Manager, Digital & Creative

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
M&P - AAPS

Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level C

Job Title
Manager, Digital & Creative

Department
Communications and Engagement | VP Finance and Operations

Compensation Range
$7,622.83 - $11,886.67 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 8, 2025

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

Job End Date
Sept 30, 2026

Note: This is a 15-month term position.

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 Manager, Digital & Creative is part of the VPFO Communications & Engagement team. They collaborate with portfolio leadership, peers, consultants and agency staff to develop, implement, and lead digital communications and engagement strategies and initiatives.

The VPFO portfolio includes ten departments with approximately 1,400 staff who are responsible for the stewardship of UBC's physical and financial assets. This position develops and manages the VPFO's digital and creative strategy and processes for the portfolio which includes but not limited to: digital management, metrics, project management and e-mail marketing.

This position may require work outside normal working hours.

Organizational Status

This position reports directly to the Director, VPFO Communications & Engagement and will closely relate to senior staff in UBC Brand and Marketing, UBC IT, CTLT and broader UBC communications community to represent the VPFO. They will also represent the VPFO on UBC-wide committees such as the UBC Web Advisory Council, Social Media Working Group, etc.

The position will work closely with the VPFO Communications Manager on content strategy, and also works closely with the Expanded VPFO Leadership group and works to ensure communications strategies are consistent with the VPFO strategic plan and other portfolio or university-wide initiatives.

Work Performed

Digital Management

• Serves as the strategist and product manager for all VPFO digital channels, including enabling the use of WordPress Multisite to build an integrated development environment and ongoing integration and improvement of systems and channels.
• Supports shared content development by creating, implementing and leading a collaborative and effective VPFO digital governance plan and content strategy.
• Manages training creation and delivery, delivers presentations, prepares documentation and communications as needed to establish standard methodologies for content strategy and user experience.
• Stays at the forefront of emerging technology and current digital trends, to recommend enhancements or experiments with new digital tools.
• Monitors and implements technical, accessibility, and performance optimization standards with appropriate professional support.

Metrics, Research, Evaluation and Reporting

• Manages all VPFO metrics leveraging Google Analytics, including all tag management and documentation, to build business insights and co-develops Key Performance Indicators with campaign managers to measure campaign success.
• Analyzes business and functional requirements for VPFO digital channels and performs regular audits to ensure standard methodologies for content strategy and user experience are met. Research may include user analysis, historical analysis, information architecture, prototyping, usability testing, and design for projects with focus on consistency, accuracy and practical insights to aid in business decisions.
• Educates VPFO staff on reporting and analytics as needed.
• Support continuous improvement by collecting and analyzing data, sharing results, and making ongoing optimizations in alignment with VPFO Operational Excellence.

Project Management

• Leads digital stakeholder consultation, project communications and messaging, and reporting as needed.
• Provides project scoping (RFP/RFQ) for complex web and web integration projects and leads direction of UBC staff and resources, agencies or consultants in their implementation.
• Collaborates with internal partners to support strong, coordinated projects and campaigns in alignment with business goals.
• Drives the documentation process including developing: creative briefs, detailed project plans, content outlines, milestones, owners, and agreed-upon processes and outcomes.

Email Marketing

• Provides strategic direction and oversight for email campaigns and list management.
• Oversees the VPFO email management system and liaises with staff who administer the system. Provides mentorship to staff responsible for email marketing.
• Recommends opportunities and oversight for email campaign testing and optimization.
• Provides advice and counsel to internal stakeholders for the VPFOs adherence to email communication best practices and Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL).
• Acts as a key stakeholder in any API or email automation projects.
• Oversees documentation of email processes.

General

• Ensures strategies and their goals, objectives and tactics are consistent with the VPFO strategic plan and other portfolio or university-wide initiatives.
• Remains current with developments and standard methodologies in the fields of communications, engagement and digital media, and takes part in relevant internal and external networks, professional associations, and training.
• Ensures all activities follow the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
• Exercises a high level of tact and discretion in all interactions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Makes recommendations concerning mass-communications and issues management relating to the VPFO portfolio. Exercises professional and managerial judgment in advising senior leaders on a variety of matters with potential university-wide impact. The consequence of error associated with this role is serious in that poor judgment in the handling of these issues could have a negative impact on UBC's reputation; i.e., incorrect or erroneous information could cause loss of credibility for the VPFO or the university. The issues, if handled incorrectly, have the potential to alienate university members (i.e., students, faculty, or staff).

Supervision Received

Reports to the Director, Communications & Engagement. Supervision and direction provided through objective setting and development conversations.

Supervision Given

Supervises agencies and consultants and may advise and lead the activities of other team members, including the assignment of duties and responsibilities and setting of priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum 6 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

Fundamental

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field.
• Certification in digital analytics preferred.
• Strong skills with the Adobe Creative Suite.
• A minimum of 6 years' experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Outstanding oral and written communication, presentation, facilitation, and social skills.
• Experience working in a financial or university environment is an asset.

Digital

• Strong knowledge of developing and executing digital communications strategies and projects, preferably within a large, complex organization.
• Strong knowledge of WordPress Multisite and a working knowledge of Drupal
• Strong knowledge of web development, information architecture, audience analysis, user experience, and content strategy. and all aspects of the web design process.
• Strong knowledge of Google Analytics with an understanding of using metrics to measure campaign success.
• Working knowledge of information architecture and content strategy.
• Working knowledge of usability and user experience.
• Working knowledge of Internet protocols, standards and services.
• Working knowledge of Search Engine Optimization techniques.
• Working knowledge of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines WCAG 2.0.
• Working knowledge of responsive web and mobile design techniques.

Communications

• Demonstrated experience in developing effective communications strategies, developing ROI metrics, and supplying analytics measurement of communication efforts.
• Strong copy writing, editing and proof-reading skills are an asset.

Personal

• Fluent in technical concepts and quickly and accurately understands capabilities and constraints of new and evolving digital communications related-technologies.
• Excellent production skills with the ability to work effectively under pressure to meet commitments and respond to client requests. High level of motivation and passion to contribute to the learning environment of the university.
• Able to think strategically and to see the big picture opportunities and challenges, while still managing the details.
• Ability to balance creative thought and innovation with consultation and project oversight. An individual that looks outside the category for inspiration but can translate insight into the academic environment.
• Able to quickly grasp the scope of specific issues and the potential impacts on the organization and can prioritize effectively to adapt to changing priorities within a sophisticated work environment.
• Able to effectively handle critical or highly-sensitive issues with a high degree of tact and discretion in all interactions.
• Able to work effectively with designers, developers, systems analysts, other communications and IT professionals and follow best practices and institutional standards.
• Demonstrated willingness to learn and continually upgrade skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative and inclusive manner, encouraging equitable experiences and a respectful environment through reflection, emotional intelligence, sensitivity, and curiosity towards differences across teams.
• Self-sufficient and self-motivated. Takes ownership of programs and tasks. Rolls up their sleeves to carry out tasks.
• Takes a proactive stance in solving problems and exhibits understanding and compassion, particularly when addressing emotional topics of public concern.