Associate Director, Marketing, Communications & External Relations

About Queen's University

Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.

We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

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Job Summary

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, Athletics & Recreation (“ED”), the Associate Director, Marketing, Communications & External Relations is responsible for the development, direction and implementation of a comprehensive marketing, communication and promotional plan designed to enhance the mission, image and reputation of Queen’s University’s Athletics and Recreation. With a significant focus on external relations, this position builds relationships resulting in partnerships and sponsorships that help support programs and services. This position directly supports priority initiatives of the Division of Student Affairs more broadly.

The incumbent will provide leadership to the teams of people for partnerships, marketing, and communications. Success in this position will be through promotion and marketing leading to increased revenue and overseeing the execution of partnerships and external relationships. Further, working effectively with colleagues within Student Affairs and University Relations this position will capitalize on media relations opportunities and manage emerging issues where necessary. As a member of the senior management team, the incumbent will participate in the development of annual and long-term plans. The position involves independent decision-making, responsibility and personal initiative.

This position is located in Kingston and flexible work hours, including evenings and weekends are required.

**Please note this position posting will remain open until filled. Apply today!

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promotes a culture of inclusivity that embodies A&R values, with a commitment to the university’s equity, diversity, accessibility, inclusivity, and Indigenization initiatives designed to foster an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment for individuals with diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Participate as a member of the senior management team, contributing to the development of a culture of excellence within the Division of Student Affairs and Athletics & Recreation.
• Provide leadership to the marketing, communications and partnerships, providing the necessary vision and direction in the areas of marketing, sponsorship, external relations, communication, public relations, sports information, revenue generation and management.
• Lead the development, direction and implementation of a comprehensive sponsorship, marketing, communications and service design that will enhance the mission, image and reputation of Queen’s Athletics & Recreation.
• Develop and execute a marketing, communications and service delivery plan that allows Athletics and Recreation to maximize revenue potential. Design and implement revenue generating proposals and activities.
• Lead all communication and issues management related to A&R. Coordinate with partners as required, Student Affairs and the Executive Director.
• Create and manage marketing, service and communication processes for internal users.
• Support priority initiatives and projects of Student Affairs and the institution such as recruitment videos, event publications and other efficient enhancements.
• Oversee the development of sport, campus and external communications and public relations, advising senior management as required.
• Lead and conduct a focus on cultivating third party revenue generating opportunities via sponsorship and partnerships with community partners and beyond.
• Responsible for revenue generation that is directly linked to the promotion and communication of all areas and departments across Athletics & Recreation. This is inclusive of partnerships within recreation, recreation internal programming, third party event rentals or community events and high-performance competitions and deliverables.
• Responsible for securing “value in kind” that creates cost containment in the delivery of the breadth of programs and services within the department.
• Develops and fosters proactive relationships with a breadth of partners across campus and the Kingston community that secure business partnerships that drive revenue, eliminate/reduce cost of services and increase efficiencies.
• Monitors and provides strategic analysis of trends, government policy, legislation and pan-industry events that may impact Athletics & Recreation and the student and patron experience.
• Responsible for the development and design of required reports and materials to Senate and other sport governing bodies (e.g. USPORTS)
• Develop comprehensive business plans and go-to-market programs and initiatives that increase and diversify sources of revenue from programs, facilities, marketing and fundraising initiatives at a level to maintain and grow top quality sport and recreational programs and services.
• Assumes responsibility for strategic business partnerships that support revenue generation through strategic marketing, facility, hosting, program and related services. Leads strategic hosting applications (and organizing committees), partnership initiatives and discussions. Coordinates department deliverables in support of partnership commitments.
• Provide leadership in the areas of webcasting, social media, website application and new media initiatives.
• 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. Make decisions or effective recommendations on matters involving possible discipline, discharge and probationary termination.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• University Degree in business, marketing, communications or other applicable area of study.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a leadership role, including managing and directing staff.
• Minimum 5 years senior level experience in marketing, communications or partnerships.
• Evidence of strong strategic, business and marketing acumen.
• Proven knowledge and familiarity in the sport environment and context.
• Proven management and leadership experience with a demonstrated ability to strategize, deliver on priorities, motivate and direct staff.
• Demonstrated ability in strategy development and implementation, budget and revenue forecasting and program analysis.
• Evidence of successful communications across a wide range of mediums and across a wide variety of partners and audiences.
• Experience in supervision and management in a unionized environment.
• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening required.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Innovative with the ability to exercise good judgment in making independent decisions.
• Ability to facilitate groups of people to work towards, and succeed with, shared goals.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with people at all levels (students, staff, coaches, senior administration, faculty, alumni, media, community, business leaders).
• Thrive in an environment with competing demands and remain focused upon key divisional objectives in managing scarce resources.
• Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness with the ability to recognize opportunities to enhance the image and reputation of Queen’s University and the Athletic and Recreation Division.
• Result oriented, assuming responsibility for development, implementation and completion of projects/initiatives.
• Proven relationship building skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours in a demanding and dynamic environment.

DECISION MAKING:

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and members of senior management in setting the strategic vision and direction of the Division.
• Evaluate job candidates and make effective recommendations on suitable hires.
• Make decisions and/or effective recommendations regarding transfers and promotions.
• Evaluate employee performance and decide on appropriate training or coaching to address lack of proficiency in carrying out responsibilities, or remedial action for staff disciplinary situations.
• Make effective recommendations on level of discipline up to discharge and probationary termination.
• Determine strategic partners and alliances internally and externally.
• Determine and recommend strategic marketing, communication and service processes and action plans to efficiently implement initiatives for the department.
• Provide resource support to activities/initiatives within the unit.
• Prepare budgets and recommendations for program investment.
• Determine if project objectives are being met according to criteria.
• Decision on prioritizing one’s own duties and responsibilities.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at hradmin@queensu.ca.