Assistant Director, Communications

Carleton University; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 98,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Carleton University seeks an Assistant Director, Communications to lead strategic communications for the Office of the President and Vice Chancellor. You will guide public relations, media outreach, and stakeholder engagement to advance the university’s objectives.

The role requires executive-level collaboration, project leadership, and the use of AI tools to craft impactful messages while maintaining confidentiality and ethics. Applicants should be prepared for a campus-based posting in Ottawa.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, social studies or related field.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and dissemination of strategic communications related to the Office of the President and Vice Chancellor.

Skills

Communications strategy

Public relations

Social media management

Media relations

Project management

Stakeholder relations

Policy knowledge

AI in communications

Confidentiality

Team leadership

Office software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Tools

Office software

Databases

Enterprise software

Job description

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Job Number: J0126-0097

Job Title: Assistant Director, Communications

Job Type: Continuing Full Time

Department: Office of the President

Job Category: Administrative Management

Number of Positions: 1

Date Posted (dd/mm/yyyy): 27/01/2026

Closing Date (dd/mm/yyyy): 07/09/2026

Salary (with Salary Rate): 98,298.00 - 127,787.00/Year

Assignment Duration From: 19/01/2026

Employee Group: Administrative Management

Salary Level: NU06

Hours Per Week: 35

Date Position Available: 01/02/2026

About Carleton University

Carleton University is situated on unceded Algonquin territory and bordered by the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Ottawa, Ontario. The university is just minutes from the heart of our nation's government and G-7 organizations and this capital advantage provides opportunities for staff and faculty and students to make a positive impact in our community and around the world.

Named a Top 100 Employer in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and a National Capital Region Top Employer for 10 consecutive years, Carleton University is one of Canada’s most resourceful and productive hubs of learning and research, fuelling a rich talent pipeline that is supporting social and economic renewal. The university’s smart, caring and connected community inspires and empowers individuals to become change leaders who drive impact in the world while challenging conventional modes of thinking and doing. At Carleton, we are committed to fostering an innovative, equitable and welcoming work environment. Carleton is also a nationally certified Healthy Workplace and is a recipient of the Canada Awards for Excellence, Healthy Workplace Order of Excellence and Platinum Level Certification for Mental Health at Work.

The university’s Strategic Integrated Plan 2020-2025 is an ambitious vision for the future, anchored in Carleton’s strengths and student-centric, community-engaged values.

Duties And Responsibilities

Responsible for supporting the development and dissemination of strategic communications related to the Office of the President and Vice Chancellor, to support the most effective and impactful delivery of the President & VC’s strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of communications, public relations, marketing, and social media processes
• Knowledge of university’s strategic priorities and goals as well as policies and procedures
• Knowledge of relevant governing legislation, collective agreements, policies and procedures
• Knowledge of office as well as the broader university academic units, departments, and divisions
• Knowledge of office productivity software and databases, internet browsers and search engines, discipline-specific software, enterprise software, and technology devices
• Knowledge of cultural competency and diversity
• Knowledge of best approaches for creating a shared vision and of writing strategic communication plans
• Ability to establish and build healthy respectful working relations with senior leaders, academic and administrative staff, as well as community members
• Knowledge of Social media such as Snapshots, Instagram or related latest tools
• Media skills with solid communications judgement to present and package information to maximize interest
• Ability to deal confidentially with information that has financial, political, regulatory and reputational implications
• Project management skills to align projects with strategic goals and operational objectives
• Ability to use AI tools and techniques for developing effective communications

Education And Experience

• Completion of bachelor’s degree in communication, Marketing, Social Studies or related field
• Minimum of seven years of previous communications experience including five years of project management/leadership experience

HR Note

Equivalencies will be considered. Applicants are encouraged to provide information which may demonstrate equivalent qualifications. Please note that applicants may be required to complete an employment test as part of the selection process for this position. Those applicants that are selected for an interview will be requested to contact the Human Resource Advisor assigned to this competition as soon as possible to discuss any accommodation requirements. Arrangements will be made to accommodate your request in a timely manner.

Carleton University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength.

We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our University including, but not limited to: women; visible minorities; First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expressions.

Health and Safety Requirements

This position is regularly required to work on campus in person. In the event of a public health emergency or a health and safety issue, it is possible that you may be required to work temporarily remotely due to public health orders, directives and/or health and safety requirements. If this happens, you will work with your direct manager to set up a remote work environment including discussing appropriate technology and requirements. You are required to follow all University policies and directives, including to set up a safe and confidential workspace in a remote location and ensure all Carleton property (intellectual and other) is safeguarded. If required to work remotely, you will be notified by your manager when working full time physically onsite will resume.