Media Relations Specialist

Job Category
M&P – AAPS

Job Profile
AAPS Salaried – Information Services, Level C

Job Title
Media Relations Specialist

Department
Director tendersglobal.net Media Relations

Compensation Range
$6,677.33 – $10,433.50 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
February 7, 2023

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

Job End Date

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

Job Summary
This is a temporary, full-time leave replacement as a Media Relations Specialist with UBC Media Relations. The successful candidate will perform a wide variety of media relations tasks designed to enhance the university’s reputation by working with faculty, students and staff to communicate research, activities, services, goals and objectives to audiences through the local, national and international media. This position provides media relations support primarily to the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Peter A. Allard School of Law.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Team Lead, Faculty Media Relations and Director, Media Relations.
Work Performed

• Researching and writing media releases, Q&As, stories and other materials for UBC News;
• Liaising with faculty, students, campus communicators and other staff, department heads and deans to solicit story ideas;
• Providing media training to faculty and students;
• Producing digital and social media content to support media relations and strategic communications objectives;
• Developing media and communications strategies to support senior administration; faculties, departments and faculty members;
• Liaising with communications staff of governments, granting agencies and research partners;
• Responding to media inquiries and referring media to experts or other sources of information and providing factual background information;
• Pitching story ideas to news media;
• Assisting in the maintenance of information for the UBC Experts Guide and media contacts lists;
• Planning, organizing and conducting news conferences and other events as required and in conjunction with senior administration, UBC Government Relations and faculty;
• Basic project management skills to support the communication of institutional priorities;
• Providing basic issues management support and counsel in collaboration with senior team members.
• Supporting team and portfolio-wide initiatives and business operational goals.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Media Relations Specialists are expected to function with a high degree of autonomy and independence, working under broad guidelines. The consequence of error in this area could be very serious for the university as it concerns the public image of UBC on a provincial, national and international level. Incorrect or insufficient information and advice subsequently passed on to senior administration could have grave consequences.
Supervision Received

Works under broad guidelines established by the Senior Director, Media Relations and Director, Media Relations with minimal technical guidance.

Supervision Given
None
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum six years of related experience, or communication services, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications

Experience in media relations, journalism preferred

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; translate complex ideas and research findings into plain language; and communicate effectively with the media. Ability to communicate effectively via social media and through the use of multimedia elements. Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities; keep up with current affairs news and trends; and work effectively with various levels of university personnel. Familiarity with Canadian Press style; local B.C. and Canadian news outlets and reporters, and international outlets. Familiarity with principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and their application in communication activities. A background in science, science journalism or communication, and familiarity with the academic journal publication process would be an asset. Strategic communications and public relations expertise would be an asset.

UBC Media Relations is committed to being an equitable and inclusive workplace, and ensuring the full diversity of UBC experts is represented in the media. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative and inclusive manner, fostering equitable experiences and a respectful environment through reflection, empathy, sensitivity and curiosity towards differences across the university.