Director, Marketing and Communications
NSCAD University
Halifax, NS
Closed
Job Details:
Benefits:
Reporting to the Chief of Staff and Government Relations, the Director of Marketing and Communications is a key member of NSCAD's Senior Management Team, responsible for external communications, internal/employee communications, issues management, crisis communications, media relations, social and digital media, branding and community engagement. The Director is responsible for integrating these functions to develop results-oriented and measurable strategic communications and community engagement plans to support NSCAD's priorities, operational focus, and the institution's mission. The Director leads Communications staff and various creative professionals, and works closely and collaboratively with the President, Chief of Staff and other NSCAD leaders on the Executive and Senior Management teams to provide strategic counsel on communications and public relations matters.
- Manages, evaluates and oversees development, implementation and execution of annual strategic communications plans in support of NSCAD's strategic priorities and business goals with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Leads strategic project planning and implementation of external communications, internal/employee communications and engagement, issues management, crisis communications, media relations and community engagement.
- Provides leadership in defining and developing NSCAD's brand, and in assessing market fit in competitive landscapes.
- Ensures that all NSCAD communications align with branding standards.
Develops meaningful measurement vehicles and tracks and reports results for all communications efforts and plays an instrumental role in anticipating and assessing reputational risk. As the Communications lead, the Director is instrumental in building and protecting the institution's reputation and image among various constituencies.
Uses data-driven decision making to strategically direct communications support for student recruitment.
Builds and maintains effective and trusted working relationships with faculty and staff across the university to develop mutual understanding and support for programs and initiatives.
Participates in the Development and interpretation of related policies and procedures.
Manages personnel/administrative functions (e.g. hiring, training, supervising, evaluating, providing professional development opportunities, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing levels, enhancing satisfaction and productivity of communications personnel and ensuring department outcomes are achieved.
Participates in special event planning and execution as required.
Effectively manages relevant budgets.
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations, communications or related field is required.
7 to 10 years of progressive experience in marketing , communications, community engagement with demonstrated leadership ability is required.
A Master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred.
Demonstrated experience in/with the creative and higher education sectors is considered a strong asset.
- Proven competency in continuous improvement operations, marketing, communications, branding, user experience design, media and public relations, and digital media is required.
- Demonstrated expertise with a variety of marketing and communications media including websites, social media, print and digital publications, and more is required.
- Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and measuring strategic marketing and communications plans and programs.
- Experience working within a complex, unionized environment is preffered.
Applications should be sent via the CareerBeacon website. Applications should include a cover letter and detailed CV.
Deadline for applications: The University will begin considering applicants on March 23rd, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. We appreciate all applicants, however only those selected to move forward in the competition will be contacted.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority in this search. NSCAD university encourages applications from Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, persons with a disability, women, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.
