Communication and Design Specialist

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

About the Office of the Vice-President Academic & Provost (VPAO)

The Office of the Vice-President Academic & Provost is the academic heart of UBC. Our academic mission is to cultivate academic excellence and impact in a global context. We lead through three core purposes: fostering teaching and learning innovation, advancing commitments to the academic community, and stewarding university resources for the academic mission.  As a strategic and operational hub, the VPAO unites academic priorities across disciplines, supporting faculty and staff in pursuit of scholarly and societal impact in service of an enriching and enlightening student experience. 

About VPA Portfolio Communications

VPA Communications exists to foster a shared sense of purpose, connection, and pride in UBC’s academic mission. As strategic storytellers and communications partners, we unite and empower faculty, staff, and global collaborators by amplifying the ideas and innovations that define UBC’s academic excellence and global impact. We serve as a connector across the VP Academic’s portfolio—helping units communicate clearly, consistently, and meaningfully. Our work spans internal communications, creative services, and unit support, driving engagement and alignment through compelling content, operational efficiency, and a deep commitment to academic values.

• Professional experience in a post-secondary institution or similar environment is a strong asset.
• Experience in communications, graphic design or digital media preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Ability to adapt writing styles for different audiences and purposes.
• Experience working with social media and websites in an organizational/corporate environment.
• Working knowledge of content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Experience with email newsletter software (such as CyberImpact or Envoke) an asset.
• Demonstrated graphic design ability using Adobe Creative Cloud suite, specifically InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Understanding of current digital, social media, and content marketing trends. Experience with social media monitoring and management, website analytics, and data visualization tools.
• Skilled in the areas of aesthetic design principles, photography, video, and video & audio editing.
• Knowledge and experience working in a brand environment, with an understanding of visual design principles.
• Ability to work with diverse individuals in a complex setting.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy when working with confidential and sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently within a collaborative team environment.
• Maintains excellent rapport with the university community as well as external stakeholders.
• Exercises good judgment and maturity in all communications.
• Understanding of and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and respectful engagement.