Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing

Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing – Ridley College

On the ecologically rich and picturesque Niagara Escarpment, in the welcoming lakeside city of St. Catharines, sits Ridley College’s charming 90-acre campus. It is an ideal setting for family, career, and leisure.

Established in 1889, Ridley College has graduated men and women who have led flourishing lives and made significant contributions to their communities. Ridley has maintained a long-standing and global reputation of excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts. Behind these standards is the constant reminder of the needs of others in the school’s motto: Terar Dum Prosim (May I be Consumed in Service). For the past 132 years, Ridley’s vision and approach to learning has produced influential leaders in a wide variety of fields. Today, the school’s student body includes some of the most brilliant young minds from around the globe.

With approximately 700 students from 60 countries, the largest boarding programme in Ontario and the third largest in Canada, Ridley College is a truly international, co-educational, day and boarding school of the world that prepares students to be engaged, global citizens. Ridley’s Lower School offers Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, the Upper School consists of Grade 9 to 12 and Ridley graduates attend some of the top universities and colleges around the world. Ridley is the only co-educational independent boarding school in Canada and one of only three in North America authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum programme across all grades. Ridley’s active, global community of 8,000 alumni share a deep connection to each other and to the school thanks to the enriching learning and life-shaping experiences they have received from one of the top independent schools in the nation.

Reporting to the Headmaster (as CEO), the Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing is a key member of the Advancement Office (comprised of Admissions, Development and Marketing & Communications who collaborate and work closely together) and plays a critical role in advancing and supporting Ridley College’s mission and vision. Working with the senior leadership team and supported by skilled and dedicated staff, you will develop and execute communications and marketing strategies that elevate and sustain the stature of the school while aiming to advance student recruitment and retention, fundraising and donor relationships, alumni relations, and brand reputation. With an eye to the future and an understanding of the independent school environment, you will ensure the school’s key messages are reflected in all communications, publications, and events, strategically highlighting work that promotes our mission and values, as articulated in Ridley’s strategic plan. At the management level, you will provide colleagues with the expertise and support they need to make sound business decisions on a range of topics, including integrated campaigns, digital strategies, reputation management and innovative investments. At an operational level, you will oversee the Marketing and Communications Department.

As the ideal candidate, you are a respected and versatile leader with experience providing strategic marketing and communications counsel. Credible, confident and competent, you are prudent with an ability to analyze and organize disparate information into a sound, well-articulated plan. You have a willingness to work hands-on and are a creative problem solver. Continually engaged in professional development, you stay on the cutting edge of industry trends and technology. As an experienced marketing and communications executive, you are known to set clear priorities with measurable outcomes, identify, coach and develop exceptional talent and rally your teams around a shared vision.

You have a degree in communications, marketing, and/or another relevant field from a recognized post-secondary institution and a minimum 5-year track record of professional success in a similar leadership positions.

For additional information, please review the Executive Brief.

To apply for this position, please upload your application and related materials here: https://easyapply.co/job/director-of-strategic-communications-marketing?rcid=canadian_marketing_association

Ridley College is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible and equitable environment where everyone feels respected, valued and supported.  Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you are selected to participate in the recruitment process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used in order to ensure your equal participation.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.