Associate Director, News & University Affairs
About the role
Staff - Non Union
##Job Category
M&P - AAPS
##Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level D
##Job Title
Associate Director, News & University Affairs
##Department
Leadership | News & University Affairs
##Compensation Range
$9,048.67 - $14,114.17 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
March 30, 2026
**Note:**Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Ongoing
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 Associate Director, News and University Affairs position is central to the university’s issues management, crisis and emergency communications and media relations framework. This position strategizes and executes communications to promote and defend the university’s reputation, works closely with the Senior Director, News and University Affairs and senior members in the university on related issues management tasks, as well as independently in the absence of the SD.
The Associate Director also works with senior administrators, faculty, and staff on the execution of institutional storytelling strategies for audiences through UBC channels and local, national, and international media.
The Associate Director manages the work of a high-performing team of media relations specialists who craft creative engaging content about the university’s research achievements and takes a lead role in identifying, coordinating and writing stories that highlight administrative innovation and excellence.
The Associate Director also serves as crucial conduit to ensure Strategic Communications content and initiatives, where appropriate, are amplified effectively through news and internal channels. Some media spokesperson duties are likely. This position also involves providing media training for senior members of the administration.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Senior Director, News and University Affairs.
Manages a team of media relations specialists.
Work Performed
Issues Management and Crisis/Emergency Response
- Developing issues notes, communications plans, and key messages for senior university leadership as required, engaging with all relevant stakeholders through proactive and reactive issues management, in conjunction with the SD and independently.
- Work closely with the SD, News and University Affairs during crises or emergencies, to execute the media strategies, and on emergency and crisis communications, and issues management to strengthen the reputation of the university. Liaise with Emergency Operations Centre when needed.
- Developing an issues calendar to facilitate proactive content.
Media Relations and Stakeholder Announcements
- Work closely with SD to plan, manage, and conduct news conferences, as required and in conjunction with senior university administrators, faculty and outside organizations, including the provincial and federal governments.
- Acting as university media spokesperson as required.
- Responding to media inquiries related to the institution
- Participate in after-hours media on-call roster.
- Design and deliver media training and coaching to the senior university administration as required.
- Research and write a broad variety of institutional news materials such as media releases, feature articles, media advisories and pitches.
Team Leadership
- Mentor team members in issues management and best practices. Facilitate skill development and skill development opportunities with direct reports
- Lead the high-performing media relations specialist team, encouraging and fostering creative storytelling, video production and unique approaches to content creation.
- Overseeing the daily work of the media relations team, including performance planning, check-ins and the editorial calendar.
Content and Strategy Alignment
-
Maintain and develop relationships with key senior university stakeholders to facilitate issues management and institutional storytelling.
-
Plan the implementation of the coordinated editorial strategies for external and internal channels, plan and manage large-scale institutional storytelling projects, including the pitching of those projects to local, international and national journalists.
-
Serve as a key bridge between News and University Affairs and Strategic Communications teams to assess editorial needs, assist with story identification, find opportunities for collaboration, integration and support.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The position is expected to function by exercising high degrees of maturity, autonomy and independence, while working under broad guidelines. The consequence of error in this area could be very serious for the university as it concerns the public image and profile of UBC and the President on a provincial, national and international level. The position also impacts on relationships with government, provincial authorities, industry and other organizations that are vital for UBC. Incorrect or insufficient information and advice subsequently passed on to the senior administration could have grave consequences and result in loss of support and embarrassment to the university.
Supervision Received
Works with minimal guidance under broad guidelines established by the Senior Director of News and University Affairs.
Supervision Given
Directly supervises Management & Professional staff.
Minimum Qualifications Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum eight years of related experience of communications services, 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
Experience in print and/or broadcast journalism or communications, which includes social media and multimedia aspects, is preferred.
Demonstrated experience managing complex, high-pressure projects with multiple stakeholders and interests, and managing sensitive issues. Ability to conceptualize and provide strategic communications advice around issues.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong editorial judgment, writing and editing skills. Broad-based public/media relations, media training and issues management skills. Ability to work effectively with various levels of senior administration, government agencies and university personnel. Ability to cultivate constructive media relationships and partnerships. Solid computer experience and familiarity with the Internet and online research.
Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Organizational and multi-tasking skills required.
About Us
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
.
