Director, Communications

at  Capilano University

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For more information, please see the complete job description.

The Director, Communications leads the strategy and implementation of initiatives to support the understanding of Capilano University’s unique role, purpose, mission, and mandate as part of the Envisioning 2030 plan. The director seeks and leverages opportunities to build the reputation and ongoing awareness of the role of Capilano University.
This position reports to the vice-president, university relations, and oversees the work of the University’s internal and external communications, media, and public and government relations. A trusted advisor, the director provides communications leadership and guidance to executives, senior leaders, and other members of the CapU community in responding to risks, opportunities, crisis, and sensitive issues. The director is responsible for developing communication strategies that have a university-wide audience and impact, while maintaining a strong awareness of media and public events and perception, government priorities, and public policy. In this role, the director also serves as a conduit between the University administration and, with the support of the manager, public affairs, and government.
The director works collaboratively with key departments to ensure prominent initiatives and outreach align with and support the integrity of Capilano University’s reputation. In this capacity, the director works with the director, marketing & digital experience to ensure the University’s voice aligns with and supports the brand.
A career communicator able to leverage a wide range of tools and techniques for outreach, the director engages in consultation with key members of the University community to enhance understanding of the goals, successes, risks, challenges and rewards of the CapU experience.

This position requires flexibility to respond to issues and needs outside of regular working hours as needed.

• Develops strategic communication plans to proactively distinguish Capilano University as an exceptional post-secondary learning environment.
• Oversees the release of timely, accurate information to ensure members of the CapU community have the information they need to engage with the University in meaningful ways.
• Directs an exceptional team of communications professionals in the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of communications and public relations activities, both internal and external.
• Monitors emerging issues for reputational impact; recommends and prepares appropriate responses.
• Ensures evaluation systems are in place to monitor and report progress on communications activities.
• Works collaboratively with the President’s Office, Institutional Research, Digital Technology Services , Marketing & Digital Experience, Philanthropy & Alumni Relations and leaders at all levels to ensure informative, accurate and timely reporting and communications.
• Advises university executive and senior leaders on strategic initiatives and oversees and manages communications for sensitive and complex issues.