In order to ensure your application is received by NAIT for thorough review and consideration, please apply directly through our Careers site at www.nait.ca/careers
Reporting to the Vice-President, External Relations & Chief Development Officer, the Associate Vice President (AVP), Marketing & Communications will provide strategic leadership to a team of highly skilled marketing and communications professionals. Collaborating with executive leadership and stakeholders across the institution, the AVP will spearhead the development, implementation, and evaluation of impactful marketing and communications strategies that align with NAIT’s vision.
The Department of Marketing & Communications brings together the expertise of marketers, communicators, brand and visual content specialists, designers and web & digital media technologists to support NAIT in reaching its vision of being the most relevant and responsive post-secondary institution in Canada and a world-leading polytechnic. We engage with NAIT’s various communities and strive to inspire positive action among them by creating deeper connections to our polytechnic, the people and our brand. We partner closely with staff from schools, programs, departments and research centers to develop and execute effective marketing and communication plans to support their goals and outcomes in alignment with NAIT’s strategic plan.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Drives Vision and Purpose – Clearly articulates a compelling vision and strategy that inspires and motivates others.
• Balances Stakeholders – Effectively navigates and balances the needs of diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic Mindset – Possesses a strong strategic mindset, anticipating future trends and translating them into innovative solutions.
• Drives Results – Consistently achieves outstanding results, even in challenging circumstances.
• Instills Trust – Builds and maintains trust through honesty, integrity, empathy, and authenticity by modelling these behaviours while encouraging others to do the same.
• Operates with a strategic mindset, getting ahead of complex challenges while seeing to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies, capitalizing on NAIT’s distinct brand.
• Anticipating evolving dynamics in the market and leveraging key differentiators in the market.
• Applies knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the institution’s goals.
• Capacity to engage and communicate highly complex issues relevant to higher education.
• Leading a team with an exemplary reputation for reliability and transparency.
• Articulating a sense of purpose for their team and enlisting them in shared and exciting possibilities for the future.
• Communicating effectively by developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey an understanding of the unique needs of various audiences within and outside of NAIT.
• Promoting a corporate communication culture that is focused on stakeholder engagement through clear, compelling and consistent communications.
• Planning and aligning through prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with NAIT’s goals and objectives while achieving cohesion and integration.
• Knowledge of freedom of information and protection of privacy legislation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience in a communications, marketing or brand communications environment with demonstrable record of success, in the post-secondary, not-for-profit or relevant public and private sectors.
• A post-secondary degree or diploma in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing or similar discipline.
• Accreditation in IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) or CPRS (Canadian Public Relations Society) is an asset.
• A combination of education and experience will be considered.
  Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services or the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).
  Remuneration: $183,791.92 - $243,501.44 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that align with NAIT’s vision, strategic priorities, and brand identity.
• Lead the development and implementation of an integrated marketing plan encompassing traditional and digital channels (owned, earned, and paid media).
• Build and maintain a strong brand presence through strategic campaigns and initiatives that enhance NAIT’s reputation and drive key business objectives.
• Guide the development and execution of audience engagement strategies to build meaningful relationships with key stakeholders, including students, alumni, industry partners, philanthropic supporters, government, and the broader community.
• Oversee the development and execution of content marketing strategies and implementation plans for NAIT’s direct to consumer and business-to-business engagements.
• Plan, forecast, and manage the annual marketing and communications operations budget.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in marketing, communications, and digital media to ensure NAIT’s strategies remain competitive and impactful.
• Monitor trends and best practices in marketing, communications, and reputation management, both within the post-secondary sector and beyond.
• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to the marketing and communications team, fostering a high-performing and collaborative work environment.
• Coach, develop, and inspire a team of highly skilled professionals while increasing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of operations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, faculty, staff, media, and community partners.
• In collaboration with relevant campus leaders, develop an outreach strategy to build profile in targeted markets.
• Provide expert strategic advice to internal clients on marketing and communications initiatives.
• Oversee and advise on all marketing and communications (internal and external) campaigns, reporting on their efficacy and ensuring continuous improvement and decision-making based on data.
• Provide impact reporting to Senior Leadership including Executive Management Committee, Board of Governors and External Partners as deemed appropriate.