Part Time Science Communicator

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

M&P - AAPS

Job Profile

AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level A

Job Title

Part Time Science Communicator

Department

Research | Tara Martin Lab | Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences | Faculty of Forestry

Compensation Range

$5,063.67 - $7,294.50 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 27, 2023

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Jun 30, 2024

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

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

Science Communicator for The Conservation Decisions lab. Led by Dr Tara Martin, The Conservation Decisions Lab comprises a team of research associates, graduate and undergraduate students, and is a global leader in Conservation decision science and its application. We require the skills of a science communications coordinator to help us communicate and disseminate our research outcomes across various social media and science communication platforms and with diverse stakeholder groups, including donors and collaborators. This is a part time position (60%).

Organizational Status

The Science Communicator reports to Dr. Tara Martin of The Conservation Decision Lab.

Work Performed

• Implements public events and outreach programs, provides project coordination for development initiatives and/or programs, and creates reports and proposals for funders and stakeholders.
• In consultation with Dr Martin, identifies key opportunities to improve existing engagement activities relating to donor and public relations, and implements new projects and provides ongoing public relations expertise.
• Conceptualizes, writes, and produces relevant content for The Conservation Decisions Lab that creatively engages a broad audience including students, followers and supporters across multiple channels (e.g., website, Instagram, and other social media platforms, print and online magazines). Utilizes a variety of formats as appropriate (e.g., listicle, social post, photo essay, video, digital signage, posters, etc.).
• Stays abreast of major communications trends, issues, and technologies.
• Creates a social media strategy, making social media contacts and scheduling posts.
• Develops communications/knowledge translation plans, articles, announcements, researcher profiles and web page content.
• Creates fundraising and awareness materials for the public, donor relations.
• Leads website design and maintenance along with other social media platforms including Instagram, Twitter and other social media accounts associated with The Conservation Decisions Lab
• Performs other duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Our channels must present complex information in understandable and accessible ways. People who rely on our platforms include faculty, staff, and students at UBC and other universities and colleges, Nation and Crown governments, and Non-government Organizations.

The impact of errors in our work would be considerable. Incorrect decisions will affect the University’s ability to effectively communicate with its audiences, with a direct negative impact on the student experience and implementation of our work on the ground.

Supervision Received

The Science Communicator reports to Dr. Tara Martin.

This individual is expected to work with The Conservation Decisions Lab team and our collaborators to creatively translate communication strategies into tactical communication plans and engaging content for the target audiences.

Work is reviewed in terms of achievement of high professional standards in the delivery of student and project communications services.

Supervision Given

N/A

Minimum Qualifications

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

• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

Preferred Qualifications

Masters degree in a relevant discipline. Strategic and creative thinker who can work independently and as part of a collaborative team, understands the student experience, and can come up with innovative ideas and approaches to engage students in all that UBC has to offer.

An applied understanding of visual design principles in graphic, photo and video-based communications. Experience in working with and providing feedback to other designers.

Solid understanding of social media and web content best practices and usability conventions.

Professional experience in a post-secondary institution or similar environment is an asset. Exceptional writing and editing abilities, with ample experiences in simplifying, revising, and summarizing complex language into concise, clear, and engaging copy.

Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Ability to look at complex problems from different perspectives and find creative solutions with the resources available. Excellent project management and organization skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage timelines in large teams.

Ability to work within brand and editorial guidelines, and to communicate these guidelines to student staff and guest writers.

Demonstrated ability to collaborate, give and take constructive feedback, and function as a member of a team. Ability to exercise diplomacy, tact, and discretion when working with confidential and/or sensitive information and in dealing with various levels of administration.

Effective oral communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Accuracy and attention to detail. Capacity for creativity and research. Ability to exercise initiative, resourcefulness, and judgment. Ability to work independently. Ability to assess own performance and regularly report on project status.