Staff - Non Union Job Category M&P - AAPS Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level B Job Title Special Projects Manager Department Department of Ophthalmology | Faculty of Medicine | Provost and VP Academic 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 November 6, 2025 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date November 9, 2027 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 serve as the department’s primary communications specialist, responsible for coordinating messaging, outreach, and external engagement. In addition to communications functions, the role will support strategic initiatives, partnerships, donor engagement, and selected international activities to advance the department’s visibility and impact.” The Special Projects Manager is responsible for developing, managing, and executing all communication, marketing, and outreach strategies to enhance the reputation, engagement, relationships, and awareness of initiatives for all units and programs within the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the local, provincial, and international level. Working in a matrix reporting structure, this role collaborates across Ophthalmology units to implement both department-wide and unit/program-specific strategies through a variety of print, web, video, and digital/social media projects. This role provides writing, publishing, photography, graphic design, web design, podcasting, and video content development and editing skills to the establishment and maintenance of high-quality communications and marketing standards, and accuracy of publications in print and web-based media. This role is expected to be able to move seamlessly between communications strategy, high-impact marketing projects, and integrated communications, all while building a strong community within Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. This role includes developing communications for international Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences communities at the direction of the Head. This position is critical to fundraising initiatives through the creation of reports and development of materials to promote the activities of the Department with internal and external stakeholders. The Communication and Marketing Specialist is expected to meet with stakeholders as required to successfully complete the task. This role requires an incumbent who is flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working across multiple units/programs with a high level of ambiguity as systems and processes are established Organizational Status The Department of Ophthalmology will strive for excellence in health care delivery, education and research. The mission of the staff of the department is to: Provide exemplary patient care to set standards and establish a base for outstanding teaching and research programs in Ophthalmology Disseminate and preserve knowledge for medical students and postgraduate students and provide continuing medical education for practicing physicians Encourage understanding for patients and families of their eye diseases Lead and provide research programs in both basic science and clinical studies in Ophthalmology to advance knowledge and contribute to the application of new discoveries for the development and advancement of eye care To provide training in clinical and research Ophthalmology to programs in emerging nations This position has functional reporting to the Department Head and takes direction from the Head and Administrative Manager for the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Work Performed Develop and implement a departmental communications strategy, including messaging for events, donor engagement, strategic initiatives, and partnerships. Coordinate the department’s strategic planning process, liaising with consultants, preparing materials, scheduling, and follow-up. Lead the development and implementation of communication and marketing plans that support departmental and program goals. Ensure consistent messaging across departmental units while aligning with Faculty of Medicine and UBC branding and priorities. Plan and support donor and partner engagement activities, including events, receptions, and educational programs. Draft and edit donor letters, announcements, newsletters, and other strategic communications. Develop and maintain the department’s web presence, including web content, graphics, photos, and video. Manage the department’s social media strategy and develop content to support online engagement. Collaborate with university communications and external service providers to ensure alignment with institutional standards and effective project delivery. Engage with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and enhance communication efforts. Collaborate on fundraising activities and contribute to long term plans. Maintain familiarity with current communication trends, tools, and technologies. Participate in Faculty of Medicine communications meetings and foster collaboration within the department’s communications community. Perform other related duties as required. Consequence of Error/Judgement This position represents the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences as well as the Faculty of Medicine and University. Errors in decision-making or judgment will directly affect UBC's reputation with students, faculty, staff, and the broader community Supervision Received Reports directly to and takes direction from the Department Head. Works independently within established guidelines and standards. Work is reviewed in terms of achievement of defined goals. Makes recommendations in areas of prioritizing, planning, and executing communications plans. Supervision Given May provide direct supervision of staff and students involved in communication-related tasks or projects. May direct the work of internal and external service providers. 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 Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. Professional experience in communications, education, advancement, or strategic initiatives. Strong writing and editing skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and persuasively. Excellent organizational, project management, and interpersonal skills. Experience in event planning, donor relations, or partnership development strongly preferred. Experience with international collaborations or cross-cultural environments a plus. Ability to manage multiple priorities with discretion and professionalism. Education: University degree in Communications, Marketing or Journalism preferred. Experience: Communications and marketing experience, preferably in large, complex organizations, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Proven experience in strategic communication and marketing planning and project management. Computer experience required using content management systems, email marketing systems, SEO, various social media platforms and analytics programs (such as Google Analytics). CSS and HTML considered an asset. Experience developing audio and video content (such as podcasts and video blogs) is an asset. Experience using established and emerging social media channels for communication and audience engagement. Experience in public relations, publicity, media relations, and fundraising. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Strong creative writing skills. Ability to plan, implement and evaluate a broad range of digital and non-digital communications projects. Possess an understanding of web design and usability best practices. Adept in researching, selecting, testing, and measuring traditional and innovative communications channels. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Strong presentation and public relations skills. Knowledge of technical writing, or other editing experience with English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within and across teams. Exceptional service orientation and interpersonal skills. Ability to work in an environment that is decentralized, complex, and with a diverse range of stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to work in a project-based environment and handle multiple and concurrent priorities. Strong leadership and motivational skills. Ability to exercise diplomacy, tact, and discretion when working with confidential and/or sensitive information and in dealing with staff, faculty members, students, and alumni both across the university and externally. Ability to work independently and demonstrate a high level of initiative and self-directedness. Ability to assess own performance and regularly report on project status. Possess a deep understanding of branding. Exemplifies the attributes of UBC's brand, including being bold, open to new ideas, adventurous, respectful, compassionate, and fun, with a global perspective. Ability to work effectively with people from differing backgrounds. Ability to promote a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. 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.
