Director, Communications and Public EngagementThe 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.
Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesStrategic 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 solid 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

📌 Director, Communications And Public Engagement (Toronto)
🏢 Selkirk College
📍 Toronto