Associate Vice-President, Communications & Marketing

Lakehead University invites applications for the role of Associate Vice-President, Communications & Marketing, a senior executive leadership position responsible for the strategic integration and advancement of institutional communications and marketing across the University.

Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor and serving as a key member of the President’s executive leadership team, the Associate Vice-President provides strategic leadership for the University’s communications and marketing enterprise and serves as a trusted advisor on institutional positioning, reputation management, and public engagement.

The preferred location for this position is at the Thunder Bay Campus.

Key Responsibilities and Priorities

Strategic Communications and Marketing Leadership

• Develop and lead the implementation of an integrated institutional communications and marketing strategy aligned with Lakehead University’s strategic plan and institutional priorities.
• Ensure strong coordination of communications and marketing activities across faculties, campuses, and administrative units, strengthening alignment while respecting the decentralized academic environment.
• Lead the development of institutional messaging and narrative that advances Lakehead’s reputation and public profile.

Presidential and Executive Communications

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the President and senior leadership on communications strategy, institutional positioning, and public messaging related to major initiatives and announcements.
• Support senior leadership in communicating the University’s priorities, achievements, and strategic initiatives to diverse audiences.
• Provide strategic guidance on leadership communications and institutional messaging.

Marketing and Brand Strategy

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing strategy that supports student recruitment, reputation enhancement, and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide stewardship of the University’s brand and visual identity, ensuring consistency and strategic alignment across the institution.
• Advance storytelling and content strategies that highlight Lakehead’s research excellence, teaching innovation, and community impact.

Reputation and Issues Management

• Provide strategic leadership for the University’s media relations strategy, ensuring proactive engagement that strengthens Lakehead’s visibility and reputation.
• Lead institutional preparedness and response strategies for crisis and emergency communications.
• Monitor emerging issues and provide advice to senior leadership on communications considerations related to complex or sensitive institutional matters.

Digital Communications Strategy

• Provide strategic leadership for the University’s digital communications ecosystem, including website strategy, social media, multimedia production, and emerging digital platforms.
• Champion a digital-first and data-informed approach to communications and marketing that strengthens audience engagement and institutional reach.
• Ensure effective governance and strategic direction for the University’s web presence.

Institutional Collaboration

• Work closely with the President, the Executive Team, Deans, and other senior leaders to advance institutional priorities through coordinated communications and marketing strategies.
• Build strong partnerships across the University community to strengthen alignment and effectiveness of communications initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to elevate Lakehead’s profile through partnerships, public engagement, and strategic storytelling.

Leadership and Organizational Development

• Provide leadership and direction to the Communications and Marketing team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and service excellence.
• Ensure the unit operates as a strategic partner to the University community, providing expert guidance and leadership rather than solely delivering transactional communications services.
• Build organizational capacity and ensure effective allocation of resources to support evolving communications and marketing priorities.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (graduate degree an asset) in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• Minimum of 15 years experience in a senior communications or marketing role or public affairs environment in post-secondary or not-for-profit sectors, relevant public/private sectors, and minimum 5 years in a senior executive leadership capacity.
• Significant previous experience in senior communications and or marketing position with a reputation as a learner, innovative leader, and resilient communications strategist.
• Demonstrated experience and successful track record as an effective media spokesperson.
• Experience in issues management, demonstrated experience in leadership communications and C-suite coaching and support for crisis communications.
• Experience in leading and motivating high-performing teams. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Capacity to engage and communicate in highly complex issues such as those relevant to higher education.
• Demonstrated commitment to reconciliation, Indigenization and equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Adept in current and emerging communications technologies and social media platforms.
• Exceptional public speaking and social media skills.

A competitive compensation package is offered, with a salary range of $131,000 to $164,000 plus comprehensive benefits and pension.

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume (PDF or Word document only—preferably as one document) to Ardyce Kouri or Luke Shin at apply@leadersinternational.com, indicating the job title in the subject line.