Communications Designer

ubc; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 74,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

University of British Columbia seeks a Communications Designer to lead graphic design for internal and external communications within the Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) portfolio. The role involves consulting with clients and external agencies on deliverables to engage donors and enhance UBC's image and reputation.

The position reports to the Communications Manager and works with the Development Communications team, coordinating with central communications, alumni UBC, and other units.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the graphic design development of original materials for events, including invitations and programs, in both print and web-based electronic forms.
• Oversees the development of creative visual solutions for web page elements and works with the Communications Manager to update and enhance the editorial and graphic content of our giving website www.give.ubc.ca
• Develops collateral materials in support of stewardship activities, including major gift stewardship and major fundraising campaigns
• Oversees, evaluates and performs original graphic design, layout, and printing of stewardship reports for donors; and ensures we offer unique and groundbreaking alternatives to our stakeholders specially for presidential communications, milestone reports and major gifts proposals.
• Leads the development of advertising and other promotional materials
• Creates concepts in draft form for client review; through client consultation develops and brings product to final stage
• Advises clients on development and implementation of graphic design (subject material, design objectives) and digital media, providing and implementing recommendations on design and media selection and costing
• Leads communications projects as required - may include research, writing and editing, design and print coordination, and photography sourcing
• Discusses projects with Communication Manager to clarify subject material, design objectives, and provide recommendations on selection of media
• Hires internal and external service providers, such as, printers, designers, photographers and other suppliers, as required
• Liaises with the Communications Manager, editors and content providers to establish and meet production deadlines
• Provide document workflow process per project in conjunction with colleague's requirements; and
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Job description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

M&P - AAPS

Job Profile

AAPS Salaried - Graphic Design and Illustration, Level B

Job Title

Communications Designer

Department

DAE Integrated Marketing and Communications 2 | Communications

Compensation Range

$6,631.67 - $9,533.25 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

September 1, 2026

Job End Date

June 30, 2027

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

This position will lead graphic design for internal and external communications for the Communications Unit in the Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) portfolio. The incumbent will lead communication design projects and will consult with clients and external agencies on deliverables. Materials produced are principally for engaging UBC's donors in the activities of the university, and for enhancing UBC's image and reputation in the donor community as well as potential donors.

Organizational Status

Takes direction from the Communications Manager and Senior Director of Integrated Communications and Marketing. Works as a member of the Development Communications team, and works closely with staff from other DAE units and other areas of UBC including central communications, alumni UBC and president's office. Liaises with a project coordinator, printers, agencies, freelancers and other suppliers.

Work Performed

• Oversees the graphic design development of original materials for events, including invitations and programs, in both print and web-based electronic forms;
• Oversees the development of creative visual solutions for web page elements and works with the Communications Manager to update and enhance the editorial and graphic content of our giving website www.give.ubc.ca
• Develops collateral materials in support of stewardship activities, including major gift stewardship and major fundraising campaigns;
• Oversees, evaluates and performs original graphic design, layout, and printing of stewardship reports for donors; and ensures we offer unique and groundbreaking alternatives to our stakeholders specially for presidential communications, milestone reports and major gifts proposals.
• Leads the development of advertising and other promotional materials
• Creates concepts in draft form for client review; through client consultation develops and brings product to final stage;
• Advises clients on development and implementation of graphic design (subject material, design objectives) and digital media, providing and implementing recommendations on design and media selection and costing;
• Leads communications projects as required - may include research, writing and editing, design and print coordination, and photography sourcing;
• Discusses projects with Communication Manager to clarify subject material, design objectives, and provide recommendations on selection of media;
• Hires internal and external service providers, such as, printers, designers, photographers and other suppliers, as required;
• Liaises with the Communications Manager, editors and content providers to establish and meet production deadlines;
• Provide document workflow process per project in conjunction with colleague's requirements; and
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Must exercise tact and diplomacy when dealing with donors, staff, suppliers, students, alumni and faculty. May need to balance multiple projects with competing deadlines and make decisions on how best to manage the work given, based on the time frame, the relative strategic importance of the projects and the impact for failing to meet deadlines. The quality of the material developed has a profound influence on the public's opinion of the university and the UBC Development Office. The production and distribution of inaccurate, inconsistent or ineffective information could have a significant detrimental effect on UBC's ability to attract and steward donors. Failure to exercise appropriate judgment could damage the reputation of UBC and of the Development Office, resulting in alienation of d