Communications Strategist

Staff - Non Union Job Category M&P - AAPS Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level B Job Title Communications Strategist Department Administration | School of Population and Public Health | Faculty of Medicine Compensation Range $6,747.50 - $9,701.42 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 May 1, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date Ongoing 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 The Communications Strategist will manage the day-to-day communications for the School of Population and Public Health. Under the direction of the Director of Administration, the Communications Strategist will lead the development and implementation of communications plans and strategies for the School. This role works closely with the SPPH leadership, divisions, programs, and other units, including centres, to support the SPPH-wide communications. The role is responsible for supporting the success of the School’s communication portfolio and other research units to fulfill communication needs. This role will work on strategy building and implementation of deliverables on numerous emerging communications items, including storytelling, media relations, and the promotion of programs within SPPH. The Communications Strategist will work closely with the School Director and the four Associate Directors to strategize goals and key priorities. The position requires flexibility and agility to navigate multiple priorities simultaneously and make critical decisions. The work will leverage and strengthen the divisions, programs, and centres within the School. Organizational Status The School of Population and Public Health (SPPH) is an innovative unit within the Faculty of Medicine that encompasses many of the health-related groupings at UBC that focus on population and public health and epidemiology. The School is structured around four divisions: Global and Environmental Health; Health Services and Policy; Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health Practice; and Health in Populations. The resulting mix of professions and disciplines is seen as a means of connecting individuals and learners to galvanize the relationship between health research, public health and health services and to enhance learning. The SPPH's academic program includes teaching in the undergraduate medical curriculum, courses for UBC undergraduate students, the Residency Program in Public Health and Preventive Medicine, and the following graduate programs: MGH, MHA, MHSc, MPH, MSc, MSc (OEH), and Ph.D. The SPPH is one of the most research-intensive units at UBC and is home to the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health, Centre for Applied Ethics, Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, Partnership for Work, Health and Safety, and the Human Early Learning Partnership. Work Performed Strategic development: Develops and implements communication priorities and strategies for the School. Collaborates and maintains relationships with the Faculty of Medicine (FoM) Communications Team to ensure FoM and SPPH work together on important announcements or news items (e.g., regarding SPPH faculty). Collaborates and supports the strategic goals of the School and advises the centres on their strategic communications priorities within the capacity of the communication strategy of the School. Develops and implements a practice of community engagement and a relationships management approach in the School’s communications to ensure a transparent and sustainable model of communication. Meets regularly with the School’s Senior Education Manager and Program Managers to create proactive communications plans and ensure visibility for programs. Works with the leadership team to develop processes and set standards for communications across the School. Facilitates effective communication and collaboration, proactively resolving challenges to ensure seamless and successful operations. Writes speeches for the School Director in all internal and external activities for the School. Responsible for staying up to date on best practices in digital engagement and communicating to partners. Leadership support: Leads the development and alignment of communication strategies and initiatives across the School to ensure consistency with School-wide priorities. Functions as a senior communications authority and resource, providing strategic guidance, standards, interpretation, and decision-making to support programs and centres. Develops and provides strategic oversight, direction, and review of communications materials. Consult with content providers and all the units and centres within the School on messages, audience, delivery and best practices for internal and external communications. Determines the appropriate communication channels and distribution methods for successful communication. Identifies and manages opportunities in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine (FoM) communication team to cross-promote the School effectively. Represents the School on the FoM Communications Team, Alumni Engagement, Media Relations, including UBC Media Relations and represents the School on various committees. Manages and creates content for the School’s social media, including photography, illustrations, video clips, and blog posts, as aligned with wider communication initiatives and/or campaigns. Manages the creation of an inclusive and engaged communications role in the School by developing relationships with faculty and staff that support the School’s strategic goals. Communicates the School’s strategic planning process, goals, and outputs to the School community in an effective and strategic manner. Plans, writes and edits relevant content and designs layouts for key communications tools and reports. Develops the bi-weekly internal newsletter, including researching, writing and editing content, controlling the editorial flow, production and publication, and acting as key liaison with content providers. Consequence of Error/Judgement The Communications Strategist will work independently within established guidelines and standards. The work is reviewed in terms of the achievement of defined goals. This position represents the School of Population Health as well as the Faculty of Medicine and the University. Failure to maintain information in confidence could result in damage to credibility and poor relations with internal and external partners. Incorrect decisions or judgment will directly affect UBC's reputation with students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. Must be able to work independently and exercise effective judgement and decision-making skills in managing proactive and reactive brand and communication needs and issues. This position will be responsible for access, collection, use and disclosure of personal information in accordance with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (RSBC 1996) and other UBC privacy and security policies. This position requires employees to work under strict confidentiality requirements; internal procedures and policies to protect personal information must be followed and adherence to these requirements will be regularly reviewed by the employer. Supervision Received The Communications Strategist is directly supervised by the Director of Administration and receives direction from the SPPH Director. This position will also receive direction from members of the School leadership. Supervision Given The Communications Strategist may direct the work of internal and external service providers, and staff or student workers supporting the communications portfolio as required. 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 University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or Journalism preferred. Experience in strategic communications writing and presenting, preferably in translating research to a public audience. Experience in creating and delivering messages on various platforms using tools such as video, podcasts, presentations, and webcasts. Demonstrated experience working with social media tools in an organizational and/or corporate environment to engage audiences, and experience with content management systems such as WordPress. Experience assessing and analyzing data to make informed decisions. Familiarity with analytics programs for social media platforms is an asset. Demonstrated working knowledge of graphic and web design principles required. Ability to use desktop publishing software at an intermediate level. Commitment to anti-racism and inclusive excellence, and the ability to apply an intersectional anti-racist lens to communications projects. 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. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required, including skill and experience in journalistic business writing. Ability to adapt writing styles for various purposes, different media requirements and different audiences. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous and effective manner, and the ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships. Demonstrated working knowledge of graphic and web design principles required. Ability to use desktop publishing software at an intermediate level. Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision. May be required to attend events outside of normal business hours. The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together? Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca.