Assistant Vice-President, Communications & Marketing

Championing third century impact – regionally and globally.

Dalhousie University is recognized for its excellence in academics, research and innovation, and leadership in community support and development. This is a transformational time as Dalhousie enters its third century, welcomes a new president and sets its strategic course for the next decade, including the university’s singular commitment to its anchor role in the region’s economic and social development. The continued development of Dalhousie’s mission of teaching, research, and service depends on a strong reputation and brand that distinguishes Dalhousie as a U15 university with a growing national and international reputation.

Reporting to Dalhousie’s President and Vice-Chancellor, the Assistant Vice-President, Communications and Marketing (AVP) is responsible for the strategy, planning and execution of strategic multi-channel integrated communications and marketing that differentiates and elevates the university in a local, national and global context. The AVP is an inspirational people leader and reputational brand ambassador overseeing strategy and empowering a dynamic team of 25+ within the communications and marketing unit and working collaboratively with an additional 25+ communicators in faculties across the campuses to promote Dalhousie and to mitigate risks to the institution’s reputation. The AVP plays a catalytic role as champion for Dalhousie’s exceptional post-secondary offering to undergraduate and graduate students on a national and international basis and the university’s vision for positive economic and societal impact.

The AVP brings an innovative and curious lens to the role, applying best practices in collaboration and insights-based communications and marketing strategies. They are adept at collaborating with a wide selection of stakeholders including senior leadership and colleagues across the communications and marketing group, faculties, departments, research, advancement and other teams, as well as community partners and media. They are comfortable and add insight at the President’s Executive table.  A servant leader, they elicit confidence based on demonstrated experience working at the executive level within a complex organization. They exercise sound judgement, fostering a culture of empowerment, confidence and alignment amongst staff and colleagues who together inspire Dalhousie’s ambitious story of research, teaching and service within Canada and globally. 

The successful candidate has an undergraduate university degree in communications and/or marketing. A Master’s degree in a related communications and/or marketing field is considered an asset. The AVP has at least 10 years of strategic integrated communications marketing experience in a complex organization, including five years spent at the executive level, leading teams and working with external partners.  An understanding of the post-secondary context is an asset. The AVP has a strong understanding of strategic communications, including issues management, marketing, media relations and digital communications and has a proven track record of implementing multi-channel marketing campaigns that met or exceeded stated measurable goals. They have a successful history of leading, developing and empowering strong teams and possess superior EQ, gravitas and exceptional communication skills with a proven ability to cultivate strong relationships and partnerships. 

Dalhousie University is committed to fostering a collegial culture grounded in diversity and inclusiveness. The university encourages applications from Aboriginal people, persons with a disability, racially visible persons, women, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of its community.

If this incredible leadership opportunity meets with your career aspirations, please forward your résumé accompanied by a completed Self-Identification Questionnaire (available at www.dal.ca/becounted/selfid) in confidence to Royer Thompson at recruit@royerthompson.com. For further information, please contact Kim West or Amy Reid at 902-422-2099.

Royer Thompson Management & Human Resources Consulting is a Canadian talent management firm focused on capturing the full potential of people in organizations by supporting a shared sense of purpose, recruiting and cultivating leadership, and fostering an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit.


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