Special Projects, Advancement & Communications Officer

Carleton University; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed educational institution in Ottawa seeks a Special Projects, Advancement & Communications Officer. The role focuses on developing non-degree programs, managing communications and coordinating alumni relations. Candidates should have strong marketing skills, a Bachelor’s degree, and at least three years of experience in a collaborative environment, preferably within academia.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years’ experience in a collaborative setting.
• Experience with program administration, institutional communications, and fundraising is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director in developing non-degree programs.
• Manage internal and external communications.
• Coordinate advancement initiatives and alumni relations.

Skills

Knowledge of communications, public relations, marketing, and social media processes

Ability to assess opportunities and maximize returns

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

Familiarity with relevant digital platforms

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Architecture, Communications or a related discipline

Master’s degree in these disciplines (preferred)

Tools

Office productivity software

Adobe Suite graphics

Wordpress

Job description

Job Details

Job Number: J1025-0307

Job Title: Special Projects, Advancement & Communications Officer

Job Type: Term Full Time

Department: School of Architecture and Urbanism

Job Category: Administrative Management

Number of Positions: 1

Salary (with Salary Rate): 85,476.00 - 111,120.00/Year

Assignment Duration From: 05/01/2026

Assignment Duration To: 31/12/2026

Employee Group: Administrative Management

Salary Level: NU05

Hours Per Week: 35

Date Position Available: 05/01/2026

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

Reporting to the Director, Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism (ASAU), the Special Projects, Advancement, and Communications Officer is responsible for assisting the Director in the development and implementation of our signature non‑degree programs, managing several aspects of internal and external communications, and coordinating advancement initiatives and alumni relations at the ASAU.

The incumbent must have an entrepreneurial approach to the job, taking initiative with marketing and administering these programs. They will collaborate with the Department of University Communications, the Department of University Advancement, the summer sessions office, and CORIS, while adhering to all university policies and protocols.

This is a position that often demands quick turnaround times, flexibility in work hours, and significant initiative and problem‑solving skills in carrying out project work. The incumbent must have excellent business development, relationship management and analytical skills to assess opportunities and maximize returns to Carleton. In addition, they must have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and familiarity with relevant digital platforms. The position is key to effectively representing the School’s mission, interests, collaborative spirit and social vision.

This is currently a self‑funded position with a term appointment. The incumbent’s salary is generated through program revenue, so the need for entrepreneurship and initiative is essential for success.

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 office productivity software and databases, internet browsers and search engines, discipline‑specific software such as Wordpress, E‑shop, Travel and Expense and Adobe Suite graphics
• Knowledge of grant funding/writing in an academic setting
• Knowledge of cultural competency and diversity in a business context
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices, fundraising instruments, giving vehicles and relevant tax laws

Education And Experience

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Architecture, Communications or a related discipline. A Master’s degree in these disciplines is preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary and/or multi‑institutional setting. Experience with program administration, institutional communications, event planning, and fundraising is highly desirable, as is knowledge of the funded research landscape: i.e. SSHRC, NSERC, CFI, ORF, the Canada Council and private foundations (the Graham Foundation, among others). Experience in academic work environments at the post‑secondary level, and/or knowledge of the fields of architecture and urbanism, are desirable.
• The incumbent is expected to have a high degree of autonomy, professionalism and accountability.

HR Note

Equivalencies will be considered. Applicants are encouraged to provide information which may demonstrate equivalent qualifications. Applicants may be required to complete an employment test as part of the selection process for this position. Those 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 Métis 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.