Summary

Become an integral member of UBC GSS in communicating to the graduate student community! The GSS represents the 10,000 graduate students at UBC Vancouver. We get graduate students talking about important issues and inspire them to enjoy an active and balanced campus life.

Effective, appealing communication is central to our mission of building a friendly and approachable community for all UBC graduate student communities.

The Visual Communications Assistant works under the supervision of the Communications and Marketing Director in the design, development and management of the GSS’ visual presence in print, online and in other mediums, helping us effectively engage the UBC graduate student community.

Start & End Dates

May 1, 2023 – August 31, 2023

Pay & Hours

Part-time (10-20 hours/week, 300 hours in total) – $22.67 per hour

Deadline to Apply

April 10th, 2023

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume (PDF) that details experience and training specifically relevant to the requirements of the position.

We thank all candidates in advance for their interests in the position. However, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls or follow-up emails, please.

Detailed Job Description

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Designs marketing collateral, such as posters and brochures; as well as media for the GSS websites, newsletter and social media channels

• Supports production of promotional video as required

• Assists the Director with GSS visual branding and redesign of marketing materials, including layout

• Coordinates with external print houses for estimates, production and delivery

• Assists the Director in enhancing the design and functionality of the GSS website

• Researches and identifies potential applications, plugins, and other trending web technologies to enhance GSS web experience

• Other duties as required

TRAINING AND ORIENTATION

• The student will receive an Orientation to the work of the GSS from the General Manager covering areas like the structure of the team, function of the society as well as practical areas like health and safety.

• The Communications and Marketing Director will provide an orientation to the communications activities of the Society, and the brand guidelines.

• Ongoing training and supervision is provided by the Communications and Marketing Director

NETWORKING AND MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

• Experience working in a communications environment, meeting other communications professionals on campus and gathering knowledge from professional staff

• Working with graduate student executives. An opportunity to understand more about their work and how student run societies operate

• Interacting with print houses and other professional suppliers

• The opportunity to present work to the Society’s governing bodies, including the GSS Council

• General career mentorship from the Communication and Marketing Director in areas such as: interacting successfully with staff and faculty, developing a portfolio, and advice about future job applications

SUPPORT AND EVALUATION

• The student will work in the same office as the Communications and Marketing Director and communication, questions, ideas and suggestions are encouraged. They are an essential part of a good communications team.

• Weekly opportunities to meet one on one with supervisor to discuss performance and to set work for the upcoming period

• At the end of the period and possibly after the completion of individual projects there will be a general debrief about the role. This is an opportunity for discussion, suggestions for improvements and recognition of successes.

WORKPLACE SKILLS AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

For students interested in working in design or communications fields, working as part of a team delivering integrated marketing and communications campaigns is invaluable. This work provides hands on experience that relates directly to real world jobs in the communications or digital design fields.

By the end of the work term, the Visual Communications Assistant will have gained:

• Experience of working in a professional office environment, serving the needs of graduate students

• Hands on experience of working on marketing and communications campaigns for graduate students

• Design experience for a variety of different mediums (e.g. print, social media, merchandising)

• Deeper understanding of student-centred communications and messaging • Enhanced communication skills. By being a member of a team, the student will enhance their listening skills and ability to communicate ideas clearly

• Increased confidence in leadership skills by taking the initiative on developing design ideas • Effective time management skills by managing deadlines and learning how to prioritize urgent items

• The opportunity to develop design items for a portfolio, that can support coursework or future job applications

• The ability to connect with graduate students and to understand how to communicate with a specific audience

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

General:

• A UBC graduate student preferred with a background in marketing, graphic design, journalism or a related area, and a passion to create high quality, engaging communications for graduate students

• Excellent team player and self-motivated learner

• Strong time management and project coordination skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent Attention to detail

Technical:

• Must have at least beginner level experience with graphic design software, such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign, or Microsoft PowerPoint and Publisher

• Experience with illustration and video production or editing would be a bonus

• Experience with content management systems such as WordPress and plugins

• Experience with web graphics and design preferred

ABOUT THE GSS

The GSS (Graduate Student Society) serves the 10,000 graduate students at UBC Vancouver, helping them have the best experience possible during their studies. We connect graduate students with campus resources, opportunities, and social events. We provide everything from individual support for students, to advocacy at provincial and federal levels on the most important issues graduate students face.

The GSS is located at Thea Koerner House, which has been the center of graduate student life on campus since it was opened in 1962. Ensuring an inclusive and diverse workplace is a key value of the GSS. We welcome people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives, and are proud to promote a supportive work environment.

Learn more and apply here!