Join MaKami College as our Vice President, Marketing and Communications and play a key role in shaping our brand, driving enrolment growth, and strengthening our impact as a leading post-secondary institution. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic, entrepreneurial leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about telling compelling stories that connect with students, partners, and the community.
Functional Role: Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Who Reports to this Role: Director, Marketing, Director, External Relations, Director, Fund Development and Director, Communications
The Vice President (VP), Marketing and Communications is a senior executive leader responsible for shaping and driving MaKami College’s marketing, brand, and communications strategy to enhance institutional visibility, reputation, and student recruitment outcomes.
With primary leadership over marketing and communications functions, this role ensures the College’s story is effectively communicated across all channels through compelling, consistent, and data-driven strategies. The VP leads brand positioning, digital strategy, public relations, and institutional messaging to strengthen engagement with prospective students, partners, and the broader community.
The role also provides strategic leadership and integration across Marketing, Communications, External Relations, and Fund Development, with clear functional ownership residing at the Director level. The VP is accountable for organizational alignment, performance outcomes, and institutional impact, while Directors retain responsibility for operational execution within their respective portfolios.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Student enrolment growth
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Brand awareness and engagement metrics
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Effectiveness of marketing campaigns (ROI, CPL, CAC)
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Media coverage and public relations outcomes
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Stakeholder satisfaction and partnership growth
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
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Collaborate with Enrollment Management, Data Strategy & Analytics, Academic leadership, and Student Experience to ensure alignment of recruitment strategies, institutional messaging, and program positioning.
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Provide strategic direction on student recruitment marketing, brand positioning, and enrolment growth, ensuring alignment with institutional targets. While operational ownership of admissions, academic delivery, and student services remains within respective functions, the VP is accountable for overall enrolment outcomes and marketing’s contribution to those results.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead the development of integrated marketing and communications strategies that drive student recruitment, enrolment growth, and institutional visibility.
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Provide strategic direction for brand positioning to strengthen reputation and differentiation in the public post-secondary and nonprofit sectors.
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Ensure consistent, compelling, and data-driven institutional messaging across all marketing, communications, and public-facing channels.
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Oversee and align the work of Marketing, Communications, External Relations, and Fund Development through senior leaders, ensuring cohesive execution of institutional prioritie.s
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Partner with Admissions, Academic leadership, and Student Experience to align recruitment strategies while respecting operational ownership within those functions
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Prepare and deliver strategic reports, briefings, and recommendations to the Executive Leadership Team and Board of Governors on enrolment performance, marketing effectiveness, and brand perception.on
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Respond to Board-level inquiries related to enrolment trends, growth strategy, program launches, and the College’s positioning as a nonprofit public-sector institution
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Lead public relations and media strategies to shape, enhance, and protect the College’s reputation with students, partners, government, and the broader community.
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Support institutional growth initiatives, including the successful marketing and launch of new programs aligned with market demand.
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Build and sustain strategic partnerships with community, industry, Indigenous organizations, government, and other post-secondary institutions.
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Leverage data, analytics, and CRM insights to inform decision-making, optimize campaign performance, and ensure return on investment
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Oversee marketing and communications budgets, ensuring effective allocation of resources and accountability for results.
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Lead, mentor, and support a team of directors and senior leaders, fostering collaboration, performance, and alignment with institutional goals.s
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Drive innovation and continuous improvement in marketing, communications, and external engagement approaches.
Behavioural Competencies:
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Strategic Thinking
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Leadership & Team Development
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Communication Excellence
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Relationship
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Network Building
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Influence & Impact
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Results Orientation
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Change Leadership
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Innovation & Creativity
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Analytical Thinking
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Decision-Making
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Collaboration
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Organizational Awareness
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Integrity
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Ethical Leadership
Educational Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field
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A master’s degree (MBA or related) is preferred
Other Qualifications:
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Professional designation or certification in marketing, communications, fundraising, or public relations (e.g., CFRE, CPRS, CIM, or equivalent) is an asset.t
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Experience with CRM, marketing automation
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Strong financial and business acumen, including budget planning
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Proficiency with Microsoft 365, collaboration platforms
Experience:
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10–15 years of progressively senior leadership experience in marketing, communications, public affairs, or external relations
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Minimum 5–7 years in a senior leadership or executive role, preferably within a public post-secondary institution or broader public sector
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Experience leading through directors or senior managers with a focus on strategic oversight
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Proven success developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies in a publicly accountable environment
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Demonstrated experience leading student recruitment marketing initiatives, with knowledge of enrolment cycles and diverse learner populations
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Extensive experience in corporate communications and public affairs
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Experience engaging with government, regulatory bodies, and sector partners
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Demonstrated ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships with:
- Community and Indigenous organizations
- Public sector and non-profit stakeholders
- Other post-secondary institutions
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Experience leading or supporting fund development/advancement
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Proven ability to align marketing, communications, and advancement functions with institutional strategic priorities and public mandate
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Strong experience leveraging data, analytics, and CRM systems to inform strategy, measure outcomes, and support reporting
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Experience leading multi-functional, diverse teams in complex environments, including workforce planning, performance management, and change leadership
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Demonstrated experience managing operating and campaign budgets with a focus on accountability, stewardship, and return on investment
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Experience working with Executive Leadership Teams and Boards of Governors, including preparing strategic briefings, reports, and recommendations
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Experience supporting or interfacing with a Board of Governors or equivalent governing body
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Experience reporting on enrolment, institutional growth, or strategic initiatives at an executive or governance level
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Experience in public sector or nonprofit brand positioning and reputation management
Work Environment:
- Hybrid setting with regular on-campus presence
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Occasional travel may be required, which may include visits to other campuses and business locations
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Occasional evening and weekend commitments
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Fast paced with tight deadlines
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Regular work schedule based on a 40-hour work week
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Work schedule may vary
