Senior Director, Communications & Partner Relations

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

In the School of Medicine, we are committed to shaping the future of healthcare through innovative education, groundbreaking research, and community engagement. As we embark on this journey to redefine medical education, we are seeking passionate individuals who are eager to contribute to our mission.

We envision a medical education system where students and residents learn as part of a team in primary care, community-level settings and patient-centred environments. Our curriculum considers social, environmental and prevention contexts while seeking to advance reconciliation by embedding and equalizing Indigenous knowledge systems in our learning, research and practices. As we establish the School of Medicine in Surrey, B.C., we will foster our growing relationships with the local community, Fraser Health Authority, First Nations Health Authority, physicians and Indigenous partners who will help us meet the diverse health needs of the communities we serve. We seek to improve access to primary care throughout the province while resting on a solid foundation of high-quality, accredited education and world-class research efforts that keep us oriented toward measurable and socially accountable outcomes.

About the Role

The Senior Director, Communications & Partner Relations will play a pivotal role in shaping the profile, reputation and external relationships of the Stephens Family School of Medicine at SFU. The position provides strategic counsel on communications, reputation, government and external relations, while leading an integrated portfolio spanning communications, marketing and partner engagement. The role will build strong relationships with government, health-system, academic, Indigenous and community partners and work closely with senior leaders and central SFU offices to advance the School’s priorities. As the School continues to grow and establish its presence, the Senior Director will have an opportunity to shape its voice, brand and external engagement strategy from an early stage. Key priorities will include supporting major institutional initiatives and announcements, navigating evolving government and funding environments, strengthening stakeholder and partner relationships, managing emerging issues and reputational risks, and building a high-performing and collaborative team.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished, strategic communications leader who thrives in complex and evolving environments. They bring strong expertise in strategic communications, marketing, media relations, issues and reputation management, ideally within post-secondary, healthcare, government or similarly complex organizations. They are a trusted advisor who demonstrates sound judgment, political and organizational awareness, and the ability to navigate sensitive issues, competing priorities and ambiguity. Exceptional relationship-building skills are essential, with the ability to engage effectively with government, health-system, academic, Indigenous and community partners. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a strong commitment to reconciliation, equity and inclusion, culturally safe leadership, and the ability to build and inspire a high-performing team. Excellent communication, strategic planning and financial management skills are critical.

Full Job Description

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Journalism or a related field and ten years of related professional experience, including experience in developing and implementing marketing and communications plans or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Strategic Communications: Extensive experience developing and executing integrated communications, marketing, media and reputation strategies in complex environments.
• Executive & External Relations: Proven ability to advise senior leaders and build strategic relationships with government, health-system, academic, community and external partners.
• Issues & Crisis Management: Strong judgment and experience managing sensitive issues, emerging risks, crisis communications and complex stakeholder environments.
• Indigenous Engagement & Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion, with experience applying culturally safe approaches when engaging Indigenous communities and partners.
• Strategic Leadership: Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, manage resources and budgets, and translate organizational priorities into effective strategies and outcomes.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer continuing employees who belong in the Administrative Professional Excluded Staff group (APEX):

• 4 weeks’ vacation (prorated for the first year)*
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
• Employer paid defined benefit pension plan
• On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members*
• Off-campus tuition reimbursements and professional development funds*
• And more! View our benefits brochure

*Prorated for part-time employees

Additional Information

The pay range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for the position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the pay range.

Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact people_strategies@sfu.ca.