Organizational Unit

University of Victoria -> VP Research -> Ocean Networks Canada

Location

University of Victoria - Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2 CA (Primary)

Posting Close Date

2 March 2026

Please note that positions will close at 4 p.m. on the closing date.

FTE

1.0

Salary Grade

$75,755.00 - $98,528.00

Additional Posting Information

N/A

Salary posted will be pro-rated based on FTE and achieved as per the collective agreement, if applicable.

Classification

SG11

Employee Group:

PEA - Regular

of Hires Needed

1

Category

Communications/Public Relations

About this Opportunity

Join a talented team advancing creative frontiers in amplifying the impact of Canada’s national ocean observatory, Ocean Networks Canada. We are seeking a Communications Specialist to bring their exceptional storytelling ability, strategic communications know-how, and multi-media expertise in support of ONC’s continued growth and success within Canada and on the global stage.

The Communications Specialist is a passionate storyteller and team lead for media relations, with a demonstrated ability to produce frequent and compelling news content, often from complex scientific information, and successfully landing stories in an increasingly tight media market.

This role is well suited to a collaborative connector who believes in the power of partnership, and a skilled communicator, adept at delivering strategic content across multiple platforms. This successful candidate will also be a problem-solver, who is comfortable with rapid turnaround for fast-unfolding events and opportunities, such as outreach on live events like earthquake detection.

A passion for ocean science, ocean discovery and technology, as well as the drive to advance ocean-based climate-solutions, will make this role particularly rewarding. This is an in-office position at the University of Victoria, Queenswood campus.

*This position is eligible for a hybrid flex arrangement*

The salary range for this position is:

• Recruitment range: $75,755 - $83,525 starting salary determined by the PEA Collective Agreement.
• Performance range: $98,528 salary range ceiling is available through annual performance increases.

Job Summary

Department overview:
Ocean Networks Canada (ONC), a University of Victoria (UVic) initiative, is a world-leading organization supporting ocean discovery and technological innovation in the deep ocean and coastal waters of Canada’s three coasts—the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Arctic, as well as the Southern Ocean. ONC is a not-for-profit society that delivers ocean data from its cabled, mobile and community-based observing networks. Its cabled observatories supply continuous power and Internet connectivity to scientific instruments and thousands of sensors distributed in, on and above the seabed, along with mobile and strategically located land-based assets and instruments. These assets produce ocean intelligence that helps address key scientific and policy issues (including but not limited to subsea earthquakes and tsunamis, ocean acidification, climate solutions, marine biodiversity, and supporting Indigenous ocean science leadership), within a wide range of ocean environments.

Mandate:
The Communications Team leads the development and promotion of a consistent narrative and strategic long-term positioning to enhance the reputation and success of ONC. It delivers communication services and products to raise ONC’s national and international profile and to strengthen its brand recognition, consistent with the goals and vision of ONC's 2030 Strategic Plan and Annual Program Plans. The team engages a host of creative communications products and services to promote ONC’s unique capabilities across its corporate operations, science, observatory operations, innovation, learning and user engagement divisions, in order to connect and engage with key audiences and stakeholders.

The Communications Specialist (CS) is a passionate storyteller and team lead for media relations, with a strong track record of identifying, researching, writing, and pitching original stories and content across multimedia platforms. The CS communicates ONC’s high-tech and complex innovations and scientific discoveries through mainstream, industry, and science media, strengthening public understanding of ocean observatories and their critical role in the global ocean, climate, and planet.

Job Requirements

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications and/or public relations, and a minimum of 6 years of communications and/or public relations. Experience in journalism is an asset.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Required experience includes:

• Excellent interview, research, writing and editing skills.
• Experience with media initiatives aimed at broadening and enhancing an organization’s reputation and profile nationally and internationally.
• Experience in creating content in multiple formats, including writing in a digital-first environment.
• Providing effective counsel when handling sensitive communications issues.
• Building communication skills and abilities among organizational representatives.
• A successful track record in effective strategic communication planning.
• Effective utilization of a range of communications tools and tactics, including considerable knowledge and experience with using social media platforms to effectively engage with target audiences and achieve organizational goals.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Understanding and experience of media relations, social media, digital and traditional media communication tactics, tools and relationships for strategic outcomes.
• Strategic communications planning with critical analysis and key message development and overall project management.
• The ability to work under pressure and deal with constraints.
• Ability to prioritize as to meet agreed and urgent deadlines.
• Experience with media monitoring software.

In addition, this position requires:

• A proactive and self-motivated individual who can work in a fast-paced environment, multi-task, prioritize, and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to take complex scientific and technical information and make accessible across broad audiences through research, inquiry and compelling story writing.
• Contributes collaboratively while taking personal responsibility for delivering high quality, timely work.
• Cultural competency, including an understanding of colonization, decolonization, land issues, and respect for Indigenous cultural protocols.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and to use sound judgment in communicating pertinent and sensitive information.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to solve problems with tact, diplomacy and sound judgment.
• Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with teammates, media and stakeholders.
• Proven track record in achieving project goals on time and producing deliverables of high quality under pressure and within tight deadlines
• Proven ability with communicating through a range of digital communication tools and tactics, including webinars, social media platforms, live streaming, etc.
• Working with designers to create compelling and concise graphics and digital content.
• Willingness to learn new platforms and technologies.

Assets:

• Indigenous cultural acumen and knowledge of issues facing coastal communities.
• Knowledge of the ocean environment, ocean science and conservation, and current ocean issues.
• Ability to communicate both written and verbally in French.
• Knowledge of Agility media monitoring tools.
• Experience in journalism. A science background with the demonstrated ability to translate science, data and high-tech content into compelling content for a lay audience.

Territory Acknowledgement: We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and WSÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

Equity Statement: UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who are eager to actively participate in that shared responsibility. We actively encourage applications from members of historically and systemically marginalized groups.

Read our full equity statement here: www.uvic.ca/equitystatement.

Accessibility Statement: If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process contact: uviccareers@uvic.ca Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

What UVic Offers: To learn more click here