of articles and news releases. The quality, ethics, integrity and accuracy of communications materials produced by this position are critical to the promotion of the Faculty of Education. Given the wide distribution of these materials throughout the University and across the country, inappropriate or inaccurate statements may seriously affect the image and reputation of individuals or the Faculty and the University as a whole. Inappropriate, ineffective or poor messaging in communications content could result in loss of students, lower quality of faculty recruitment, poor fundraising or negative perception of the University’s academic record.
Supervision Received
The position reports to the Dean and operates with considerable autonomy in designing and implementing strategies, priorities, and goals, and coordinating communications programs and initiatives.
Supervision Given
The position directly supervises a Communications Manager and a Communications Coordinator in the Dean’s Office.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum six years of related experience, or communication services, 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 (Masters preferred) in journalism, communications, marketing, or public relations. A minimum of 6 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous experience in communications, public and media relations, journalism and/or marketing is required. Experience developing and implementing communications strategies, including print, digital and social media to meet needs of a diverse set of stakeholders and experience gathering and drafting reader-worthy content in complex environments are highly desirable.

• Ability to work under pressure and to prioritize to meet deadlines
• Ability to effectively resolve client complaints in a calm, non-confrontational manner, and by exercising sound judgment;
• Ability to exercise confidentiality, tact and discretion in dealing with various levels of senior administration and external agencies;
• Accuracy and attention to detail;
• Ability to conceptualize and direct production of digital media and social media campaigns;
• Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, editing, presentation, public relations, leadership and motivational skills;
• Ability to mentor and coach staff, and act as a resource.
• Ability to assimilate materials from a wide variety of sources and assemble them in a coherent fashion;
• Superior writing, editing, and design skills.
• Ability to work well with others, demonstrate effective intercultural communication skills and sensitivities, and deal professionally and diplomatically with media, faculty, staff, students and the general public.