Director, Communications and Public Engagement
About the role
Ready for a career at Selkirk College?
Selkirk College is committed to building an environment that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion, provides culturally safe spaces and empowers underrepresented voices. We are proud of the Indigenization Plan and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan that guide our work, and we actively seek to hire candidates whose values and experiences align with the principles and goals of these plans.
We recognize the need for interventions to overcome systemic barriers to enable inclusion, participation and belonging for individuals with diverse lived experiences. Candidates who don’t have the exact experience or credentials listed in a job posting should still consider applying for roles where they think they’d make a great fit. We are looking for more than what a resumé can show.
#Director, Communications and Public Engagement
The Director, Communications & Public Engagement is a senior leader who reports to the Vice President, Students and External Relations (SER). This individual has a strong on-campus presence and is the primary strategist for institutional brand, reputation, marketing and stakeholder engagement. The role leads integrated internal and external communications and public engagement in alignment with Policy 2500: Institutional Communications and Brand Stewardship and the college’s strategic and fiscal priorities. The Director participates in senior-level decisions on college direction and provides strategic advice to the VP SER, leadership team and –through the President– the Board of Governors on community and government relations, reputation and perception management, marketing and branding, communications, positioning, and corporate identity.
The Director leads institutional messaging and issues management, including matters related to labour relations and collective bargaining, and is a key lead for crisis and emergency communications within the college’s incident command structure and with external media as appropriate.
The Director builds and maintains relationships with media, industry partners, Indigenous and community organizations, municipal, provincial and federal representatives, government agencies, school districts and sector partners such as BC Colleges and CICan. The role is responsible for departmental operating and capital budgets, unit plans, risk registers and related policies and procedures for the Communications & Public Engagement area.
Location
Castlegar
Department
Student Services
Subdepartment
Marketing and Communications
Employee Group
Exempt
Recruitment Type
Internal / External
Appointment Type
Regular
FTE
100
Hrs / Week
35
Desired Start Date
04/05/2026
Closing Date
31/03/2026
Competition #
16014
Main****Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic communications leadership
- Lead an integrated communications and public engagement strategy that advances the college’s vision, mission and priorities, including long‑term sustainability.
- Oversee the college’s institutional voice and online presence across web, social media and other owned channels, including related policies and protocols.
- Lead media relations, including identifying and coaching spokespersons where appropriate, briefing the President and serving as primary spokesperson after the President.
- Monitor and interpret trends in issues management, crisis communications, incident command and public‑sector communications.
- Advise leadership team on recommended communications strategies and actions.
Brand stewardship, marketing and recruitment support
- Provide executive oversight of institutional brand and marketing strategy to support enrolment, program mix and revenue goals, consistent with Policy 2500.
- Use data informed planning and evaluation for marketing activities, including, but not limited to, research, digital campaigns, paid promotion, direct marketing, website development, content marketing, publications, event marketing, advertising and sponsorships.
- Set and maintain guidelines, policies, procedures and training for brand and messaging standards, and support departments to meet institutional expectations in external marketing.
Division planning, policy and resource management
- Lead strategic and operational planning for Communications & Public Engagement, including annual work plans, service levels and performance measures.
- Develop and manage operating and capital budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation and efficiencies aligned with current fiscal realities.
- Lead development, implementation and review of policies, procedures and standards –including templates, documentation and self-service options– related to institutional communications, brand and public engagement, ensuring alignment with Board and college policies.
Leadership, collaboration and representation
- Build strong working relationships as a member of the Leadership Team and as a strategic partner to the Education & Students and Corporate Services divisions and all campuses.
- Participate in key committees and cross‑functional teams related to strategy, risk, emergency management, culture and engagement.
- Serve as a key contact with sector agencies (e.g., BC Colleges, CICan) and the province’s Government Communications and Public Engagement branch on institutional communications matters.
People leadership and human resource management
- Design roles and workflows for the Communications & Public Engagement team, and lead hiring, onboarding, supervision, coaching and performance management.
- Guide and support staff to meet service standards, division goals, and stakeholder expectations, with particular attention to change management, project deadlines, workload and employee well‑being.
- Ensure staff comply with policies, including health and safety and respectful workplace standards, and receive appropriate training in safe work practices.
Executive counsel, issues and change management
- Lead or support confidential and sensitive projects at the President’s direction, including the preparation of internal and external communication materials.
- Provide strategic advice, risk assessment and messaging on issues affecting the college’s reputation, including program and campus changes, financial decisions and labour relations.
- Develop and maintain issues and crisis communication plans, including key messages, Q&As, speaking notes and communication timelines for senior leaders.
Other duties
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Vice President SER that are consistent with the scope and level of the role.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Ability to anticipate issue development and develop proactive communications and engagement strategies that support institutional management.
- Demonstrated track record of effectively managing corporate reputation, brand and related assets.
