Job Description

Reporting to the Chief Innovation Officer, the Director, Public Relations and Communications is responsible for proactively developing and implementing OFI's public relations and communications strategies and plans including policies and procedures, developing key messages and strategic internal and external communications that support the objectives of OFI, and identifying and executing on opportunities for building internal and external knowledge about OFI's accomplishments and research outcomes.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead all public relations and communications planning and implementation with a goal to tell OFI's story to various key audiences through multiple means and media resulting in expanded partnerships and support toward OFI's strategy and sustainability, and ensure alignment with OFI brand.
• Provide leadership and direction to a team of two communications professionals, including performance reviews and addressing professional development needs; and work closely with the Director of Government Relations.
• Monitor news and social media to identify emerging and/or likely stories, issues, and trends which could impact OFI in a positive or negative manner and develop and execute appropriate response; and proactively and reactively identify and manage risks to protect and support senior leadership and the organization's reputation, including crisis management/issues response.
• Bring research, ideas, issues, and observations together into clear and useful communication tactics for various audiences; and gather and disseminate accurate, consistent, and timely information, including research outcomes, across internal and external communication channels, including on a global scale.
• Develop accurate and strategic media relations strategies to promote and enhance OFI's reputation and to advance key priorities and messages, including story pitching.
• Direct the management of OFI's on-line presence and provide advice and support in the promotion and development of OFI's profile and public image, ensuring adherence to brand.

Note

Occasional work on evenings and weekends will be required to meet operational requirements.

Occasional international and national travel will be required.

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Dalhousie's vaccine mandate has been suspended at this time, and employees no longer need to provide proof of full vaccination. However, health and safety risks to our community will continue to be monitored and a vaccine mandate may be reinstated if necessary.
Required Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in public relations, communications, marketing, design, journalism or a related field required with a minimum of 7 years of progressive public relations and/or communications experience, including developing and executing strategy (or equivalent combination of training and experience). Demonstrated experience in leading, directing, and developing a team and individuals. Superior verbal communication and interpersonal and presentation skills to build and maintain partnerships, promote inter-agency and external collaborations, and strong writing, editing, proofreading, layout and design, professional printing/publishing skills. Attention to detail with a high level of accuracy. Excellent organizational and planning skills. Highly effective project management, prioritization, multi-tasking, and time management skills. Strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in media and digital platforms, including web and social media. Self-motivated with a positive and professional approach to management, public relations, and communications. Must be able to use multiple means and media to raise the profile, externally, globally, and internally, of the organization, of its leadership, and its accomplishments.
Assets

Related experience in a large, complex organization. Bilingualism (verbal and written) in English and French.
Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans and an employee and family assistance program.
Application Consideration

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit .

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1
Open Date 10/25/2022
Close Date 11/01/2022
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents * Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Optional Documents * Cover Letter