Senior Director, Advancement Marketing and Communications

Job Summary

Dalhousie University’s Office of Advancement is responsible for all fundraising and alumni engagement activities at Dalhousie University.

A team of over 100 advancement professionals cultivates relationships with alumni and friends of the university and works with donors to help them achieve personal fulfilment through philanthropic investment which is used to support student success, scientific research, and community impact.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice-President, Alumni & External Engagement, the Senior Director, Advancement Marketing & Communications is accountable for the development, implementation, and execution of a sustained marketing and communications strategy critical to achieving and maintaining excellent relations with the university’s key fundraising audiences : alumni, corporations, philanthropic foundations, associations, media, students, parents, faculty, staff, prospects, volunteers and friends.

Key Responsibilities

Leads strategy development, identification of priorities, resourcing, and establishing timelines in support of university-wide fundraising campaigns and external engagement.

Continuously evaluates the effectiveness of the team’s efforts and adjusts strategies as needed.

• Provides leadership in developing new marketing and communications initiatives and materials to convey Advancement’s mission.
• Positions campaign themes and initiatives in the context of university’s strategic plan and current local, national, and global societal issues.
• Provides strategic consultation, advice, and direction to Advancement staff across various business lines and academic units, ensuring consistent and professional messaging regarding external engagement and fundraising efforts.
• Develops and manages the Advancement Marketing and Communications budgets.
• Responsible for the operational management of six staff positions and resources in the Advancement Communications and Marketing unit.

Note

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in communications, marketing and / or public relations, with considerable years senior-level experience, blending marketing and communications within integrated marketing model in a post-secondary, or similarly complex environment, in positions of progressively greater responsibility (or an equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Strong skills in influencing and collaborating with diverse stakeholder groups. Experience interacting with senior-level internal and external contacts.
• Proactive problem-solving and project management capabilities, with experience of managing a team.
• Expertise in budget management and allocation to achieve strategic goals.
• A deep understanding of digital platforms, channels and technologies related to marketing and Communications.
• Ability to work autonomously and make decisions in the best interest of the organization.

Assets

Education and / or work experience in digital communications and marketing.

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies in particular :

• Respect & Inclusion
• Adaptability
• Thinking and Acting Strategically
• Relationship Building
• Accountability for Performance & Results

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or Human Resources.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black / African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.

In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above.