Director Strategic Marketing & Brand Growth

Algoma University is committed to undoing systemic and institutional discrimination and being publicly transparent and accountable. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Special Mission. In keeping with the Seven Grandfather teachings that are the core values that inform our decisions as an institution, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and safe environment where everyone belongs. We live these values through the strength and richness that diversity brings to our workforce and welcome contributors from equity-deserving groups including: Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, Persons with Disabilities, 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer persons.

Job Title:

Director of Strategic Marketing & Brand Growth
Administration

Position Status:

Permanent, Full-Time
Non-Union

Department:

Marketing & Communications

Supervision Received:

VPGIER

Supervision Exercised:

Marketing Manager

Location:

Sault Ste Marie or Brampton, ON

Number of Positions:

1

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

A.

Strategic Marketing & Brand Development:

55%

B.

Media Relations & Public Engagement:

25%

C.

Marketing Team Leadership

10%

D.

Other Duties

10%

TOTAL

100%

The Director of Marketing and Brand Growth at Algoma University is responsible for leading and executing strategic marketing initiatives to enhance institutional brand awareness and support the university's enrollment growth objectives. This role oversees the development and implementation of comprehensive marketing strategies across multiple channels, leveraging digital platforms, social media, and traditional media outlets. The Director of Marketing and Brand Growth plays a pivotal role in shaping the university's public image and ensuring alignment with its mission, values, and strategic priorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Marketing & Brand Development 60%

• Lead the Marketing team in developing and executing integrated marketing plans to achieve institutional goals. This includes overseeing market research, audience segmentation, and campaign development.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive brand strategy aimed at strengthening and expanding Algoma University's brand identity and presence
• Oversee the creation and consistent implementation of brand guidelines to ensure that all marketing and communication efforts reinforce the university's brand values.
• Drive initiatives that enhance brand awareness across key local, national, and international audiences, positioning Algoma University as a leading institution in higher education.
• Develop and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of marketing and brand initiatives, ensuring alignment with the university's strategic goals.
• Leverage market research and data analytics to continuously refine the brand strategy and ensure it aligns with target audience perceptions and preferences.
• Develop and guide the execution of a multi-year, integrated, university-wide strategic marketing and communications plan to achieve the University's vision and support enrolment growth.
• Drive the evolution and implementation of the university brand through strategic marketing initiatives. Develop brand guidelines and ensure adherence across all marketing materials.
• Utilize innovative engagement strategies to enhance the university's visibility and reputation locally, nationally, and globally. This includes leveraging video, social media, and other digital channels effectively.
• Work collaboratively to support Faculty-based marketing and communications strategies and initiatives and ensure their alignment with university messaging.
• Ensure relevant actions and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) associated with strategic enrollment management, advancement, and communications are achieved through effective marketing and communication strategies aligned with established goals, including developing marketing materials to support recruitment campaigns.
• Deliver opportunities to highlight Algoma University in regional and national media outlets.
• Lead the Marketing team in cultivating relationships and securing stories in media outlets.
• Pioneer innovative and cutting-edge engagement marketing strategies leveraging video, social media, and other delivery channels.
• Oversee website content development, updating and analysis, video content creation, social media management across multiple platforms, and development of marketing materials.
• Oversee the evolutionary implementation of the University brand and reputational elements through a marketing lens.
• Develop and deliver brand content across a variety of platforms and manage a dashboard of key metrics to track progress and effectiveness.

Media Relations & Public Engagement 15%

• Manage media relations and serve as spokesperson when required, ensuring consistent messaging and fostering positive relations.
• Develop strategic partnerships with media outlets to increase positive exposure and visibility of Algoma University's achievements and initiatives.
• Create and promote thought leadership content that reinforces the university's brand as an innovative and forward-thinking institution.
• Manage the university's public relations efforts to ensure that all communications support and enhance the brand's reputation.
• Monitor and analyze media activity and outcomes to optimize communication strategies.
• Prepare media briefs, press releases, and other materials as needed.

Marketing Team Leadership 15%

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Marketing team.
• Mentor and develop the marketing team, ensuring they have the skills and resources to effectively contribute to the university's brand and marketing goals.
• Lead the marketing team in setting, tracking, and achieving KPIs that align with the university's brand and marketing objectives, fostering a results-driven culture.
• Collaborate with other directors and executives to align marketing efforts with overall institutional objectives.
• Foster a culture of creativity and innovation within the marketing team, encouraging new ideas that can elevate the university's brand.
• Lead projects to enhance departmental efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Manage budgets, resources, and timelines effectively.
• Represent Algoma University in relevant institutional committees and councils. Serve as a liaison between the Marketing department and other university departments and stakeholders.

Other Duties (10%)

• Other Duties as assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Effort

Moderate
Work activities require moderate periods of physical effort, requiring a variety of muscle movements with frequent requirements for speed and coordination.

Physical Environment

Sensory Attention

Moderate
Moderate exposure to unpleasant/disagreeable conditions.

Considerable
Work requires a frequent need to concentrate on a variety of sensory inputs for a lengthy duration requiring diligence and attention (repairing equipment).

Mental Stress

Considerable
Work activities are performed in an environment with frequent exposure to mental pressures conditions where mental stress may be noticeable.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Marketing or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum of ten years' experience in strategic marketing and brand management within a large institution or equivalent setting. Experience in higher education is preferred.
• Proven experience in developing and executing brand strategies that have led to measurable growth in brand awareness and perception.
• Ability to develop and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) that track brand health and guide future marketing strategies.
• Proven track record in digital marketing, media relations, and brand management. Experience in higher education marketing is preferred.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in managing diverse teams. Ability to inspire and motivate team members to achieve strategic goals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including media, alumni, faculty, and senior executives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to analyze data, trends, and metrics to inform marketing strategies and decisions.

Salary Scale:

$118,576 to $148,219 annually.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter HERE no later than 4:00 p.m. on September 17, 2024.

Algoma University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our community and is an equal-opportunity employer. The university invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our Institution, including equity-deserving groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment (Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQQIPA+ persons).

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by Algoma University throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.