ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in design and marketing or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in creative direction, marketing and/or advertising including work as a leader in the field
• Proven capabilities in conceptualizing and driving creative projects from ideation through to execution, ensuring alignment with brand vision and strategic goals
• Proven management experience: work in an educational institution considered an asset
• Proven skill in managing human and financial resources, and ability to resolve conflicts
• Proven ability to build partnerships and/or collaborative working relationships with a wide variety on internal and external stakeholders
• Strong creative vision and proven ability to translate communication strategies into compelling creative concepts and work
• Sound judgment, initiative, creativity, flexibility, tact and diplomacy, as well as experience in dealing with conflict situations and sensitive issues that reflect on corporate image
• Proven leadership abilities and excellent interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to manage complex projects simultaneously to completion
• Must be able to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks and responsibilities
• Superior verbal and written communication skills in both official languages
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
  

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POSITION PURPOSE:

Supports and elevates the development of a creative vision for the University and manages its execution. Translates marketing and communication strategies into creative concepts and projects that enhance the visibility of the University and promote the uOttawa brand. Provides creative stewardship, training, and support to key stakeholders across the University to ensure the delivery of inspiring and impactful brand experiences across touchpoints, including web, print and digital marketing. Oversees the development, implementation and management of the brand’s guidelines and assets. Organizes and evaluates creative operations to ensure efficient and effective project delivery.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:

• Creative direction and managing the University’s visual identity: Acts as the primary creative director for the brand. From ideation to execution, leads a range of creative activities such as brainstorming, pitching ideas to colleagues and clients, and reviewing work to generate high-impact outcomes. Remains deeply involved throughout all phases of creative development, guiding a team of graphic designers, photographers, videographers and coordinators (and at times, external experts) to ensure alignment with its long-term creative vision. Fosters creativity while also safeguarding the integrity of the University’s visual identity and brand standards to ensure that every project reflects the institution’s values and its strategic goals.
• Strategic project planning and management: Ensures the successful execution of creative and marketing projects in alignment with the University’s strategic objectives. Plans and collaborates with internal clients to establish project priorities. Develops comprehensive plans and defines appropriate project management mechanisms. Oversees all aspects of project delivery, including timelines, resources and objectives, and monitors performance throughout the process. Ensures that any necessary adjustments are made to keep projects on track and that all creative outputs reflect the University’s mission, values and long-term vision.
• Operations management: Directs production of branded content and its dissemination through uOttawa-owned channels, such as campus-level signage (e.g., gateways, tri-towers, building banners, etc.), campus TV screens, Rotunda installations, social media, etc. aimed at increasing the sense of pride and belonging among University personnel and students. Advises on the development and execution of marketing and advertising strategies involved in domestic and international recruitment and in research promotion. Provides expert strategic advice on marketing and advertising initiatives to senior management, faculties and services. Advises on advertising plans for faculties and services, and coordinates ad buys.
• Liaison: Represents the Office of Communications and Public Affairs in operational-level committees. Leads working groups and regularly acts as a resource person or delegate for the director, marketing and brand. Fully supports and guides brand and marketing requirements by liaising with senior management within the Office of Communications and Public Affairs. Liaises with other University marketing professionals to provide the creative direction and brand requirements needed to develop University-wide branded content and advertising products.
• Human resources management: Recruits, mentors, trains, develops, manages and evaluates staff to ensure that these resources are capable and engaged. Oversees the work by defining project scope with clients, prioritizing, facilitating and tracking project status, identifying and solving problems and issues, allocating appropriate resources, and ensuring that projects are completed on schedule, on budget and at the highest levels of quality.