Position Overview

The Dean's Office in the Faculty of Arts is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Director, Communications and Marketing for approximately seven months.

The incumbent, in collaboration with the central University Relations office will help to build the national and international profile and reputation for excellence in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Calgary. You will set the communications and marketing vision and direction for the senior management team in the Faculty, focused on strengthening and aligning all aspects of public communications and reputation management with the strategic direction of the Faculty and the University. The position demands vision and leadership, program planning, fiscal accountability, communications and marketing expertise, and experience with metrics, reporting and performance management. You will lead initiatives and support a collaborative culture within the Faculty and University and with all stakeholders. As a member of the Dean‿s senior management team, you will provide high quality strategic advice and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Faculty of Arts in support of the communications and marketing of the strategic direction of the University.

Your background includes related management experience with demonstrated leadership strengths in communications strategies, projects, initiatives, and publications, and building stakeholder partnerships and consensus. Your advanced working knowledge of the post-secondary research and communications industries and proven ability to clearly communicate vision and strategies are key to success in this role. You are a recognized leader and expert in research communications related to the liberal arts as well as visual and performing arts marketing. Related post-secondary education is required. As the communications director, your primary objective is to lead external communications strategies, projects, initiatives, and publications. The Director is also responsible for advising and contributing to the communications strategies of the Faculty‿s fund development, alumni relations and recruitment initiatives.

This position reports to the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, with strong links to the central University Relations division.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Develops and implements high-quality and timely communication and marketing strategies.
• Proactively seeks out opportunities and achieves success in reputation management, brand strategies, marketing, media relations, outreach, events and internal communications.
• Leads and implements a broad range of campaigns, publications, community events, and other communication and marketing tools toward a positive image and reputation for the Faculty and the University of Calgary.
• Provides long-term and short-term communications advice to senior leaders within the Faculty and on campus more widely as required.
• Ensures the implementation of strong and consistent brand and positioning protocols for the marketing efforts of the Faculty.
• Improves and broadens the reputation of the Faculty locally, nationally and internationally.
• Engages key stakeholders in the work and results of University research related to the liberal arts in particular.
• Ensures alignment of communications and leadership across the Faculty of Arts to engage departments in the Faculty¿s pride and profile.
• Supports internal communications, in conjunction with the HR team in the Faculty, to foster a high performance work culture.
• Develops productive relationships with Faculty leadership team, academics and students.
• Manages relationships of outside contractors, freelancers, and designers.
• Provides effective communications and marketing advice and support to Faculty members.
• Works professionally and collaboratively with other campus communicators, as well as other members of the University Relations team.
• Leads strategic Faculty communication and marketing plans, in support of the University mission, Academic Plan, and other initiatives.
• Manages the service delivery of staff ensuring the appropriate allocation of personnel to projects, and providing staff with direction on administrative policies, procedures and collective agreements, technical requirements, priorities and service expectations.
• Accountable for all aspects of supporting the short and long-term business objectives of the Faculty of Arts and reporting staff.
• Responsible for the development of Faculty of Arts stories to showcase teaching and research accomplishments.

STRATEGIC PLANNING/PROJECTS

• Develops and implements high-quality and timely communication and marketing strategies.
• In conjunction with the Dean and Senior Leadership, develops, monitors and meets the Faculty¿s business objectives in the area of communications and marketing.
• Provides advice to the Dean and Senior Leadership to effectively allocate and utilize resources to achieve strategic goals and objectives with regards to communications and marketing.
• Responsible for the communications and marketing budget.

COMMUNICATION / RELATIONSHIPS

• Communications are timely, informative and appropriately represent the Faculty of Arts and the University.
• Manages complex Faculty issues and challenging interpersonal interactions with composure and diplomacy.
• Proactively develops and maintains trustworthy, productive, problem-solving working relationships with colleagues and staff across the University community and external agencies.
• Coaches and motivates staff, team and project members to develop positive, high trust working relationships and operate effectively as a team including problem solving processes and conflict resolution.
• Creates an environment where knowledge sharing, support, training tools, coaching and staff development ensure service levels meet or exceed expectations.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A post-secondary degree in business, marketing, communications or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of ten years¿ experience in the marketing and communications field, including at least five at the management level with demonstrated experience leading a team.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing strategic communications and marketing which includes effective creation and execution of large-scale projects and campaigns aimed at various audiences.
• Experience in events planning, community outreach, media relations, communications, public relations, and issues management.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability in building and maintaining relationships.
• Ability to speak and write clearly and succinctly in a variety of settings and styles; ability to accrue information, listen effectively and deliver messages that have the desired effect.
• Experience in producing a variety of communication and marketing vehicles aimed at various internal and external audiences.
• Knowledge and expertise in formulating competitive strategies and managing policies, practices, trends and information affecting the entire University.
• Strong understanding of social media and how to leverage social media to the advantage of the Faculty of Arts.
• Communications and marketing experience in a large complex organization, team management, knowledge of post-secondary educational issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work with staff at all levels, to work under pressure and deadlines, and to handle numerous priorities and competing deadlines.

Application Deadline: August 9, 2013

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.