FACULTY OF REHABILITATION MEDICINE

Competition No.

A108842659

Closing Date

Jul 21, 2020

Please note this position is temporary and has an end date of approximately 1 year from hire.

The Director of Marketing and Communications is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive marketing and communications program for the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (FRM) that is in alignment with the FRM's strategic plan, goals, and priorities. The Director of Marketing and Communications leads and manages the development of a communications and marketing strategy; the development of promotional, marketing and community relations materials; and the development and execution of media relations and social media strategies.

The Director of Marketing and Communications directs the daily actions of the FRM's Marketing and Communications Office, and creates an integrated marketing and communications plan to achieve maximum impact with various constituencies and enhance the reputation of the faculty. The incumbent uses innovative marketing strategies to contribute to the attainment of various Faculty priorities, including, but not limited to, enrollment, relationship building and advancement. Major activities include:

• Marketing and strategic communications
• Internal communication
• Alumni relations
• Media and public relations
• Major events
• Print and online publications
• Visual identity and branding

The Director of Marketing and Communications leads, supervises and mentors the marketing and communications team, which currently consists of 1 or 2 full-time staff members, and manages external contractors. Reporting to the Faculty's senior management team, the incumbent provides leadership, analysis and solutions to support and advance the goals of the Faculty. This includes providing strategic advice; strategic planning and decision making; direction and leadership for marketing, communication and alumni relations; collaborating with the Faculty's Assistant Dean, Development to achieve fund development goals and objectives; and working with other partners/stakeholders in the Faculty, University and beyond.

In the course of his or her duties, the Director of Marketing and Communications interviews and interacts with prominent alumni and university faculty, including senior Faculty administration, and has contact with others, including media, government and donors outside of the Faculty.There are approximately 8500 alumni, 900 students, 35 faculty, 35 ATS, and 20 support staff within the Faculty. In addition the Faculty offers its degree programs on two campuses: Edmonton (Main/North Campus), and Calgary. The Faculty is also home to the Glen Sather Sports Medicine Clinic, which brings an additional target audience: potential patients in the greater community. The Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research is an international institute that serves clients globally. The Faculty's website is one of its most effective communication tools and is visited by individuals from around the world. Seminars, webcasts and certificate programs through the Continuing Professional Education program are offered online with a worldwide reach.

Reporting to the Assistant Dean, Finance and Administration, the Director of Marketing and Communications is accountable for providing leadership and expertise to the communications strategies and initiatives of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine in order to build trust, understanding and support between the Faculty, the University, and its worldwide community of stakeholders.

DUTIES

1. Management Support and Strategic Advice

Provides leadership, expertise and strategic advice to the Faculty's senior management team to ensure the marketing and communication efforts with target audiences enhance, protect and promote the reputation of the Faculty.

• Provides strategic advice to the Dean, Vice Dean, Associate Deans, Assistant Deans, Department Chairs, and Centre/Institute Directors regarding strategic marketing and communication issues for maximum positive impact, including advising on confidential and sensitive issues, such as those requiring interaction with the media.
• Drafts, recommends and enforces policies and protocols to protect and enhance the brand positioning and marketing efforts of the Faculty.
• Provides expertise to various committees and working groups within the Faculty and across the university.
• Acts as an expert resource person to faculty and staff, implementing and coordinating efforts in the areas of positioning, information gathering, website presentation, reputation management, media relations, community relations and other areas as required.

2. Strategic Planning and Decision Making

Contributes knowledge, expertise and leadership for developing the marketing and communication programs of the Faculty, particularly in support of promotions, student recruitment and alumni relations.

• Develops, implements and leads marketing and communication strategies, inclusive of goals, target audiences, key messages and distribution strategies that support the Faculty's strategic plan and are aligned with the goals of the University of Alberta.
• Identifies emerging issues and trends with implications for the Faculty's strategic marketing goals and planning.
• Provides advice and guidance to work groups and project teams so that their communication activities support established goals and objectives, effectively portraying an image that is compatible with that of the Faculty and university, and are aligned with the Faculty and UofA visual identity guidelines.

3. Direction and Leadership for Marketing and Communications

Leads the development of marketing of the Faculty's programs and services that meet the needs of students, researchers, alumni and other target groups, and builds trust, understanding and support between the Faculty and its worldwide community of stakeholders.

• Leads the marketing and communications team, overseeing and directing work for the Faculty's print and electronic publications, website and social media strategies and ensuring high standards and optimal use of resources.
• Oversees the planning and implementation of Faculty major events and activities which build the reputation of the Faculty and strengthen ties with communities and stakeholders.
• Directs and facilities strategy, branding, messaging, organization, governance and overall direction of the Faculty's website in support of marketing and communication goals with various audiences.
• Directs and oversees the media relations activities of the Faculty, nurtures relationships with media professionals, and works collaboratively with the UofA Marketing and Communications unit to initiate, support and promote media coverage.
• Develops and leads strategic marketing and communication plans and campaigns for the Faculty's programs, institutes, and centres on a local, national and international scale, promoting the Faculty, engaging target audiences and generating revenue.

4. Directs Alumni Relations

Provides leadership in the development and marketing of programs and services that meet the needs of alumni, generate revenue, and maintain an effective flow of communication in order to promote alumni ?connectedness? with the Faculty and University of Alberta.

• Leads the development, marketing and promotion of alumni programs and services that appeal to the diverse interests of alumni around the world and provide opportunities for identification, cultivation, and stewardship of alumni donors, working collaboratively with the Faculty's Assistant Dean, Development.
• Leads market research, analyzes data and trends, identifies opportunities and uses alumni feedback to develop alumni programs that strengthen ties between alumni and the Faculty.
• Directs efforts to foster connections between current students and alumni to ensure these target groups stay connected with the Faculty after graduation.
• Directs the planning and implementation of events and activities to strengthen ties with alumni and promote engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in communications or marketing, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Several years of progressively responsible experience in managing marketing and communications activities.
• Demonstrated ability to provide advice and leadership in a large and complex organization.
• Ability to adapt and work effectively within an academic culture.
• Knowledge of history, culture and strengths of the Faculty and university.
• Strong planning, project and resource management skills.
• Exceptional problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Experience managing and leading a communications team and leveraging all communication tactics to contribute to organizational goals.
• Demonstrated professionalism; high level of tact and discretion, and an ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Thorough knowledge of processes involving print, visual and electronic communications and social media, and proven expertise in writing and editing.
• Excellent oral and communication skills.
• Expertise in the selection and provision of text, photography and visual design.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage and relate to diverse groups of people.
• Knowledge of desktop publishing, photo editing, web content management systems, office and database programs.
• Ability to understand research and translate that information into appropriate, understandable terms.
• Ability to lead and manage change.
• Commitment to meeting the needs of clients.
• Leadership and supervisory skills.
• Understanding of relational database management.
• Awareness of issues throughout the University and in higher education in general.