Director, Strategic Communications & Engagement - Office of the President

Ontario Tech University; Oshawa; On-site; CAD 126,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university is seeking a Director of Strategic Communications & Engagement. This senior role involves developing high-level communication strategies to enhance the university's reputation and engage diverse audiences. Candidates should have extensive experience in strategic communications, strong writing skills, and a proven ability to navigate complex environments. This full-time position offers a competitive salary range of CAD 126,500 to CAD 157,300.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or executive advisory roles.
• Expertise in issues management and crisis communication.
• Strong analytical skills and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communication strategies that advance the university’s goals.
• Prepare high-impact content for senior leadership.
• Lead development of communication strategies in crises.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis communication

Writing and editing

Political acuity

Education

University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, English, Political Science

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Director, Strategic Communications & Engagement - Office of the President

Tracking Code: req1798

Faculty/Department: Office of President

Number of Positions: 1

Appointment Type: Full-Time Continuing

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week

Non-Union Hiring Zone: Job Level 12 - $126,500 - $157,300

Posting Date: October 30, 2026

Closing Date: November 5, 2026 (7:00 pm EST)

Job Summary

The Director, Strategic Communications & Engagement is a senior advisor responsible for developing and executing high-level communications strategies that protect and enhance Ontario Tech’s reputation while promoting institutional priorities and leadership visibility.

This role provides strategic direction for communications that engage diverse audiences—internal and external—across media, government, academia, and the public. The Director leads integrated communications strategies that support the university’s strategic goals, strengthen its reputation, and position Ontario Tech as a thought leader in key areas such as innovation, research, and education.

A skilled communicator and strategist, the Director crafts compelling messages, manages sensitive issues, and provides expert guidance to senior leaders on public positioning and engagement.

Responsibilities/accountabilities

• Strategic Communications Leadership & Execution
  • Develop and implement communication strategies that advance the university’s institutional goals, reputation, and public profile.
  • Prepare high-impact content including speeches, statements, and media materials for senior leadership.
  • Guide tone and themes for external communications to ensure consistency with Ontario Tech’s brand, values, and strategic priorities.
  • Support media engagement and represent the institution as a spokesperson when appropriate.
  • Collaborate with internal partners to coordinate messaging across all university channels.
• Strategic Engagement & Institutional Alignment
  • Identify and leverage opportunities to enhance Ontario Tech’s profile across the higher education, government, and innovation sectors.
  • Monitor trends and developments in the post-secondary and public sectors to inform strategic messaging.
  • Advise senior leadership on public affairs, sector trends, and reputational considerations.
  • Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including media, sector partners, and community organizations.
  • Collaborate with Brand & Marketing, Government Relations, and Partnerships teams to maintain alignment and consistency in messaging.
• Crisis, Reputation & Issues Management
  • Lead the development of communication strategies in response to emerging issues or crises.
  • Provide advice and coordination for leadership messaging during sensitive or high-profile situations.
  • Monitor media and public sentiment to anticipate and address risks proactively.
  • Develop and execute communication materials such as statements, FAQs, and internal updates.
  • Work closely with the Brand & Communications team to ensure cohesive and responsive communications across platforms.

Required Skills

• Expertise in strategic communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven success in issues management and crisis communication.
• Excellent writing and editing skills across multiple formats.
• Strong political acuity, analytical skills, and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to advise senior leaders and navigate complex, high-profile environments.
• Collaborative leadership style with experience influencing across portfolios.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain composure under pressure.

Required Knowledge

• Strong familiarity with Ontario’s post-secondary environment, including academic-sector dynamics, student, staff and faculty relations.

Required Education

• A university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, English, Political Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• * Verification of Academic credentials may be required

Required Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or executive advisory roles—preferably within post-secondary, government, or non-profit sectors.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepted until November 5, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and those eligible to work in Canada, will be given priority.

Ontario Tech University respects people\'s different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.

If you require accommodation, please contact Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist. For more information about the university policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’s Accessibility Policy.

The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

Job Location: Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Expected Start Date: 11/17/2025

Expected End Date: