Communications Specialist

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 69,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia in Vancouver seeks a Communications Specialist within the Centre for Migration Studies. You will lead strategic communications, develop plain-language materials, and manage CMS's digital presence to broaden reach and impact.

Working with faculty, trainees, and partners, you will create research stories, policy explainers, newsletters, and social content while upholding UBC brand guidelines and commitments to equity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of four years experience in communications or related field.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling abilities for diverse audiences.
• Experience with WordPress and MailChimp preferred.
• Knowledge of SEO, analytics, and social media trends.
• Ability to deliver presentations and adapt writing styles.
• Experience in research communication and knowledge mobilization.
• Commitment to anti-racism, decolonization, and inclusive excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic communications plans and editorial calendars.
• Translate research findings into plain language summaries and content.
• Manage CMS online presence including WordPress pages and newsletters.
• Lead media outreach and liaise with media and university affairs.
• Oversee social media channels and analyze engagement metrics.
• Coordinate promotional campaigns for events and webinars.
• Ensure CMS content reflects equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Supervise administrative staff and student assistants supporting CMS.
• Draft and edit reports for funding agencies and stakeholders.
• Maintain databases of CMS affiliates and partners with privacy in mind.

Job description

Job Profile

AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level A

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

M&P - AAPS

Job Profile

AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level A

Job Title

Communications Specialist

Department

Student Support | Centre for Migration Studies

Compensation Range

$6,143.67 - $8,830.25 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 22, 2026

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

Job End Date

February 28, 2030

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 Centre for Migration Studies' (CMS) Communications Specialist is responsible for the strategic communications and knowledge mobilization activities that advance the visibility, accessibility, and impact of CMS as a whole and its research program, Immigrant Integration in the Mid-21st Century: Bridging Divides (Bridging Divides).

The Communications Specialist develops and implements strategic communications plans, oversees editorial planning and content development, manages CMS's digital communications platforms, and translates complex research into accessible content for academic, policy, practitioner, media, and public audiences. Working closely with faculty, researchers, trainees, students, and community partners, the incumbent develops plain language summaries, research stories, briefs, policy explainers, and other communications products that increase the reach and impact of CMS research.

Organizational Status

The Communications Specialist reports to the CMS Senior Manager and receives input from the CMS Co-Directors. This position requires collaboration with a wide range of partners and collaborators, including faculty members, trainees, and staff in other administrative and communications units at UBC; communications staff and researchers at Bridging Divides partner universities; and local community partners. Additionally, the Communications Specialist liaises with the Arts Service Centre (ASC) Communications to ensure adherence to Arts and UBC brand guidelines and best practices and to support a coordinated approach to the faculty-wide editorial strategy.

Work Performed

• Works within ASC Communications guidelines to develop and execute strategic communications and knowledge mobilization plans (including an editorial calendar) to support the strategic priorities of CMS and Bridging Divides.
• Translates complex research findings into accessible communications for academic, policy, practitioner, media, and public audiences by writing, editing, proofreading, and coordinating plain language summaries, research stories, briefs, policy explainers, reports, presentations, newsletters, website content, social media content, and other communications materials.
• Collaborates with faculty members, researchers, trainees, and staff to identify research suitable for broader dissemination and maximize its accessibility and impact.
• Identifies, supports, and executes media outreach opportunities including liaising with UBC News and University Affairs, directly pitching to and working with media, and organizing CMS affiliate participation in such opportunities.
• Manages CMS' online presence by creating and maintaining webpages (via WordPress) including research, news, events, feature pages, RSVP links, and other digital content, and produces and publishes CMS newsletters.
• Manages the Centre's social media channels including producing regular content, analyzing analytics, and providing issue management support.
• Liaises with external partners for marketing and communications material, including photo or video shoots with faculty and students, to produce promotional materials for knowledge mobilization and fundraising purposes.
• Provides strategic recommendations and advice on communications planning, knowledge mobilization, privacy, digital communications, marketing, social media, website best practices, and accessibility to support staff and faculty engaged in research dissemination and program delivery.
• Develops and executes promotional campaigns for in-person and online events, such as public talks, panel discussions, graduate training initiatives, workshops, conferences, CMS Research Days, film screenings and handles RSVP pages.
• Ensures that CMS' commitment to decolonization and to equity, diversity, and inclusion are reflected in strategic communications, content, events, and other areas within the Specialist's purview.
• Participates in an integrated and coordinated approach to developing communications strategies and policies, and participates as an active member of the Arts Communications Network.
• Provides supervision, editorial guidance, and delegates work to administrative (CUPE 2950) staff and student assistants supporting CMS and Bridging Divides communications and KM activities.
• Drafts, copy-edits, and type-sets interim and final reports to funding agencies, donor(s), CMS Steering Committee, and other governing units and funding agencies at and beyond UBC.
• Develops and manages databases containing affiliate, CMS member, and partner information and/or profile; oversees all aspects of data and information related privacy and consent.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The successful candidate is expected to display a high level of initiative and judgement, and function with a high degree of independence. Errors made in this position, including incorrect information provided to the public, failure to act in a timely manner to issues, and failure to establish good working relationships with university and community partners, could reflect upon the reputation and image of CMS and the University, potentially damaging the brand, credibility, and integrity of both.

Supervision Received

Reports directly to the CMS Senior Manager. The Communications Specialist will also work with the Co-Directors on implementing specific projects. Must be able to work independently as well as in a team environment and show a high level of initiative. Adheres to guidelines set out by Arts Communications.

Supervision Given

May coordinate the work of staff where needed, and manage student staff. Explains work procedures to new or inexperienced staff. May direct the work of internal and external service providers.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of four years 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

• Education in Digital Media, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English or related field. Work experience in a relevant context, preferably in research and/or public policy environments.
• Experience in online marketing and communications and experience in social media content development strongly preferred.
• Experience with scientific communication and scientific writing including communicating academic or scientific research to non-specialist audiences through plain language summaries, research communications, policy communications, or other knowledge mobilization products.
• Excellent writing skills and an understanding of advanced principles of writing are essential.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations. Ability to adapt writing styles for various purposes, for different media requirements and for different audiences.
• Demonstrated competence in WordPress and MailChimp, and thoughtful engagement with AI tools for communications.
• Deep familiarity with social media tools, channels, and trends (ideally in institutional contexts);
• Knowledge of data analytics and search engine optimization techniques
• Basic competence with digital imaging software for photo/video editing (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite)
• Basic competence in graphic design software (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite)
• Other preferred (but not required) competencies include:
• Knowledge of HTML, web browser standards and related design issues
• Experience with audio production for podcast support and short video creation is an asset
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion.
• Effective organizational, time management and prioritization skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Energy, enthusiasm and a passion for communicating issues of migration and diversity.
• Commitment to anti-racism, inclusive excellence, and decolonization/Indigenous engagement, and ability to apply an intersectional 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, and decolonization.