Associate Director, Strategic Communications

About Thompson Rivers University Drive strategic communications that support institutional priorities, executive communications, and reputation-building. We’re looking for a strategic communicator who thrives in complexity and brings clarity, credibility, and creativity to every message. As our Associate Director, Strategic Communications, you’ll play a key role in shaping how TRU connects with its community and the media, while building important relationships with stakeholders. From executive communications to issues management, your work will influence institutional reputation, strengthen relationships, and support a university grounded in connection and belonging. About the Role The Strategic Communications function at Thompson Rivers University provides a range of services to support TRU’s mission and vision, and relationships amongst various key stakeholders. Services include internal and external communications, media relations, and issues management, as well as strategic advice and communications planning. Strategic Communications is part of the broader Marketing and Communications (MarCom) team that supports TRU’s recruitment, retention, and reputation-building activities. Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), Marketing and Communications, the Associate Director, Strategic Communications (ADSC) is responsible for the planning and execution of communication strategies and plans. The ADSC is a member of the MarCom leadership team and works closely and in collaboration with the ED and the President’s Office to support an integrated marketing and communications approach in advancing university priorities. The ADSC is a strong collaborator, strategic thinker, and leader in communications best practices. Responsibilities - Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of communication strategies to achieve university goals, support TRU’s vision, and build the overall reputation and profile of the institution. - Provides end-to-end support for the Executive media engagements, including preparation, interviews attendance, and follow-up to ensure alignment with institutional messaging. - Oversees media monitoring activities, distributing relevant coverage to senior executive in a timely manner. - Prepares a schedule of upcoming University stories, announcements, and sector-wide media stories ensuring the Executive are informed and aligned. - Provides leadership and direction to a team of union and non-union staff, including ongoing oversight and performance management/optimization. - The Strategic Communications function is responsible for: - - Supporting the university in communicating institutional information through the development of engaging communications materials in a variety of mediums in multiple voices intended for different audiences. - Managing internal communication channels. - Supporting the planning, coordination, and preparation of communications for university events. - Developing tools, templates, and guides to enhance communications capacity across the institution. - Managing the university’s reputation through proactive issues management and crisis communications response, as well as monitoring and responding to media inquiries. - Develop and lead communication training sessions for internal stakeholders. - Collaborate on joint projects with other members of MarCom. - Maintain positive and productive relationships among a diverse network of university community stakeholders. Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field (e.g. journalism, public relations) supplemented by relevant experience. A Master’s degree in a related field would be an asset. - A minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years of experience in communications, media relations, and/or related fields. - Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) certification, CPRS, or equivalent preferred. - Experience with leading teams and supervising staff, preferably in a public sector organization. - Experience working in a complex organization with diverse stakeholder groups, including experience with senior executives. - Excellent and demonstrated communication/editorial judgment, diplomacy, and ability to handle sensitive issues and situations. - Ability to identify and leverage communications best practices and innovation to achieve organizational goals, including the use of new technologies. Required Skills Experience with leading teams and supervising staff, preferably in a public sector organization. Preferred Skills Senior Communication Management Professional (SCMP) certification, CPRS, or equivalent preferred. Pay range and compensation package At TRU, you’ll have access to a competitive total rewards package that includes: - 100% employer-paid extended health, dental, and medical benefits - 5 weeks vacation plus paid time off from Christmas to New Years - 13 statutory holidays - Defined Benefit pension plan with full vesting from day one - Tuition support for employees and their dependents - Hybrid work arrangements Why Kamloops? This position is based out of TRU’s main campus in Kamloops, which features an abundance of green space and overlooks the North and South Thompson Rivers. Kamloops is a vibrant city that offers a high quality of life for people of all ages, with mild winters, warm summers, and short commutes. The city is situated between the Coastal and Rocky Mountains, which is the perfect backdrop for some of Canada’s most incredible outdoor experiences. Living and working in Kamloops, you will be minutes away from scenic river trails and parks and a short distance to world-class outdoor recreation in all seasons, including mountain biking and hiking trails, freshwater lakes in the Okanagan and Shuswap and world-class skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Plus, it is only a few hours' drive to major hubs in BC, Alberta, and the United States. Ready to Apply? If you’re ready to lead strategic communications at TRU, we’d love to hear from you. View the full job posting and apply at www.tru.ca/careers. For more information, reach out to Kelsey Todd, People and Culture Consultant, at ktodd@tru.ca.