Marketing & Comms | Communications Officer - FT
The Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement (IACE) builds upon the principles and values articulated in the University of Victoria’s strategic documents, including the Strategic Framework, the Indigenous Plan and the Strategic Enrolment Plan. For Indigenous people, these plans make a commitment to education that redresses the historical and continued barriers to accessing and participating in postsecondary education. IACE is committed to building and strengthening respectful relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. For more information about IACE, please visit www.uvic.ca/iace.
IACE strives to create an extraordinary student experience in an academic and culturally responsive environment, where students, staff, faculty and community members experience the university as a welcoming, supportive and safe environment and where Indigenous values, languages and cultures are reflected and respected. IACE provides programs and services for Indigenous UVic students facilitating their successful transition through pre-arrival and arrival orientation programs and events, as well as ongoing supports throughout their academic journey.
Our work is guided by the IACE vision and values: By honouring our ancestors, Elders, families, children and youth, we work together, bring in our good feelings and prepare for the work ahead to advance Indigenous education and cultural resurgence.
Acknowledging both local protocols and the diversity of ways of knowing and being our staff bring to the Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement, we:
- Honour and respect the peoples on whose territory the university stands;
- Support Indigenous students, faculty and staff wellness and success in all our diversity;
- Support the advancement of Indigenous academic programming;
- Support communities and lead the university in enhancing engagement and relationships; and
- Guide the university in processes and projects of decolonization and reconciliation.
*This position is eligible for a Remote Work 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.
In accordance with the university's Preferential or Limited Hiring Policy (HR6110) and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, the selection will be limited to members of the following designated group(s). Candidates from the group(s) are encouraged to self-identify.
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Indigenous Peoples
The Office of the Vice-President Indigenous (OVPI) is in the early phases of drafting a policy and developing a process to verify declarations of Indigenous identity, citizenship and membership at UVic where these claims result in material advantages, such as employment in an Indigenous-specific position. While the policy is not in place at this time and will not be retroactively applied, candidates will be required to complete the Indigenous Citizenship Declaration (ICD) process should they apply for, or access, future opportunities resulting in material gain.
For more information about the ICD initiative, please visit the Indigenous Citizenship Declaration website and please feel free to reach out to [email protected] if you have specific questions or concerns.
Mandate:
Reporting to the IACE Executive Director and working in collaboration with the Director of Indigenous University Communications in the Office of Vice President Indigenous the Communications Officer leads communications initiatives and activities for student programming and IACE initiatives. This position contributes to university publications, initiatives and campaigns working closely with University Communications and Marketing (UCAM) staff and ensuring the broad promotion and consistent usage of IACE branding and UCAM guidelines across campus and online.
Objectives:
The Communications Officer plays a key role in the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy that is informed by IACE goals service priorities that includes:
- Developing and implementing communications and marketing plans for IACE that align with the strategic objectives and priorities of IACE.
- Working with the IACE team, to ensure the sharing of relevant and timely information and engaging in informal and formal team meetings in order to contribute to the coordination and team effectiveness.
- Promote IACE services, initiatives and events in a variety of intimate knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing and being is of critical importance. Cultural competency, including an in-depth understanding of colonization, decolonization, land issues, cultural protocols, and settler/Indigenous relationships is essential, competence in working across diverse Indigenous populations and cultures.
This position requires local travel and may require work outside regular work hours (8:30-4:30) on evenings and weekends.
This position requires a Bachelor's degree in communications or journalism or a related field plus 3 years of communications experience including:
- Experience in writing and editing a variety of mediums
- Experience developing and managing the content of websites, including the use of content management systems
- Experience in developing, implementing and evaluating communications plans and materials
- Experience using social media as part of organizational strategy
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, including volunteering and community work.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Working cross-culturally, in particular across a range of Indigenous identities and locations; colonization and the myriad of issues that arise from colonization i.e. racism, mental health, addiction
- Cultural awareness of diverse Indigenous peoples of British Columbia and familiarity with Indigenous communities and ability to provide support for students, families for successful education opportunities within post-secondary education systems
- In-depth understanding of appropriate protocol with Indigenous communities and organizations, particularly Coast Salish and as they relate to post-secondary education
- Ability to work effectively and respectfully with Indigenous students, Elders and community members
- Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize, make decisions independently, be self-motivated, and consistently meet deadlines
- Exceptional written and oral communications, including demonstrated expertise in research, writing, and editing a range of materials
- Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines, multi-task, prioritize and adapt writing style to a variety of purposes and audiences
- Ability to work effectively across diverse populations and with all levels of university personnel and community partners
- Strong computer skills and excellent knowledge of MS Office Programs is a requirement including experience with desktop publishing software
- Experience with graphic design in the creation and design of print and multimedia materials
- Basic video editing skills for creating short-form videos for social media or presentations
- Experience writing for a post-secondary institution, government, or Indigenous organization
- Knowledge of SEO and analytics tools to measure engagement
- Knowledge of Indigenous art and design principles in visual communications
- Training or experience in trauma-informed communications
