Executive Communications Advisor

Brock University is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement.

We are one of Canada’s leading comprehensive universities and a Top Employer in Hamilton-Niagara. Brock has been ranked #3 as Canada’s Best Employers and top 10 as one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity compiled by Forbes and Statista. We are an inclusive, welcoming community that offers a wide range of unique career opportunities.

Ignite new possibilities for your career. Break through at Brock.

About the Role:
The Executive Communications Advisor works closely with the Office of the President and various departments to create strategic communications that align with the University’s priorities. This role involves developing and executing both strategic and day-to-day communications for the President and the Executive Leadership Team, with the aim of enhancing Brock’s overall reputation.

The Executive Communications Advisor will:

• Develop annual communications plan for the President and Vice-Presidents that supports the building of local/national reputation in collaboration with the Executive Director, Marketing, Brand and Communications and VP, External;
• Identify and support opportunities to advance the President’s image and reputation and position Leadership team as thought leaders on national and international stage;
• Develop and execute ad hoc communications strategies and plans in support of the Office of the President, the Executive Leadership Team and the advancement of Brock’s priorities as identified in the strategic plan;
• Provide communications guidance and advice to the Executive Leadership Team;
• Lead the development of KPIs and measures of success, and report on ROI;
• Lead and support the development of consistent, high-quality, brand-aligned communications and content for multiple channels and engagement opportunities;
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the University’s key messages centrally and in support of institutional priorities;
• Provide speechwriting and editing support to the Office of the President for a wide variety of public and private events and activities;
• Source and produce digital content for a wide range of social media channels;
• Lead and collaborate with campus communications professionals to advance executive communications campaigns and plans;
• Stay informed about the provincial, national, and global education landscape, including political dynamics, institutional partnerships, public policy priorities, and emerging trends and challenges;
• Act as the first point of contact for day-to-day communications activities in the Office of the President;
• Monitor and provide support with ongoing issues management and response;
• Serve as a member of the Emergency Communications Team and contribute to the maintenance and development of the University’s Emergency Communications Plan.

Key Skills and Experience:

• Undergraduate Degree in Communications, journalism, political science, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience working in communications, journalism, social media, or digital content management, creating engaging content within the public sector or a post-secondary institution;
• Experience navigating multiple relationships and working with minimal supervision;
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities simultaneously;
• Experience dealing with sensitive and confidential information;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information effectively to diverse audiences;
• Comprehensive understanding of the national and international media landscape, along with familiarity with modern newsroom operations;
• Strong ability to stay informed about emerging trends in communications, particularly in social media, ensuring strategies remain relevant and effective;
• Skilled in developing, measuring, and reporting on strategic communications plans to assess impact and drive improvements;
• Ability to influence people from a broad range of backgrounds, positions and perspectives with strong consultative, advisory and public speaking skills;
• Ability to effectively manage multiple files and quickly change focus in a fast-paced environment where priorities are apt to change on short notice;
• Deep understanding of post-secondary education sector, university structures, and governance;
• Knowledge of digital and social communications tools, platforms and best practices;
• Familiarity with Niagara region community and partner organizations;
• Promotes and embodies inclusivity and respect within the workplace and the broader community.

Preferred or Asset Skills:

• Experience with basic photography and/or directing video and photo shoots;
• Familiarity with Wordpress, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Cloud, social media management tools, and media monitoring software.

Salary and Total Rewards:

• Job Grade M, Salary Scale ($68,600-$117,600);
• Target Hiring Range: $68,600-$80,000;

This is a permanent position that includes:

• Health & Dental Benefits: Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Pension Plan: Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan.
• Vacation: Up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid work schedule available.
• Professional Development: Eligibility for the Brock Tuition Waiver Program.

*The final salary is based on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations within the target hiring range.

Brock University is committed to creating a respectful and equitable workplace. We strive to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in our work and learning environments. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and actively encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous Peoples, people who identify as Black, African and/or Caribbean, as racialized and/or as from ethnic and cultural minority groups, and other underrepresented demographic groups at Brock and in the Niagara region. Brock also recognizes intersectionality and the interconnected identities, histories, and experiences of these aforementioned groups.

We are committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment, and we accommodate the needs of applicants throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please contact talent@brocku.ca if you require a disability related accommodation so we can ensure your participation needs are met.

Brock University does not use AI Technology at any stage of the recruitment process.

We appreciate all applications received. Candidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted.

Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca.