Associate Director, Content and Communications

You’re a communications leader with an impressive background in media relations and PR. You stay calm and composed when responding to issues and crises, making sound decisions and strong plans that result in positive, brand-building outcomes. You’re highly attuned to what’s going on within and outside of your organization, addressing problems and preparing leadership as soon as possible. 

You're also a strong content marketer. You know a good story when you see/hear/read one, and you can turn it into an engaging piece that supports strategy and attracts audiences. Developing integrated plans and leading teams through their execution is part of your expertise.  

We’re pleased to partner with a well-respected post-secondary institution in their search for an Associate Director, Content and Communications. This key role supports the development of integrated marketing plans, communications strategies, and media and public relations activities. If you’re an experienced communications leader with a strong media relations background, consider applying for this role! 

About the workplace  

This is a hybrid role that requires working from the Vancouver, BC headquarters three days a week.  

About the role   

• Establish internal and external communications strategies that align with institutional priorities and core values, and achieve the department’s KPIs and OKRs.
• Act as lead advisor on issues management, working closely with various internal departments on crisis communications, providing issues analysis and briefs, key messaging, Q&As and media training.
• Act as the lead on managing PR issues and crises, providing council to the Dean and senior leadership and liaising with other departments as necessary.
• Work closely with the Dean’s office, program offices, business units, alumni and donor relations to identify milestones and newsworthy initiatives, and attain media coverage for strategic priorities.
• Lead communications initiatives for complex range of avenues, including domestic and international recruitment, fundraising, alumni and business community outreach and career services.
• Lead the development and execution of integrated content marketing strategies across a broad range of paid and organic marketing and communications channels.
• Work closely with marketing teams to develop integrated cross-functional initiatives that drive business growth and promote the strengths and values of the school locally, nationally and internationally. 
• Identify and establish content strategies to promote goals and priorities of the school and their effective and consistent delivery across all channels. 
• Manage PR agency relationships, freelance writers, photographers, videographers, and other contractors as needed. 
• Build and maintain relationships with leading national and international media outlets and business journalists. 
• Establish and manage annual communications budgets for the marketing and communications team.  
• Manage a team of professional and student employees and provide strategic counsel to other members of the marketing and communications team across the organization. 

The salary range for this role is $80,000 – $113,000 with a benefits package that includes generous vacation time and statutory holidays, a Group Pension Plan, Employee and Family Assistance programs,  and learning opportunities.

About you   

• 6+ years of related experience in a similar communications role for large public or non-profit organizations 
• Post-secondary education in communications, journalism or related area 
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including those in conflict with one’s own 
• A commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion 
• Demonstrated ability as an editor and directing a content ecosystem, including a diverse range of content creators and processes 
• Demonstrated ability to successfully represent a high-profile organization with media, including the management of issues and reputational advancement 
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate on and lead communication strategies that support marketing KPIs and OKRs 
• Demonstrated ability to build reputational strength around institutional key messaging through communications and marketing strategies 
• Experience managing a team and providing ongoing supervision and performance evaluation 
• Experience working in a large complex organization, working with multiple stakeholders and diverse business goals 
• Experience developing communications and storytelling strategies harnessing digital and social media 
• Able to demonstrate diplomacy, foresight and sound judgment in managing responsibilities 
• Experience in the higher education sector is preferred 

About Smart, Savvy + Associates   

Smart, Savvy + Associates is a marketing recruitment agency that connects companies with marketing, communications and creative professionals at all levels, from coordinators to C-suite. Based in Vancouver, BC, this team of marketers-turned-recruiters have an in-depth understanding of the industry and work diligently to find best-in-class talent for each search.