- Deep understanding and ability to apply theories of stakeholder management, marketing, promotions and communications in a postsecondary environment.
- Strong understanding of regional, provincial and national trends affecting the BC post‑secondary sector and their implications for Selkirk College.
- Sound judgment and the ability to build consensus, make decisions and implement solutions both independently where appropriate, and collaboratively in a complex environment.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage staff and projects, including setting priorities, achieving deadlines, delegating, coaching and managing performance.
- Exceptional oral and written communications skills and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly to diverse audiences, both internal and external.
- Effective, positive management style aligned with Selkirk College values and a high performance, high support culture.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, public administration, marketing or a related field. A master’s degree is an asset.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in strategic communications, brand strategy and public affairs, with at least five years in a leadership role, preferably in a complex, public-sector environment.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
- A track record of success in leading a dynamic communications and marketing portfolio and directing results-driven projects and initiatives.
- Experience with issues management, media and crisis communications.
- Experience in a post-secondary environment is an asset.
This is a regular, full-time (100%) position, commencing approximately May 4, 2026. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Administrative Staff and Benefit Program. Based on qualifications and experience, the compensation is in accordance with the Exempt Compensation Framework which is aligned with Selkirk’s compensation philosophy. As such, the position will be placed on Grid Level 14 between the minimum and control/mid-point ($108,968.00 - $145,291.00).
-
Please be advised that only job postings listed on the official Selkirk College Careers page at careers.selkirk.ca, or on designated Selkirk College bulletin boards, should be considered current and active. Third-party recruitment websites may display outdated or expired postings without the knowledge or authorization of Selkirk College.
To ensure your application is considered, you must apply directly through the Selkirk College Careers page.
We encourage applications from members of groups that have been or are currently marginalized on any grounds, including those enumerated under the BC Human Rights Code. Selkirk College supports applicants with disabilities and will accommodate a candidate’s accessibility needs during the recruitment process in accordance with the BC Human Rights Code and the Accessible British Columbia Act. If you need any adjustments to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact us atcareers@selkirk.ca.
Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada to accept a job offer. Permanent jobs are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, unless otherwise stated in the posting. Candidates with a valid work permit may be eligible for temporary work over the duration of their work permit.
Selkirk College appreciates the interest of all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Interested and qualified applicants are invited to apply with their chronological resume (along with cover letter and supporting documentation including diplomas and transcripts) by end of day on the closing date.
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Director, Communications and Public Engagement
About the role
Ready for a career at Selkirk College?
Selkirk College is committed to building an environment that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion, provides culturally safe spaces and empowers underrepresented voices. We are proud of the Indigenization Plan and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan that guide our work, and we actively seek to hire candidates whose values and experiences align with the principles and goals of these plans.
We recognize the need for interventions to overcome systemic barriers to enable inclusion, participation and belonging for individuals with diverse lived experiences. Candidates who don’t have the exact experience or credentials listed in a job posting should still consider applying for roles where they think they’d make a great fit. We are looking for more than what a resumé can show.
#Director, Communications and Public Engagement
The Director, Communications & Public Engagement is a senior leader who reports to the Vice President, Students and External Relations (SER). This individual has a strong on-campus presence and is the primary strategist for institutional brand, reputation, marketing and stakeholder engagement. The role leads integrated internal and external communications and public engagement in alignment with Policy 2500: Institutional Communications and Brand Stewardship and the college’s strategic and fiscal priorities. The Director participates in senior-level decisions on college direction and provides strategic advice to the VP SER, leadership team and –through the President– the Board of Governors on community and government relations, reputation and perception management, marketing and branding, communications, positioning, and corporate identity.
The Director leads institutional messaging and issues management, including matters related to labour relations and collective bargaining, and is a key lead for crisis and emergency communications within the college’s incident command structure and with external media as appropriate.
The Director builds and maintains relationships with media, industry partners, Indigenous and community organizations, municipal, provincial and federal representatives, government agencies, school districts and sector partners such as BC Colleges and CICan. The role is responsible for departmental operating and capital budgets, unit plans, risk registers and related policies and procedures for the Communications & Public Engagement area.
Location
Castlegar
Department
Student Services
Subdepartment
Marketing and Communications
Employee Group
Exempt
Recruitment Type
Internal / External
Appointment Type
Regular
FTE
100
Hrs / Week
35
Desired Start Date
04/05/2026
Closing Date
31/03/2026
Competition #
16014
Main****Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic communications leadership
- Lead an integrated communications and public engagement strategy that advances the college’s vision, mission and priorities, including long‑term sustainability.
- Oversee the college’s institutional voice and online presence across web, social media and other owned channels, including related policies and protocols.
- Lead media relations, including identifying and coaching spokespersons where appropriate, briefing the President and serving as primary spokesperson after the President.
