Director, Marketing and Communications

About the Company

Toronto School of Management is proud to be a part of Global University Systems (GUS) Canada, the Canadian subsidiary of Global University Systems. Global University Systems is an international network of higher-education institutions brought together by a shared passion for accessible, industry-relevant qualifications and graduate success. GUS ecosystem includes 40 institutions globally and a host of services, resources and expertise.

Through our institutions across the nation, GUS Canada is forging a new path for higher education, a path that inspires and prepares our graduates to have a global impact and bring positive change.

About the Role

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for shaping marketing and communications in a dynamic, multi-brand environment? Join us as the Director of Marketing & Communications for a one-year fixed term, where you'll oversee marketing and communications strategies across GUS Canada Colleges and support our expansion into the U.S. This is your opportunity to elevate institutional branding, drive enrollment outcomes, and align initiatives with our mission and vision.

As a member of the executive leadership team, you will play a pivotal role, overseeing marketing and communications strategies across all GUS Canada Colleges brands and supporting the organization's expansion into the U.S. You will drive strategic initiatives to elevate institutional branding, enhance enrollment outcomes, and ensure alignment with GUS’ mission and vision. With oversight of a high-performing team, including collaboration with offshore services, this role requires strong personnel management, creative direction, production, budgeting, and campaign analysis.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Operational Management:

1. Develop and oversee strategic marketing and communications initiatives to support strategic enrollment management initiatives and meet institutional and program goals.
2. Collaborate with the recruitment teams, executive leadership, and other stakeholders to align marketing efforts with institutional priorities.
3. Provide creative direction and leadership across all digital, social, and traditional marketing channels.
4. Oversee the planning, execution, and performance analysis of marketing campaigns, including cost management and vendor collaboration.
5. Maintain and enforce brand standards, ensuring consistency with branding and image and quality assurance and compliance across all internal and external publications and materials.
6. Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to inform strategy and maintain competitive positioning.
7. Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across the marketing function.
8. Forecast, prepare, and track budgets for marketing and communications. Responsible for the development of an annual marketing and communication budget that relates to the integrated marketing and communication plan and department goals.

Content, Communications, and Community Management:

1. Oversee strategic direction, visual identity, and appropriate communication efforts on all public-facing marketing channels.
2. Oversee and coordinate the planning and purchase of print advertising, including ads, brochures, billboards, flyers, posters, etc., that align with the integrated marketing.
3. Oversee the creation and implementation of print, video, and online publications; web/email strategy and communications; and interactive marketing and social media.
4. Manage the production of “high profile” video projects for all events and initiatives with the in-house videographer and photographer.
5. Manage the creation and distribution of content for social media. Oversee the institution's Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok accounts and provide regular updates.
6. Maintain effective communication channels throughout the institutions to include coordination of marketing and branding activities, promotion of positive institutional news and events, and timely dissemination of key strategic decisions.
7. Oversee the community management, engagement, and online reputation.

Team Leadership:

1. Lead a dynamic team of marketing professionals, including direct reports and offshore resources, fostering innovation and accountability.
2. Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities to build capacity within the team.
3. Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of marketing and communications staff, collaborating with People and Culture on workforce planning initiatives to build and sustain a high-performing team aligned with institutional goals.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

1. Master’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in higher education or international organizations.
2. A minimum of 10 years of progressively senior experience in marketing and communications, including strategic leadership roles.
3. Experience in higher education marketing, particularly with institutions serving international student populations preferred.
4. Exceptional managerial skills, with demonstrated success leading diverse teams.

Skills and Competencies:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of marketing principles and creative practices as related to digital marketing, branding, communications, and promotions.
2. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, and the community.
3. Possess budgeting and forecasting experience with strong analytical skills.
4. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
5. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, time management, and organizational skills.
6. Self-directed and flexible to work well independently and in a team environment.
7. Ability to multi-task and work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
8. Strong skills in MS Office and database systems.

Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment where your contributions will make a tangible impact on institutional growth and reputation.

Contract Details:

1. Position Type: Fixed-term (1 year)
2. Location: Hybrid work model
3. Salary: $115,000 to $125,000

The Toronto School of Management is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal opportunities and are committed to the principle of equality regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability. Accommodations are offered upon request for applicants participating in all phases of the recruitment and selection process in line with our Accessibility Policy, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Ontario Human Rights Code. If you require accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact hr@torontosom.ca.