Algoma University is committed to undoing systemic and institutional discrimination and being publicly transparent and accountable. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Special Mission. In keeping with the Seven Grandfather teachings that are the core values that inform our decisions as an institution, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and safe environment where everyone belongs. We live these values through the strength and richness that diversity brings to our workforce and welcome contributors from equity-deserving groups including: Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, Persons with Disabilities, 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer persons.
Job Title: Director of Strategic Communications & Issues Management
Administration
Position Status: Permanent, Full-Time
Non-union
Department: Marketing & Communications
Supervision Received: VP - Growth, International & External Relations
Supervision Exercised: Communications Manager
Location: Sault Ste Marie or Brampton, ON
Number of Positions: 1
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:
A. Strategic Communications Leadership 50%
B. Issues Management & Response Strategy 30%
C. Administrative Responsibilities 10%
D. Other Duties 10%
TOTAL 100%
The Director of Strategic Communications and Issues Management at Algoma University is responsible for overseeing the strategic communication efforts that support the institution's goals and enhance its reputation. This role involves leading a team in developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies, managing media relations, and ensuring consistent messaging across internal and external channels. The Director of Communications plays a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting Algoma University's image and in managing issues that may impact its reputation.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Communications Leadership 50%
- Develops and executes strategic communication plans aligned with institutional priorities. This includes crafting key messages, overseeing content creation, and managing internal communications platforms.
- Lead the development of communication strategies designed to maintain and enhance Algoma University's reputation, particularly in response to emerging issues or crises.
- Establishes effective communication structures, processes, and workflows required to ensure effective and consistent internal and external communications that align with key institutional messages and strategic priorities.
- Provides visionary leadership and represents strategic communications broadly across all Algoma campuses.
- Ensures Algoma University has strategies and mechanisms to address internal and external communication needs consistent with the University's mission, vision, and values, including those tied to issues management and crisis communications.
- Works closely with the President’s Office, VP of Growth, International and External Relations, the Office of Advancement, and others to ensure active participation in crucial community initiatives and committees that advance Algoma’s institutional profile.
- Establish effective communication structures and processes to ensure consistent messaging internally and externally. This involves collaborating with senior leadership and departments to align communications with strategic priorities.
- Develop and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of strategic communications initiatives, ensuring alignment with the university’s mission and strategic goals.
- Develops and oversees the implementation of university-level internal and external communications and digital communications.
- Oversees internal and external communications, digital strategies, and social media presence.
- Ensures consistency in messaging and branding across all channels.
- Develops proactive strategies and protocols for handling sensitive issues.
- Collaborates with senior leadership to ensure alignment of communications with strategic goals and initiatives.
- Provides strategic counsel and support to executive leadership as needed.
Issues Management & Response Strategy 30%
- Develop and implement comprehensive communication plans for managing issues and potential crises, ensuring consistent and reassuring messaging to internal and external stakeholders
- Providing strategic advice, identifying external relations opportunities and risks associated with initiatives, and offering communications support where required.
- Working closely with the Office of the President, Senior Leadership Team, and others in times of crisis to ensure issues are handled effectively and efficiently, minimizing residual impact on institutional reputation.
- Act as the lead in coordinating communication efforts during crises, ensuring all messaging aligns with the university's values and strategic goals.
- Work closely with senior leadership to anticipate potential issues and develop preemptive communication strategies to mitigate risks.
- Serving as the designated official spokesperson when required.
- Establishing and refining policies, procedures, and processes to guide the consistency of institutional communication responses.
- Leading the department to foster positive relations with local, provincial, national, and international media.
- Establishing and nurturing relationships and partnerships with media outlets to leverage paid and earned media, enhancing Algoma’s credibility and stature in identified communities and targeted markets.
- Ensuring processes are in place to enable students, faculty, staff, and alumni to capitalize on media opportunities and promote interest in Algoma University’s success.
- Reviewing and analyzing media tracking activity and outcomes.
- Ensuring that Algoma University’s research projects, events, and partnerships receive earned media coverage in strategic markets locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally.
- Supporting the needs of official spokespersons (e.g., the President, the Chair of the Board of Governors, VP of Growth, International and External Relations) or serving as an official spokesperson to ensure consistent key messages, background information, speaking notes, and supporting materials to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
- Actively engaging in university issues management, providing leadership and counsel on crisis communications, and serving as the university spokesperson where appropriate.
- Ensuring all media inquiries are handled promptly and professionally.
- Serving as the primary media contact and spokesperson for Algoma University. Developing and nurturing relationships with media outlets to secure positive coverage of university initiatives and events.
- Establish and track KPIs to assess the success of communication strategies during issues and crises, ensuring timely and effective stakeholder engagement and maintaining the university's reputation.
- Monitoring media activity and analyzing outcomes to inform communication strategies. Preparing media briefs, press releases, and other materials as needed.
- Overseeing the coordination and logistical support required for media and funding announcements, agreement signings, conferences, and other special events.
- Developing targeted communication memos and email messaging.
- Supporting university stakeholders in leveraging media opportunities to promote institutional success. Providing media training and support to faculty, staff, and students as needed.
Administrative Responsibilities 10%
- Act as a management team member responsible for developing and implementing the strategic direction of the Growth and External Relations team.
- Identifying, developing, and implementing projects to improve service quality, relationships, stakeholder satisfaction, timeliness, staff capability, and performance.
- Monitoring business practices to ensure that the Marketing and Communications department has the appropriate practices and processes in place to work effectively internally and to represent the University appropriately externally.
- Leading and participating in other departmental projects as required.
- Serving as the institutional representative on the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) and the Ontario University Public Affairs Council (OUPAC).
Other Duties (10%)
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical Effort
Moderate
Work activities require moderate periods of physical effort, requiring a variety of muscle movements with frequent requirements for speed and coordination.
Physical Environment
Moderate
Moderate exposure to unpleasant/disagreeable conditions.
Sensory Attention
Considerable
Work requires a frequent need to concentrate on a variety of sensory inputs for a lengthy duration requiring diligence and attention (repairing equipment).
Mental Stress
ConsiderableWork activities are performed in an environment with frequent exposure to mental pressures conditions where mental stress may be noticeable.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Communications or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
- Minimum of ten years' experience in communications and media relations in a large institution or equivalent setting. Experience in higher education communications is preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic communication plans that effectively address issues and guide institutions through crises while maintaining public trust and confidence.
- Experience in developing, monitoring, and delivering on KPIs related to strategic communications and issues management, with a proven ability to drive continuous improvement based on data-driven insights.
- Strong leadership skills with experience in managing communication teams. Ability to inspire and motivate team members to achieve strategic goals.
- Excellent crisis management and issue resolution abilities. Proven track record in managing sensitive issues and crises effectively.
- Superior interpersonal and collaboration skills.
- Ability to build relationships and work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Salary Scale:
$118,576 to $148,219 annually.
To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter HERE: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=325cbdb8-d490-4480-ae8d-d332911ec006&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=527518&lang=en_CA&source=CC2
no later than 4:00 p.m. on September 17, 2024.
Algoma University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our community and is an equal-opportunity employer. The university invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our Institution, including equity-deserving groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment (Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQQIPA+ persons).
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by Algoma University throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $118,576.00-$148,219.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2024-09-17