- Monitor and interpret trends in issues management, crisis communications, incident command and public‑sector communications.
- Advise leadership team on recommended communications strategies and actions.
Brand stewardship, marketing and recruitment support
- Provide executive oversight of institutional brand and marketing strategy to support enrolment, program mix and revenue goals, consistent with Policy 2500.
- Use data informed planning and evaluation for marketing activities, including, but not limited to, research, digital campaigns, paid promotion, direct marketing, website development, content marketing, publications, event marketing, advertising and sponsorships.
- Set and maintain guidelines, policies, procedures and training for brand and messaging standards, and support departments to meet institutional expectations in external marketing.
Division planning, policy and resource management
- Lead strategic and operational planning for Communications & Public Engagement, including annual work plans, service levels and performance measures.
- Develop and manage operating and capital budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation and efficiencies aligned with current fiscal realities.
- Lead development, implementation and review of policies, procedures and standards –including templates, documentation and self-service options– related to institutional communications, brand and public engagement, ensuring alignment with Board and college policies.
Leadership, collaboration and representation
- Build strong working relationships as a member of the Leadership Team and as a strategic partner to the Education & Students and Corporate Services divisions and all campuses.
- Participate in key committees and cross‑functional teams related to strategy, risk, emergency management, culture and engagement.
- Serve as a key contact with sector agencies (e.g., BC Colleges, CICan) and the province’s Government Communications and Public Engagement branch on institutional communications matters.
People leadership and human resource management
- Design roles and workflows for the Communications & Public Engagement team, and lead hiring, onboarding, supervision, coaching and performance management.
- Guide and support staff to meet service standards, division goals, and stakeholder expectations, with particular attention to change management, project deadlines, workload and employee well‑being.
- Ensure staff comply with policies, including health and safety and respectful workplace standards, and receive appropriate training in safe work practices.
Executive counsel, issues and change management
- Lead or support confidential and sensitive projects at the President’s direction, including the preparation of internal and external communication materials.
- Provide strategic advice, risk assessment and messaging on issues affecting the college’s reputation, including program and campus changes, financial decisions and labour relations.
- Develop and maintain issues and crisis communication plans, including key messages, Q&As, speaking notes and communication timelines for senior leaders.
Other duties
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Vice President SER that are consistent with the scope and level of the role.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Ability to anticipate issue development and develop proactive communications and engagement strategies that support institutional management.
- Demonstrated track record of effectively managing corporate reputation, brand and related assets.
- Deep understanding and ability to apply theories of stakeholder management, marketing, promotions and communications in a postsecondary environment.
- Strong understanding of regional, provincial and national trends affecting the BC post‑secondary sector and their implications for Selkirk College.
- Sound judgment and the ability to build consensus, make decisions and implement solutions both independently where appropriate, and collaboratively in a complex environment.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage staff and projects, including setting priorities, achieving deadlines, delegating, coaching and managing performance.
- Exceptional oral and written communications skills and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly to diverse audiences, both internal and external.
- Effective, positive management style aligned with Selkirk College values and a high performance, high support culture.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, public administration, marketing or a related field. A master’s degree is an asset.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in strategic communications, brand strategy and public affairs, with at least five years in a leadership role, preferably in a complex, public-sector environment.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
- A track record of success in leading a dynamic communications and marketing portfolio and directing results-driven projects and initiatives.
- Experience with issues management, media and crisis communications.
- Experience in a post-secondary environment is an asset.
This is a regular, full-time (100%) position, commencing approximately May 4, 2026. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Administrative Staff and Benefit Program. Based on qualifications and experience, the compensation is in accordance with the Exempt Compensation Framework which is aligned with Selkirk’s compensation philosophy. As such, the position will be placed on Grid Level 14 between the minimum and control/mid-point ($108,968.00 - $145,291.00).
-
Please be advised that only job postings listed on the official Selkirk College Careers page at careers.selkirk.ca, or on designated Selkirk College bulletin boards, should be considered current and active. Third-party recruitment websites may display outdated or expired postings without the knowledge or authorization of Selkirk College.
To ensure your application is considered, you must apply directly through the Selkirk College Careers page.
We encourage applications from members of groups that have been or are currently marginalized on any grounds, including those enumerated under the BC Human Rights Code. Selkirk College supports applicants with disabilities and will accommodate a candidate’s accessibility needs during the recruitment process in accordance with the BC Human Rights Code and the Accessible British Columbia Act. If you need any adjustments to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact us atcareers@selkirk.ca.
Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada to accept a job offer. Permanent jobs are open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, unless otherwise stated in the posting. Candidates with a valid work permit may be eligible for temporary work over the duration of their work permit.
Selkirk College appreciates the interest of all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Interested and qualified applicants are invited to apply with their chronological resume (along with cover letter and supporting documentation including diplomas and transcripts) by end of day on the closing date.