I grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, then moved to Edmonton. I split my time between the two cities, growing up.

I completed an diploma in Creative Advertising at Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Sciences. I then did an Honours degree in English with a minor in Photography from the University of Saskatchewan. I did a subsequent After Degree in Education at University of Alberta. I worked briefly as a teacher then worked exclusively in Marketing/Communications/Advertising as a writer, graphic designer, and technologist. I was a principal and partner at a graphic design agency in Edmonton, providing design and marketing services to business and government, from 1995 to 2019. I left that position during the pandemic.

Creates a strategic framework for recurring publications, routine communications, and special projects.

Analyses and disseminates a strategy to utilize information from surveys (i.e., Employee engagement survey, brand research survey) to guide communications style and information flow.

Analyzes the effectiveness of programs, offer recommendations and support to users.

Actively manages the Crisis Communications team, and responsible for updating and training regularly.

Develops, maintains, and evaluates integrated communications initiatives that creatively and effectively express the Bow Valley College brand, tone, and story in the following areas:

Internal communication channels for employees and students

Social media

Media relations

Editorial content for Our Stories and College Connect news

Publication of key corporate reports (annual report, annual business plan)

Aligns on messaging and editorial calendars for communications team (social media, newsroom stories, media announcements, internal employee news).

Coordinates editorial content with marketing, digital and web, and creative services teams.

Maximizes deliverable schedules and meets deadlines.

Develops communication vehicles to promote programs, services, and highlight our students, employees, donors, alumni, and other College partners.

Collaborates with individual departments, schools, centres, and regions in the development of key communication strategies (including creative messaging and positioning) to meet defined objectives while aligning to College institutional goals.

Establishes, maintains, and manages a partner intake process and stakeholder engagement strategy with partners across the College.

Manages Internal and External Community Relationships

Keeps abreast of current industry trends and uses knowledge to explore new ways of connecting with prospective students, current students, employees, alumni, donors, employers, and other external partners.

Observes and reflects on competitor initiatives to inform decision making on current and new related initiatives.

Incorporates best practices and tools to monitor the College’s reputation online and initiates response management protocols.

Builds relationships with internal stakeholders to encourage involvement with College initiatives through direct contact, presentations and events.

Maintains relationships with Deans, Directors, Associate Deans, Associate Directors, and Program Chairs.

Researches awards and nomination opportunities that recognize organizational, team, and individual contributions.

Budgeting

Develops, implements, measures, and optimizes Communication, contingency, and stakeholder strategies within related budgets.

Subject matter expert for business planning and budget development for the unit, including business case development.

Participates in regular budget review and forecasting.

Develops effective strategies to maximize deliverables and revenues with the annual communications budget.

JOB REQUIREMENTS *

Minimum Qualifications

• 28 years of relevant experience.

• An equivalent combination of directly related education and experience

Preferred Qualifications

Strong knowledge of communications theory and practice.

Experience in organizational communication and executive-level public relations.

Demonstrated success in positive, team-oriented leadership.

Strong project and team management/supervisory skills.

Ability to drive change and innovate in a post-secondary/ public sector environment.

Interpersonal, communication, presentation, public speaking, and leadership skills.

Project management and office management skills.

Ability to collaborate with internal partners and external organizations.

Business planning skills, and skills in management, financial, facility and human relations.

Contribution to a positive, innovative atmosphere.

Agency Experience.

Negotiation skills.

Knowledge of communications, creative and web best practices.