UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Founded in 1785, the University of New Brunswick is a national comprehensive university
offering quality under-graduate and graduate degrees in more than 60 disciplines and continuing
education in a variety of fields. These programs are primarily delivered in New Brunswick on
UNB’s two principal campuses in Fredericton and Saint John and satellite campuses in Moncton
and Bathurst. Increasingly though, its programs are delivered around the world. Attracted by
world-renowned programs and researchers, UNB’s nearly 12,000 students come from more than
100 countries.
The University of New Brunswick is at a dynamic stage in its evolution. As New Brunswick’s
largest research university, UNB is at the centre of significant change taking place within the
province. With the success of New Brunswick resting largely on the success of higher education,
UNB has stepped forward to accept a leadership role in the change process. The University is
committed to retaining its stature as a national university: to be known for a quality learning
environment; its research endeavours; and its contribution to the social and economic well being
of the province in which it resides.
Recently, the university adopted an ambitious advancement (external relations) agenda and
placed this in the hands of its first Chief Advancement Officer. The CAO has been charged with
building an agenda that will support the university’s development objectives by significantly
increasing revenues that come into the university and by positioning the university in a positive
light with its key constituencies. It is within this context that UNB is seeking a Director of
Communications and Marketing to help the University to generate new revenues and to build an
even stronger national and international reputation and brand. The Director will be bringing the
University’s two campus communications effort under a highly integrated and effective corporate
umbrella. The CAO seeks a director who is prepared to play an active role in charting new
directions and building a team around these goals.
The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of marketing strategies,
as well as internal and external communications programs to support the following objectives:
• Enhancing UNB’s overall image as a national university;
• Aggressive and unprecedented growth in revenue;
• Building an active and supportive alumni community;
• Attracting the right mix of students, faculty and staff and ensuring strong customer
relationships;
• Ensuring strong student and faculty retention and pride;
• Forging stronger relationships with government and NGOs.
Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the person in this position will lead a bi-campus
office, with staff on the Fredericton and Saint John campuses. This position is an integral one
within the overall Advancement Team, which brings together staff in the areas of government
relations, development & donor relations and alumni relations as well as communications and
marketing. The successful candidate will also serve on the CAO’s Advancement Council, with
representatives from other university areas including student recruitment, research, and extended
learning.
The successful candidate will have knowledge of social networking, brand development and
management, and will be adept at all communication media with a particular emphasis on
innovation.
Major Areas of Responsibility
Marketing Strategy Development - Oversees the creation, development and execution of the
University’s branding and awareness program. Leads the implementation and measurement of
key performance indicators, market research and analysis, marketing project management, agency
liaison, advertising and other marketing tactics;
Communications Strategy Development - Oversees and directs: crisis and issues management;
community and public relations; media relations; customer relationship management for alumni,
donors, internal and other constituents; internal and external communications programs; special
events coordination; production and content development including writing (ranging from
speeches to publications and proposals); as well as implementation of the university web strategy;
Aligning Bi-campus Marketing and Communications Efforts - Developing a sound proposal for
an enhanced bi-campus office, with a personnel and a funding structure appropriate for planning
and implementing integrated, university-wide marketing and communication initiatives and
services;
Counsel to Key Stakeholders - Providing marketing and communications leadership and services
to clients within the university community; identifying marketing and communications-related
strengths and weaknesses and providing guidance and advice to the President and senior
administration to address these issues, including crisis and issues management; developing and
maintaining strong liaison with President, Deans and Directors; establishing and maintaining
relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and opinion leaders.
Ideal Qualifications:
• Proven communications and marketing strategist with demonstrated record of excellence
in creative marketing and a strong understanding of marketing and communications
strategies in a university setting;
• Strong personal leadership competency. A strategic thinker and skilled manager, with the
interpersonal skills needed build consensus. Proven staff leadership skills in designing,
establishing and maintaining an organizational structure and staffing to effectively
accomplish an organization’s goals and objectives;
• Successful combination of direction-setter, change agent, spokesperson and coach;
• Exemplary oral and written communication and presentation skills, strong interpersonal
skills, highly developed organizational abilities;
• A minimum of an undergraduate degree with major course work in business, marketing,
communications, public relations or equivalent with a at least ten years experience with
outstanding achievement in the fields of marketing, strategic communications, public
relations, web development (or equivalent combination).
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian and permanent residents
will be given priority. Please indicate your current citizenship status in your application. The
University of New Brunswick is committed to the principle of employment equity.
While the selection process will remain open until such time as suitable candidates are identified,
only those applications received by July 20, 2007 can be assured full consideration. Please reply
in confidence to the University’s search consultants:
Savaria Public Relations
PO Box 20008
Brunswick Square
Saint John, NB
E2L 5B2
Fax: 306.781.1961
don@savariapr.ca
