Assistant Dean, Communications & Marketing
Job Summary
The Faculty of Education, ranked 18th in the world by QS Top Universities, is comprised of four academic departments, the School of Kinesiology, 12 major funded Centres and Institutes, and a number of support units (e.g., Professional Development and Community Engagement, Office of Research in Education). It has a large teacher education program with a First Nations component, leading the way in bringing Indigenous knowledge, perspective, and ways into all its research and teaching activities. It offers a wide range of graduate programs including online and on campus professional programs, distance graduate education, and cohort programs.
The Faculty of Education has over 2,000 undergraduate students, 800+ post-baccalaureate and graduate students, six Canada Research Chairs, 160 full-time tenure stream faculty, 200 adjunct instructors and sessional lecturers, and 120 staff.
The Assistant Dean, Communications & Marketing, an essential administrator within the Dean's cabinet, is a senior member of the Faculty of Education management team. The incumbent is responsible for conceptualizing and leading the development of an integrated, faculty-wide, and result-driven marketing and communications strategy and program, providing strategic long-term planning and overall management, with the mandate of enhancing recruitment, marketing and promoting research, strength, value of the Faculty of Education programs, as well as increasing alumni development revenue and reputational gains locally, nationally and internationally.
Organizational Status
The Assistant Dean, Communications & Marketing, reports to the Dean and to the Senior Associate Dean, Administration & Innovation, in the Faculty of Education.
The Assistant Dean, Communications & Marketing serves as key staff adviser to the Dean in the areas of marketing, communications, public relations, and student recruitment. The position directly and indirectly supervises a Faculty-wide marketing and communications team, including the Manager, Marketing and Communications, and liaises closely with the Development and Alumni Engagement team. The incumbent works closely with the Dean, Associate/Assistant Deans, Heads/Directors, Development and Alumni Engagement Office, and units across the University, including Public Affairs, Marketing and Communications, and Government Relations.
Externally, the position interacts with multiple organizations in a marketing, promotional, and communications capacity. This includes 60 school districts, the BC Teachers Federation (BCTF), the BC College of Teachers, and 20 accrediting organizations, such as the College of Psychologists and the Canadian Association of School Psychologists.
Work Performed
[1] Leads the review of existing marketing and communications functions within programs and units of the Faculty of Education, and conceptualizes and develops an integrated faculty-wide marketing and communications program and strategy, with the mandate of increasing the Faculty's profile locally, nationally, and internationally, enhancing recruitment for programs, and increasing alumni development revenue and reputational gains. Makes recommendation to the Dean and senior leadership team regarding the Faculty's identity and brand.
[2] Provides leadership and direct supervision to a marketing and communications team, including the Manager, Marketing and Communications, professionals, and support level staff. Supervisory functions include recruitment, selection, mentoring, and management of staff, as well as establishing team priorities. The position also catalyzes partners to enhance the Faculty of Education brand through indirect reports and an extended community of practice that includes faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Additionally, the role manages consultants and external service providers.
[3] Develops and implements marketing and communications strategies, programs, policies, and short- and long-term initiatives that achieve the Faculty's goals, such as to mobilize knowledge produced in research programs and research outcomes, and to cultivate emerging markets for undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to enhance the Faculty's reputation within the University, locally, and internationally.
[4] Manages day-to-day operations of the marketing and communications program across the Faculty of Education, ensuring an effective marketing focus for all new and existing communications and stewardship vehicles, staff communication vehicles, as well as ensuring provision of strategic marketing advice on recruitment vehicles. Conceptualizes, recommends, implements, manages, and evaluates a full range of marketing, recruitment, public relations, and community engagement publications and communications efforts designed to enhance the image and reputation, revenue diversification, and communications efficacy of the Faculty of Education.
[5] Provides strategic guidance to all Faculty of Education programs and units to build, promote, and diversify local, national, and international recruitment of on-campus and online executive development, professional development, and professional graduate programs.
[6] Designs and oversees the production of networked digital media campaigns and related publications to meet Faculty communications, recruitment, and development goals. Strategically integrates the use of social media, digital media production (video, social media campaigns, visual identity, websites), and related networking components of communications and outreach strategies in support of the Faculty communications trajectory (including research, programs and services) to promote and enhance visibility, reputation, and development campaign goals.
[7] Responsible for ensuring plans are driven by market research and data analysis, and assess marketing and communications initiatives for results and effectiveness refining strategies or re-directing resources and making changes as required. Prepares and delivers complex reports on issues such as marketing and communications impact and distribution metrics. Conducts surveys to obtain relevant information as required.
[8] Evaluates internal and external marketing and communications functions and outcomes of the portfolio, makes recommendations, and initiates evidence-based changes.
[9] Formulates, implements, and manages marketing strategies to strengthen and enhance existing relationships with 54,000+ alumni, donors, and other key stakeholders, which are particularly critical during a campaign. Ensures a coordinated marketing and communications effort on behalf of fundraising and alumni programs.
[10] Builds support for the Faculty of Education by means such as planning events that highlight the Faculty of Education's many contributions to society, fostering affinity, and inspiring volunteerism and philanthropy.
[11] Integrates internally between units and programs within the Faculty, and with central University marketing and communications operations.
[12] Develops and oversees annual Marketing budget, projecting and tracking financial results, and taking corrective action to redirect spending as required.
[13] Performs other related duties.
Supervision Received
The position reports to the Dean and the Senior Associate Dean, Administration & Innovation, in the Faculty of Education Dean's Office. The incumbent has considerable autonomy in designing and implementing strategies, priorities, and goals, and coordinating marketing and communications programs and initiatives.
Supervision Given
The position directly supervises four staff: Web Communications Manager; Manager, Marketing & Communications; Writer; and Administrative Assistant.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Assistant Dean, Communications & Marketing must exhibit sound judgement and be able to work both independently and lead a team. Consequences of error could be detrimental to the public image of the Faculty, and could impact applications to programs, funding, and rankings. Advice and information provided by this position is utilized in high-level management and policy decisions, and therefore poor judgement could have a very serious negative impact on the reputation of the Faculty, its senior administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the University.
Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. University degree (Master preferred) in journalism, communications, marketing or public relations. A minimum of 8 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior senior level experience in planning, directing and managing complex marketing, digital media production and communications programs. Experience in a senior management capacity in a complex environment involving a significant number of people with diverse and varied skills and experience. Must have a track record of outstanding professional accomplishments in marketing and communications. Experience in private sector communications and marketing, especially brand development experience is an asset. - Excellent leadership skills;
- Ability to develop and execute strategic business plans;
- Proven communication, consultative and interpersonal competencies;
- Ability to communicate in a clear, attentive, and polite manner;
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing;
- Ability to conceptualize and direct production of digital media and social media campaigns;
- Ability to effectively resolve client complaints in a calm, non-confrontational manner, and by exercising sound judgment;
- Ability to mentor and coach staff, and act as a resource.