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Associate Director, News & University Affairs
About the role
Staff - Non Union
##Job Category
M&P - AAPS
##Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level D
##Job Title
Associate Director, News & University Affairs
##Department
Leadership | News & University Affairs
##Compensation Range
$9,048.67 - $14,114.17 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
March 30, 2026
**Note:**Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Ongoing
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 Associate Director, News and University Affairs position is central to the university’s issues management, crisis and emergency communications and media relations framework. This position strategizes and executes communications to promote and defend the university’s reputation, works closely with the Senior Director, News and University Affairs and senior members in the university on related issues management tasks, as well as independently in the absence of the SD.
The Associate Director also works with senior administrators, faculty, and staff on the execution of institutional storytelling strategies for audiences through UBC channels and local, national, and international media.
The Associate Director manages the work of a high-performing team of media relations specialists who craft creative engaging content about the university’s research achievements and takes a lead role in identifying, coordinating and writing stories that highlight administrative innovation and excellence.
The Associate Director also serves as crucial conduit to ensure Strategic Communications content and initiatives, where appropriate, are amplified effectively through news and internal channels. Some media spokesperson duties are likely. This position also involves providing media training for senior members of the administration.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Senior Director, News and University Affairs.
Manages a team of media relations specialists.
Work Performed
Issues Management and Crisis/Emergency Response
- Developing issues notes, communications plans, and key messages for senior university leadership as required, engaging with all relevant stakeholders through proactive and reactive issues management, in conjunction with the SD and independently.
- Work closely with the SD, News and University Affairs during crises or emergencies, to execute the media strategies, and on emergency and crisis communications, and issues management to strengthen the reputation of the university. Liaise with Emergency Operations Centre when needed.
- Developing an issues calendar to facilitate proactive content.
Media Relations and Stakeholder Announcements
- Work closely with SD to plan, manage, and conduct news conferences, as required and in conjunction with senior university administrators, faculty and outside organizations, including the provincial and federal governments.
- Acting as university media spokesperson as required.
- Responding to media inquiries related to the institution
- Participate in after-hours media on-call roster.
- Design and deliver media training and coaching to the senior university administration as required.
- Research and write a broad variety of institutional news materials such as media releases, feature articles, media advisories and pitches.
Team Leadership
- Mentor team members in issues management and best practices. Facilitate skill development and skill development opportunities with direct reports
- Lead the high-performing media relations specialist team, encouraging and fostering creative storytelling, video production and unique approaches to content creation.
- Overseeing the daily work of the media relations team, including performance planning, check-ins and the editorial calendar.
Content and Strategy Alignment
-
Maintain and develop relationships with key senior university stakeholders to facilitate issues management and institutional storytelling.
-
Plan the implementation of the coordinated editorial strategies for external and internal channels, plan and manage large-scale institutional storytelling projects, including the pitching of those projects to local, international and national journalists.
-
Serve as a key bridge between News and University Affairs and Strategic Communications teams to assess editorial needs, assist with story identification, find opportunities for collaboration, integration and support.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The position is expected to function by exercising high degrees of maturity, autonomy and independence, while working under broad guidelines. The consequence of error in this area could be very serious for the university as it concerns the public image and profile of UBC and the President on a provincial, national and international level. The position also impacts on relationships with government, provincial authorities, industry and other organizations that are vital for UBC. Incorrect or insufficient information and advice subsequently passed on to the senior administration could have grave consequences and result in loss of support and embarrassment to the university.
Supervision Received
Works with minimal guidance under broad guidelines established by the Senior Director of News and University Affairs.
Supervision Given
Directly supervises Management & Professional staff.
Minimum Qualifications Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum eight years of related experience of communications services, 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
Experience in print and/or broadcast journalism or communications, which includes social media and multimedia aspects, is preferred.
Demonstrated experience managing complex, high-pressure projects with multiple stakeholders and interests, and managing sensitive issues. Ability to conceptualize and provide strategic communications advice around issues.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong editorial judgment, writing and editing skills. Broad-based public/media relations, media training and issues management skills. Ability to work effectively with various levels of senior administration, government agencies and university personnel. Ability to cultivate constructive media relationships and partnerships. Solid computer experience and familiarity with the Internet and online research.
Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Organizational and multi-tasking skills required.
About Us
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
.