Position Purpose and Summary
The Director of Strategic Communications advances the mission and vision of Trinity Western University by developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies that faithfully share the story of the University, advancing the brand and reputation with internal and external audiences.
As the internal champion of University communications, this individual will proactively direct the University's overarching narrative and perception by developing and activating strategic communication strategies that enhance Trinity Western’s visibility, credibility, reputation, and brand.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Strategic Communications Leadership (External & Internal)
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Successfully lead the strategic communications function based on a well-informed understanding of the mission, vision, values, strategic direction, goals, and objectives of the University
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Develop and activate a comprehensive University communications strategy and calendar for both internal and external audiences that seeks to advance the University’s mission and vision
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Develop and oversee crisis communication strategies and ongoing issues management
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Ensure organizational preparedness and protocols for reputational risks and media scrutiny
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Develop a structured internal communications strategy to foster engagement, transparency, and alignment among faculty, staff, and students
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Create compelling institutional narratives with supporting content and messaging that effectively communicate the University’s key messages based on an established brand platform
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Lead the integration of brand narratives across digital platforms, leading and leveraging content marketing and storytelling approaches to engage key audiences across multiple media channels
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Provide strategic counsel, guidance, and support for executive communications, including speechwriting, op-eds, and key leadership messaging
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Determine budget and resource allocation required to execute communications plans successfully
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Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and analytics tools to monitor, measure, and analyze the impact and effectiveness of communication efforts—calibrating strategies as needed
Team Leadership & Management
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Provide strategic leadership for a diverse team of communications professionals while helping to set expectations, clearly define priorities, monitor progress, and assess overall performance
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Develop and encourage a healthy and productive working environment for members of the strategic communications team and colleagues
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Guide the strategic communications team to provide proactive solutions to drive success
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Lead, coach, and develop all direct reports to optimize their personal and professional progress through 1-to-1 meetings, performance reviews and informal coaching opportunities
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Participate in workforce and resource planning as invited by the area leader
Media & Stakeholder Relations
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Lead the communications and media relations function to develop proactive plans for maintaining positive and constructive relationships with relevant media outlets and partners
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Oversee an effective media relations outreach strategy focused on securing earned media by building traditional and non-traditional media lists, pitching stories, handling media inquiries
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Proactively engage with advancement, enrolment, administrative, and academic areas to ensure strong communication, strategic alignment, and effective execution of communications initiatives
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Collaborate with government and community relations areas to ensure the University's voice is effectively represented in policy discussions and external partnerships
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Establish and manage ongoing relationships with agencies, vendors, and service providers
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Work with area leaders to identify opportunities that contribute to overall University goals
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Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify communication opportunities
University Communications Services
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Lead the strategic development of key communications pieces on behalf of the University, including, but not limited to, the President’s Report, TWU Magazine, and other University publications
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Lead the strategic development of various communications initiatives aimed at raising the profile and reputation of the University, i.e., lecture series, guest speakers, partner events
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Develop and activate thought leadership strategies for senior administrative and academic leaders, including conference placements, strategic opinion pieces, keynote opportunities etc.
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Oversee communications support for key university initiatives, events, and announcements that effectively advance the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the university
The Person
Skills and Abilities
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A proficient understanding of communications, PR and media strategy and management
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Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively, orally and written
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Problem-solver with demonstrated critical thinking ability to meet goals creatively
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Organized, disciplined, and able to work with minimal direct supervision
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Ability to work well under pressure, exuding a mature demeanor in high-pressure situations
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Ability to work collaboratively with a team, as well as an independent contributor
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Demonstrates a bias for action while knowing when to act independently or consulting others
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Ability to create annual plans and budgets, including contingency plans to meet goals
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7-10 years of management experience with an ability to empower others to execute with excellence
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5 years of leadership experience in a comparable role and function
Personal
Driven and inspired by the idea of positively impacting the various marketplaces of life through the development of godly Christian leaders by serving the Trinity Western University community.
A dedicated and mature evangelical Christian with an earnest desire to serve in family, church, work, and community. Affirm and support TWU’s mission, values, Statement of Faith, and Community Covenant. Strength of character and reputation, integrity, focused. A winsome personality with a positive and friendly attitude.
Servant-Leader Way of Life: Act in a manner that exemplifies Jesus Christ in all on and off-campus contacts thereby living out the servant leadership mission of the university and contributing effectively towards achieving the institutional and Kingdom goals of the organization.
Key Internal Interactions
Reports to: Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Reports:
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Manager, Public Relations
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Social Media & Community Coordinator
Standards & Requirements
Education: Master’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field (or Bachelor’s degree with equivalent experience)
Duties and responsibilities that do not constitute a major change may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of the supervisor, either orally or in writing.
Benefits Of Working at TWU:
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A comprehensive benefits package which includes extended health, dental, and insurance and an RRSP matching program.
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Annual statutory holidays (14) with generous vacation accruement.
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Tuition Benefit for TWU undergraduate and graduate level courses to enhance knowledge and professional competency.
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Torch tuition scholarship for dependents of eligible employees attending TWU.
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Free access to TWU’s fitness/gym facilities and the Norma Marion Alloway Library.
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Subsidized meals at the main cafeteria.
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Discounts and perks for the on-site Trinity Western Outfitters Campus Store and coffee shops, as well as shops and restaurants in Fort Langley.
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Wellness benefits (i.e., counselling, sick days, personal days, and health/wellness spending account).
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Free recreational equipment rentals (e.g., paddle boards, snowshoes, kayaks, etc.).
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Free employee parking on campus.
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Special community events throughout the year.
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Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP).
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A positive Christian fellowship environment.
Trinity Western University encourages applications from all eligible candidates who are able to commit to the University’s mission, values, and Christian identity as articulated in its Statement of Faith and Community Covenant. We are committed to an ethic of inclusion and to the equal treatment of all persons without discrimination in accordance with human rights law.
We particularly invite applications from indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations during the application process should contact People & Culture.
Trinity Western University is located on the traditional ancestral territory of the Sto:lo people.
