Carleton University Ottawa, Ontario (with some hybrid work)

Carleton University is seeking an accomplished, strategic and people-centred communications leader to serve as its next Associate Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs and Chief Communications Officer (AVP & CCO).

The University

Located in Ottawa on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation, Carleton University is a dynamic research and teaching institution dedicated to excellence in scholarship, innovation and societal impact. Home to more than 31,000 students and over 5,400 faculty and staff, Carleton fosters a caring, inclusive and connected community where people are empowered to challenge convention, advance knowledge and create meaningful change. Carleton’s location is integral to its identity and possibilities. Situated beside the Rideau Canal and Rideau River, and minutes from downtown Ottawa, the University is part of one of Canada’s most consequential urban environments: the national capital, a centre for public policy and diplomacy, technology and innovation, national cultural institutions, media, community organizations, and a diverse network of public, private and not-for-profit partners.

Guided by a vision of Inclusive Impact and Prominence, Together, Carleton is committed to being a leader in higher education and a catalyst for positive social, economic and cultural impact. The University strives to create an environment in which all members of its community can thrive, contribute and belong, while advancing research, teaching and engagement that address the complex challenges facing Canada and the world.

Through its commitment to excellence, inclusion and community well-being,



Carleton prepares future leaders and innovators while generating lasting benefits for society through discovery, collaboration and service. The University is also entering an important period of institutional evolution. Through the Towards CU@100 strategic visioning process, Carleton is looking ahead to its centenary and considering how to strengthen its reputation, resilience and inclusive impact while supporting the success and well-being of its students, faculty and staff.

The Role

Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, the AVP & CCO is the University’s senior communications leader and a trusted advisor to the President and senior leadership team. The AVP & CCO provides strategic leadership for institutional communications, marketing and brand, digital communications, issues and reputation management, and public affairs. They advise senior leaders on a broad range of projects and issues, strengthen Carleton’s reputation and visibility, bring greater coherence to institutional storytelling, and ensure that communications and marketing consistently support the University’s academic mission and strategic priorities.

Leading the Department of University Communications and working with communications professionals across the University, the AVP & CCO will foster collaboration, strengthen shared approaches, and build a high-performing, people-centred communications culture.

Key Areas of Responsibility





- Strategic Leadership and Operational Management: Develop and lead an integrated communications strategy aligned with Carleton’s mission and institutional priorities. Provide overall leadership for the Department of University Communications, ensuring strong planning, effective resource management, and clear accountabilities. Build a collaborative, high-performing, and people-centred culture that supports skilled growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
- Internal Communications and Community Engagement: Strengthen communication and relationships across the University by ensuring students, faculty, and staff receive timely, relevant, and accessible information. Foster transparency, connection, and two-way engagement, and help build shared understanding of institutional priorities across Carleton’s diverse community.
- Brand and Marketing: Provide strategic leadership for Carleton’s brand, marketing, digital communications, web, social media, and creative services. Ensure a coherent and audience-focused approach that strengthens institutional identity, supports recruitment and engagement priorities, and advances Carleton’s overall reputation.
- Reputation, Media and Public Affairs: Strengthen Carleton’s reputation and visibility locally, nationally and internationally through compelling institutional storytelling and strategic engagement. Build productive relationships with media and key audiences, elevate Carleton’s academic and research expertise, and position the University effectively within Ottawa’s distinctive public policy, and community landscape.
- Executive Counsel and Issues Management: Serve as a trusted advisor to the President and senior leadership team on communicatio

📌 Associate Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs and Chief Communications Officer (Canada)
🏢 KBRS
📍 Canada