Director, Marketing and Communications
About Queen’s University
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Job Summary
Reporting to the Dean, Faculty of Law and serving as a key member of the Faculty of Law’s leadership team, the Director of Marketing and Communications leads the strategic vision, development, and execution of all marketing and communications initiatives across the Faculty.
The Director is central to driving revenue growth, supporting program recruitment, elevating the Faculty’s research and external profile, and protecting its reputation in a complex and evolving social, political, and economic environment. With a strong focus on promoting academic offerings, enhancing digital presence, and supporting fundraising and revenue-generating programs, the Director oversees all aspects of marketing and communication activities in the Faculty, including media relations, internal communications, and brand stewardship, while ensuring alignment with University-wide communications and strategic priorities.
The Director provides expert counsel to the Dean and other members of the Faculty’s senior leadership team, leads thought leadership initiatives and research promotion targeting the legal profession and academic community, and plays a critical role in managing communications around sensitive and high-impact social or political issues affecting the law school community.
The ideal candidate brings senior-level expertise in program marketing, graphic design oversight, crisis communication, stakeholder engagement, and content development, including copywriting, speechwriting, and editing. They are a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and the agility to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and emerging issues.
Job Description

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• University degree in Business ,Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or related field.
• Minimum 10 years’ progressively responsible experience, including 5 to 7 years at a senior level in a strategic marketing and/ communications capacity.
• Proven management, leadership and relationship-building experience with demonstrated skills in organizing, motivating, and directing professional staff and colleagues.
• Several years of demonstrated project management experience.
• Extensive knowledge of strategic planning processes and the ability to develop and write strategic communications plans.
• Consideration may be given to equivalent combination or education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Proven ability to deliver strategic and prioritized marketing and communications solutions in dynamic environments, demonstrating adaptability, flexibility, and sound judgement.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to leverage market insights to shape communications that strengthens the Faculty’s brand and supports its goals.
• Excellent business acumen; adept at aligning marketing objectives with broader institutional strategies.
• Skilled in managing complex or sensitive issues with political acumen, tact, and diplomacy, ensuring alignment with the Faculty’s reputation and image.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including editing and presentation abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build trust and foster partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management abilities, including the capacity to coordinate multiple initiatives while meeting tight deadlines with high-quality outcomes.
• Creative and strategic thinker with a non-prescriptive, problem-solving approach to marketing and communications challenges.
• Experienced in issue management and media relations, with the ability to provide clear, focused communication advice to senior leadership.
• Intercultural fluency and commitment to fostering inclusive communications that reflect the diversity of the campus community.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and operational efficiency within marketing and communications functions.
• Effective in managing competing priorities within demanding schedules, while maintaining focus and attention to detail.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a drive for innovation and growth aligned with Faculty objectives.
• Deep knowledge of strategic planning processes, including the development and execution of comprehensive communication strategies.

• Develop and lead an integrated marketing and communications strategy that aligns with the Faculty’s strategic priorities, including student recruitment, academic and professional program growth, research promotion, advancement, and brand positioning.
• Enhance the Faculty’s national and international image and reputation by leading strategic communications in areas of identified importance, and by proactively identifying and pursuing new marketing opportunities.
• Oversee all marketing and communications activities, including media relations, internal communications, branding, and content development, ensuring consistency, quality, and alignment with the Faculty’s goals and Queen’s University’s visual and messaging standards.
• Provide strategic counsel to the Dean and Faculty leadership, offering expert advice on marketing, communications, crisis management, and public relations, particularly in complex or sensitive situations. Lead the Faculty’s response to reputational or crisis communications issues, exercising sound judgment on strategy and escalation, and determining when and how to involve senior leadership.
• Oversee the development and distribution of communications materials, including print, digital, and web-based, and lead strategies to adopt emerging technologies and media, including social platforms, to support both internal operations and external outreach.
• Drive strategic marketing initiatives that support revenue-generating programs such as professional certificates, graduate diplomas, and online offerings, while supporting annual recruitment efforts for JD and graduate programs.
• Increase the Faculty’s media profile by working closely with central to identify and share newsworthy stories and elevate the visibility of faculty members and institutional achievements.
• Collaborate with Advancement to support annual giving, class giving, and major gift initiatives through strategic communications planning, compelling proposals, and integrated campaign messaging.
• Champion research promotion and thought leadership, developing campaigns and communications that strengthen the Faculty’s voice and visibility in the legal profession and academic community.
• Write, review, and refine key communications, including reports, presentations, correspondence, and leadership messaging, ensuring accuracy, tone, and strategic alignment.
• Prepare and oversee a marketing and communications budget annually for approval.
• Represent the Faculty as a communications expert on University committees and working groups, providing leadership and insight on marketing and branding strategy.
• Lead and manage a high-performing marketing and communications team, providing strategic oversight, clear direction, and ongoing coaching across all areas of the portfolio. Provide guidance to internal contributors who play a key role in delivering communications initiatives. Source and manage external consultants and service providers as needed to support specialized projects or capacity requirements.
• Plan, prioritize and manage the work of employees, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance and coaching. Identify the need for staff resources, participate on staffing committees, and make effective recommendations regarding employee selection.
• Manage performance by establishing performance standards, reviewing and evaluating performance and conducting formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis.
• Assess staff training and development needs, and ensure that employees receive training required to improve and sustain successful performance.
• Investigate, address and resolve employee/labour relations issues, including disciplinary matters. Makes decisions or effective recommendations on matters involving possible discipline, discharge and probationary termination.
• Other duties as required in support of the Faculty of Law