Senior Manager, Communications

Position: Senior Manager, Communications
Department: Marketing and Communications
Position Type: AUPAT 7, Full-time, Permanent
Date Posted: January 24, 2025
Application Deadline: February 21, 2025 at 11:59pm
Competition #: 25-04-AU
Salary: To be commensurate with qualifications and experience in the range of $74,620 - $87,958 per annum.
Benefits: Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plan, Telemedicine with Greenshield Health, health spending account, life insurance, optional life insurance, AD&D insurance, long-term disability insurance, employee and family assistance program, tuition discount for employees and their dependents, free gym facility membership, 4 weeks' vacation increasing with years of service, university paid holidays including winter break closure.

Qualifications

• We are seeking a candidate with a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
• Proven experience in strategic communications, team management, crisis communications, and media relations.
• Must have a keen eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining brand consistency.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines and budgets.
• Applicants must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications and comfortable working in a technology supported environment.
• Flexibility to be on call and work evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join our team as the Senior Manager, Communications. Acadia University is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, fostering innovation, and creating a vibrant and inclusive community. As we continue to evolve and excel, the Senior Manager, Communications will play a key role in enhancing the university's reputation, promoting initiatives, and engaging stakeholders through strategic communication. This position involves overseeing the development and implementation of comprehensive communication strategies, managing communications staff, and ensuring alignment with the university's mission, values, and goals.

Key Responsibilities will include:

• Lead the creation of engaging and high-quality content, encompassing press releases, articles, blog posts, and newsletters.
• Facilitate effective communication within the university community, ensuring faculty, staff, and students are informed about important developments and events.
• Develop compelling and informative materials that showcase the organization's accomplishments and initiatives.
• As required, advise, and assist senior administration with the coordination, preparation, and delivery of communications to internal and external audiences.
• Develop and execute a university-wide communication plan aligned with strategic objectives.
• Lead and mentor a team of communication professionals, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Implement key performance indicators and analytics to measure communication effectiveness.
• Proactively seek opportunities for positive media coverage and respond to media inquiries.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists, reporters, and media outlets.
• Coordinate and facilitate media interviews and press conferences.
• Prepare regular reports on the outcomes of public relations efforts and highlight stories for senior leadership.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive crisis communication plan, ensuring preparedness for critical incidents.
• Implement crisis communication strategies, respond to crises, and mitigate negative impacts on the university's reputation.
• Periodically evaluate and update Acadia's Crisis Communications Plan to ensure preparedness for emergencies.
• Lead Emergency Response Communications for all stakeholder groups during urgent or emergency situations.
• Manage multiple emergency communication channels and be available as a resource and spokesperson 24/7 as required by the Emergency Response Team.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: To apply for this opportunity, click on the "Apply Now" button and upload your cover letter, resume, and references. Additionally, to help us better understand your experience and skills, we kindly ask you to provide a portfolio showcasing your communications written work and experience. Your portfolio should highlight your ability to execute and oversee key components of this role, including:

• Storytelling
• Executive and Corporate Communications
• Public and Media Relations

Examples may include articles, press releases, media pitches, speeches, reports, or any other relevant written work that demonstrates your writing skills and ability to communicate effectively.

Please be advised that only those invited for an interview will be contacted. The University reserves the right not to fill this position. A six-month eligibility list may be established from this competition to fill future vacancies for identical positions.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Acadia University is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from Aboriginal people, African Nova Scotians, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women, and persons of any minority sexual orientation or gender identity. Consistent with the principles of employment equity, the primary criterion for appointment to a position is qualifications and professional excellence. Candidates who identify as a member of one of the afore-mentioned groups, and who wish to have the application considered as such, are invited to submit the online Employment Equity Voluntary Self-Identification Form as part of their application package.

The university will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs. If you require accommodation because of a disability or for any other reason during the interview process, please contact keilani.tupper@acadiau.ca