Job description
The University of Victoria is one of Victoria's largest employers and one of Canada’s best diversity employers. Together we are more than 5,000 dedicated faculty, librarians and staff supporting the University of Victoria’s diverse academic programs, world-class research and commitment to civic engagement.
The salary range for this position is:
Recruitment range: $65,701- $72,440 starting salary determined by the PEA Collective Agreement.
Performance range: starting salary to max of $85,446 is available through annual performance increases.
* This position is eligible for a Hybrid Work Arrangement*
Mandate:
The Creative Strategist and Copywriter position is a cross between the Big Idea person and the person in the weeds crafting the story. As the primary content strategist on the team this role oversees and implements omni-channel storytelling as well as produces content. They are SEO savvy, love a good style guide, believe in the power of concise and short-form storytelling while recognizing there is still a place for long-form content. The focus is not only on the story but in working with a full marketing and communications team, how to make sure that their stories have a broad reach and deep and measurable engagement. Knowing which form of content will have the greatest impact is more important than any one type of content.
As copywriters their focus is telling a persuasive story as part of an integrated strategy that leads to action. They know how to pitch their story to the media but more importantly how to work with influencers to reach students for specific outcomes.
As the senior creative strategist they help lead the creative ideation on many projects, they often have the ‘Big Idea’, they ensure a consistent brand voice that is driven by their deep understanding of our audiences, they bring a mastery of written storytelling – short and long, but they also understand when to recommend visual, auditory or other content formats when they are more suited to get the job done and have the needed impact . One day they may be writing a video script, the next an op ed for Maclean’s Magazine and the next day content for the student recruitment viewbook.
The core purpose of this role is to ensure that there is a consist and compelling brand story and voice shared across platforms and audiences in support of the university’s and UC+M’s objectives.
Objectives:
- Copywriting and omni-channel compelling and persuasive storytelling
- Creative strategy development
- Traditional and non-traditional media management
- Project management and leadership
- Issues communications
This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent a Bachelor’s degree in communications, advertising, marketing, public relations. Five years of copywriting, creative strategy and persuasive storytelling experience across multiple channels and a variety of formats.
Three years of work experience with media relations including non-traditional and/or non-mainstream media outlets is required.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:
- Proficiency in project management.
- Demonstrated understanding of tracking impact and results of stories.
- Proficiency in using CMS, media monitoring tools and Adobe Creative Cloud. Ability to produce content for podcasts, video, and visual platforms desired but secondary to strong written format competency.
- Demonstrated ability to produce, curate and repurpose content in a compelling and persuasive way.
- Understanding of principles of web accessibility and SEO – certification is desired.
- Attention to detail is critical, customer service important, and a high level of initiative required.
- Expert level of written English communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines, sometimes in stressful circumstances and with shifting priorities.
- Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with all stakeholders.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven record of accomplishment of successful earned media on a national impact level.
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse population and with all levels of university personnel.
Territory acknowledgement
We acknowledge and respect the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples on whose traditional territory the university stands and the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
Equity and Diversity Statement
UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity.
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: [email protected] Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.
About University of Victoria
CEO: Kevin Hall
Revenue: $500 million to $1 billion (USD)
Size: 1001 to 5000 Employees
Type: College / University
Website: www.uvic.ca
Year Founded: 1963