Description
Reporting directly to the President & Vice Chancellor, the Executive Director, Communications, Marketing & Public Affairs (Executive Director) will provide dynamic and thoughtful leadership to ECU’s communications strategy, which includes public relations, internal communications, issues management, strategic marketing, brand and reputation management, government relations and community engagement. The Executive Director will foster a collaborative team who are clear about their role in supporting the University’s goals and academic priorities. As a key member of the President’s Executive Committee and senior leadership team, the Executive Director will provide strategic counsel in all areas of the portfolio to enhance ECU’s national and international reputation and effectively communicate the university’s values, ambitions and successes to internal and external stakeholders.
The ideal candidate is a gifted relationship builder, communicator and strategist who has demonstrated excellence in building deep, authentic interactions with a multitude of internal and external stakeholders. The Executive Director will be effective at working across all aspects of an organization and be a trusted advisor to the President & Vice Chancellor and the senior leadership team. Bringing years of strategic communications expertise within a multi-layered, diverse and complex organization, the ideal candidate will be known for their vision, strong leadership, and ability to pull people together to focus on a common objective, while creating alignment to the mission of ECU through a shared ownership model. Proven ability in translating communications and marketing concepts in a collaborative manner is mandatory, along with seasoned leadership skills, foresight and the highest of professional ethics. An effective advocate for the institution, the incumbent will build and maintain strong relationships both within and outside of the university, fostering connections in media, government, community organizations and the cultural sector.
About Emily Carr University
Founded in 1925, Emily Carr University (ECU) is a world leader in art, media and design. Merging studio practice, research and critical theory in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment, ECU encourages experimentation at the intersections of art, design, media and technology. We are ranked as the top university in Canada for art and design, and 24th in the world. ECU has more than 1,800 students enrolled in graduate and undergraduate programs, with thousands more taking workshops, certificate programs and individual courses. Our faculty, staff and alumni are internationally recognized as award-winning creators and thought leaders whose work consistently advances the resilience and potential of both cultural sectors and the economy. Situated in Vancouver, Canada, a unique urban location with close proximity to nature, ECU has a strong presence in the city’s vibrant cultural scene. A history of artist-run centres, an emerging start up community, and a deep commitment to environmental justice all act to bolster and set the foundation for leading-edge design and art research.
