Organizational Unit

University of Victoria -> VP External Relations -> Community and Government Relations

Location

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

Posting Close Date

13 September 2026

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

FTE

1.0

Salary Grade

$92,227.00 - $132,344.00

Additional Posting Information

N/A

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

Classification

ML8

Start Date

10/1/2026

End Date

10/31/2028

Employee Group

Management Excluded - Term

of Hires Needed

1

Category

Communications/Public Relations

About this Opportunity 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.

This position is eligible for a campus flex arrangement An employee in this classification is excluded from the bargaining unit as defined in the Labour Relations Code The salary range for this position is:

- Recruitment range: $92,227 - $115,154 maximum starting salary is determined through knowledge, experience and internal equity.
- Performance range: $132,344 salary range ceiling is available through annual performance increases.

Job Summary

Mandate:

Reporting to the Director, Communications and Public Affairs, this position is responsible for a wide variety of communications, media relations, emergency/crisis communications and issues communications designed to enhance and protect the university’s reputation with key interest-holders, including campus constituents, government and funders.

This position frequently works with highly confidential or sensitive information and related decisions/policy to make a well-informed assessment, provide advice on issues and develop communications and responses. As part of the Public Affairs team, they contribute to the university’s response to issues, crises and emergencies.





Consequences of reputational harm can include decline in enrolment, difficulty recruiting and retaining quality staff and faculty members, loss of revenue from government and private funders, decline in alumni engagement and support, loss of researchers to other institutions, labour action or protests, and less influence overall, including on matters important to the post-secondary sector.

Objectives:

- To identify potential issues that may impact the university, its people or operations
- To support the university in addressing urgent, emergent issues as they arise, and participate in emergency operations as and when required
- To develop communications strategies and provide communications advice for issues, crises and emergencies at the university
- To support the team by supporting media relations, social media and other key tactics involved in managing issues, crises and emergencies.

Unusual working conditions: This work may occur outside of regular business hours (i.e. evenings, weekends or extended weekday hours) during peak periods or when Public Affairs is involved in high-profile, complex issues communications.

Job Requirements

This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in communications, writing or a related field plus a minimum of five years’ experience in a communications role. Preference may be given for work experience gained in a post-secondary or similarly complex, large organization. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

- Experience with media relations and managing issues of reputational concern
- Emergency and crisis communications experience
- Experience in creative direction,



content development, writing, editing and storytelling
- Leadership in a consultative/advising role within a unit and/or organization
- Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive and respectful working and learning workplace
- A successful track record of effective strategic communications planning and deployment
- Strategic and critical thinking, strong writing skills, ability to succinctly brief leaders and executives
- Ability to work with wide range of clients and accomplish goals, often under tight timelines
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and navigate complex or sensitive situations effectively.
- Ability to apply project-management best practices to achieve project goals on time
- Ability to collaborate, build and maintain positive relationships with diverse individuals and work effectively in a team environment
- Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office, website content management and authoring (preferably in Cascade) is required
- Experience with Hootsuite, Google analytics, digital asset management systems and online project-management systems (e.g. Asana) is preferred

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: [email protected] Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

📌 Senior Public Affairs Specialist - (990722.1) (Victoria)
🏢 University of Victoria
📍 Victoria