We acknowledge that Vancouver Community College (VCC) is located on the traditional unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of this land from time immemorial.
For over 55 years, VCC has been a leader in innovative, experiential post-secondary learning. We’re one of B.C’s top employers and we are proud to inspire students to discover their passions, gain essential skills, and learn what it takes to succeed in a competitive workforce.
At VCC, we respect and celebrate our differences, and are committed to the work of decolonization, accessibility, and inclusivity for all. Be a part of creating an inclusive community that provides equitable opportunities for Indigenous and diverse representation, participation, and success for everyone.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Executive Director, Marketing & Communications, the Associate Director, Internal Communications and Client Services leads and manages all internal communications for VCC, project management of executive strategic initiatives and marketing engagement with internal clients (corporate services and schools).
This position manages a comprehensive portfolio of marketing and pan-institutional strategic initiatives involving a multitude of internal and external stakeholders and is responsible for workflow planning, resourcing, implementation, ongoing operations and evaluation of project deliverables and achievement of strategic goals and objectives.
The Associate Director leads a diverse team of marketing and communication professionals.
This is a temporary position ending April 10, 2028.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Operational Planning, Portfolio and Project Management
- As part of the leadership team, contributes to the overall leadership of Marketing and Communications and participates in the development of strategic initiatives and operational plans for assigned portfolio.
- Develops strategic direction for the Colleges’ internal communications and marketing using best practices to drive brand activation. Ensures proactive planning and message alignment to support the VCC’s vision and strategy.
- Provides leadership and project management for a portfolio of strategic initiatives and marketing projects.
- Leads project planning including defining project scope, goals and objectives, schedule, budget, risk planning, resourcing, communication/change management plans, and status reporting to project sponsors, the executive and project stakeholders.
- Monitors project tasks, schedules, budgets, and status of deliverables to meet project goals and objectives and completes project closing tasks, including project evaluations results assessment.
- Communicates project information and recommendations, such as project progress, and data findings, issues that may impact project milestones, work planning activities, and communication strategies to the project sponsor, team, Executive office and stakeholders.
- Develops and supports the execution of communication strategies to report on completion of key project milestones and outcomes to the College community based on agreed upon communications plans.
- Accesses sensitive and confidential information related to project requirements (such as Senior Executive correspondence, partnership Memorandum of Agreements, project marketing and event information prior to public disclosure, capital funding details, employee/donor/alumni information, project financials and budget details).
- Liaises with a variety of internal and external stakeholders such as schools and departments, external project partners, and Board of Governors.
- Responds to requests and inquiries for project-related information, including correspondence and documents of a confidential nature.
- Schedules and attends project meetings, provides minutes to project team members and follows up on action items.
- Creates and maintains a repository of all project documentation and materials.
- Provides training to the project team on project tools.
Client Services and Internal Communications
- Ensures excellent client service to all corporate clients and schools to carry out their marketing and internal communications in a timely and effective way with a focus on continuous improvement and measurable KPIs.
- Supports the performance and development of the team and provides required resources to ensure the team have the operational support needed to deliver quality events and services.
- Accountable for ensuring brand consistency and developing an internal narrative through marketing and communication channels.
- Develops annual marketing and communications planning to support the client services and internal communications function.
- Stays abreast of best-in-class practices relating to internal communication, marketing and project management tools and planning.
- Is responsible for internal communication strategy, key message development and channel deployment for events, newsletters, speeches, executive updates, townhalls and other channels identified.
Operational and Budget Management
- As part of the Marketing and Communication leadership team contributes to the development of annual operational plans and associated budgets.
- Develops and manages budgets for assigned special projects including vendor management.
- Initiates, designs, implements, and completes negotiated/request for proposal (NRFP and RFP) process for contract projects and services and establishes supplier relationships in accordance with Purchasing Policies and Procedures.
- Collaborates with other areas of Marketing &Communications and the College to ensure executional excellence.
Issues Management, Crisis, and Emergency Communications
- Works collaboratively with the Associate Director, Advertising and PR to develop and maintain internal crisis communication plans to ensure VCC is well positioned to communicate effectively during crisis.
- Serves as a key member of VCC’s Emergency Operations Committee (EOC). During crisis situations, the Associate Director helps create internal messaging and manages communications to ensure internal stakeholder groups have accurate and timely information.
- Determines the appropriate internal communications strategy, key messages, and channels when responding to sensitive issues and critical situations.
- Exercises professional and managerial judgment and discretion in advising and executing communications activities internally.
Human Resources Leadership
- Responsible for the selection, assignment, evaluation, training and development of direct reports within the scope defined by College policy and the Collective Agreements. Fosters equitable practices and inclusive culture that attracts and retains key talents. Identifies high potential individuals and develops leadership for capacity building and succession planning. Delegates appropriate authority to team members and provides clear expectations, information, supervision and support to enable them to fulfill their duties and responsibilities.
- Develops a high performing team, ensuring high standard of service delivery, competence and team members are provided with developmental opportunities to improve their skills and achieving their career potential.
- Provides clear direction on goals and priorities; ensure optimal deployment of resources to achieve goals.
- Represents management in in the grievance process and consults with People Services regarding collective agreement interpretation and application. Provides input to the management team for collective bargaining purposes as needed.
- Performs other related duties as required
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a recognized educational institution.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) is an asset.
- Five (5) years recent experience in project management and client/stakeholder engagement.
- Experience working in a multi-union environment or post-secondary an asset.
- Or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience with communication methods and approaches that are consistent with VCC’s values on reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and environmental sustainability.
- Strong strategic, operational planning and organizational skills.
- Excellent project management skills with ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize assignments, and meet budgets and deadlines in a high pressure, fast paced, changing environment.
- Strong leadership skills with ability to supervise, motivate, and lead a team.
- Strategic, anticipates and takes initiative, creates innovative and creative solutions to solve problems with an effective use of resources.
- Ability to effectively work and communicate with external stakeholders and internal colleagues, in a respectful, consultative, and service-orientated manner.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels within the College and with outside agencies with a high degree of professionalism, tact and discretion.
- Exhibits discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Salary Range - Prorated based on FTE: $103,701 - $138,268 - $159,008 annualized (Pay Grid 13). Normal starting salary placement is between $103,701 and $138,268. Compensation beyond the control/mid-point requires approval by the Public Sector Employer’s Council Secretariat (PSEC).
