Communications and Digital Engagement Specialist

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

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 Communications and Digital Engagement Specialist will play a central role in advancing the mission of the UBC Centre for Disease Control (UBC CDC) to position science at the core of public health action. This position will lead the development and execution of strategic communications, digital storytelling and engagement initiatives to enhance the visibility, accessibility, and impact of UBC CDC research, training, and knowledge mobilization activities.
Organizational Status
The UBC CDC is the academic arm of the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), the provincial public health agency, and the Research Development Unit (RDU) provides centre-wide research administration. The incumbent will report to the RDU Senior Manager and interact with the research community at the centre, UBC and PHSA. This position is located at BCCDC, but may work remotely as needed.
Work Performed:

1. Strategic Communications and Content Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive external and internal communications strategies aligned with UBC CDC priorities in research, public health impact, and knowledge mobilization.

• Manage all aspects of communications projects, including developing project timelines and budgets, monitoring projects to completion, preparing progress and final reports, and making recommendations.
• Ensure that communication plans and their execution align with UBC-wide brand and communications guides and protocols.

• Translate complex scientific and public health research into clear, accessible, and compelling content for diverse audiences (e.g. policymakers, practitioners, community organizations, and the public).
• Create, edit and maintain a wide range of communications platforms and materials (e.g. website, social media, SharePoint, research summaries, policy briefs, reports and impact stories, banners, news articles and newsletters) by liaising with content contributors including faculty, staff, students and other stakeholders.
• Identify and implement approaches to automate the development and distribution communications content (e.g. announcements for awards and funding opportunities) to streamline dissemination.

2. Digital Storytelling and Stakeholder Engagement

• Design and deliver digital narratives showcasing UBC CDC’s research projects, findings and partnerships and their impact on community and population health.
• Work closely with researchers, trainees and partners to identify high-impact stories and translate them into engaging multimedia formats (e.g. videos, infographics, and interactive content) to enhance engagement and knowledge uptake.

• Develop and implement digital outreach efforts to increase visibility and reach of UBC CDC’s work across key platforms (e.g. website, social media, and targeted campaigns).
• Act as a key liaison between UBC CDC researchers, BCCDC programs, and external partners to support coordinated communications and identify communication needs and opportunities.
• Coordinate communications for events, workshops, and knowledge exchange activities (e.g. Grand Rounds, Research Week, and Forum).

3. Website and Digital Platform Management

• Oversee content development and maintenance of the public facing UBC CDC website and the internal research SharePoint site.

• Coordinate with technical teams to determine modifications of website design and functionality, and to ensure a level of performance and maintenance.
• Write, design, manage and edit web content. Select and coordinate production for website elements, including graphics, photos, and videos. Develop and maintain web content style guides, standards and templates.
• Determine methods for collection and maintenance of digital assets such as photos and videos to support communication of the portfolio's identified priorities.

4. Evaluation and Capacity Building

• Evaluate the effectiveness of current communication plans and initiatives, and makes recommendations for future improvements.

• Develop and report on digital analytics and engagement metrics to optimize content performance.

• Provide consultation and advice to all members of the unit on best practices in communications.
• Develop intuitive and easy-to-use materials (e.g. toolkits, templates, guidance documents) that allow staff to handle some communications tasks independently.
• Keep current with major communications trends, issues, and technologies.
• Perform other related duties as required.
  

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors in performance of the above-related duties could have a significant impact on the image, reputation and financial status of the centre. Inappropriate actions or indiscretions in judgment can negatively impact UBC CDC’s working relationships and credibility with a range of critical internal and external partners, and may result in legal action or negative public relations.
Supervision Received
The incumbent will work independently under the general guidance of the RDU Senior Manager and other members of the UBC CDC Executive Committee. Work is reviewed periodically to assess performance and ensure completion of project milestones.
Supervision Given
The incumbent may supervise, train, provide direction or support to new/junior RDU staff, students and contractors.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum five 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

• Preference for postgraduate degree in marketing, communications or a related area, and/or in science with proven experience in public relations, publicity, media relations, journalism or marketing.
• Proven experience in strategic communications planning and implementation of a broad range of digital and non-digital communications projects for a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to write quickly and fluently for a variety of audiences and communications platforms (e.g. print, websites, social media, etc.).
• Work experience in a research and/or health environment an asset.
• Demonstrated cultural humility and well-developed understanding of Indigenous history in Canada and the principles and foundations of Truth and Reconciliation.
• Foundational knowledge of justice, equity, decolonization, indigenization and inclusion and willingness to pursue on-going learning in this area.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a project-based environment, manage multiple and concurrent projects, set priorities, and meet project deadlines.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of the principles and practices of communications, new media, public relations, and branding.
• Ability to accurately proofread for English language usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, presentation, and public relations skills.
• High level of initiative, creativity, and attention to detail in all communications work.
• Ability to exercise judgement, tact, discretion and diplomacy.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment that is collaborative, complex, and with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Experience working with web content management systems, including Drupal and WordPress.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement digital performance metrics using Google Analytics and other relevant tools.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of graphic and web design principles required.
• Ability to use desktop publishing software at an advanced level, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, etc.).
• Knowledge and experience in website development, CSS and HTML.
• Proficiency using Zoom and Microsoft 365 including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint.
• Familiarity with Search Engine Optimization and metadata strategy.