Vice-President

Brock University; St. Catharines; On-site; CAD 242,000 - 268,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned educational institution in the Niagara Region is seeking a strategic leader for the Vice-President, External role. This position involves leading the external engagement strategy, enhancing the University's reputation, and managing key relationships with government and alumni. The ideal candidate must have extensive leadership experience and a commitment to community engagement and diversity. A competitive salary range of $242,000 - $268,000 is offered. The search committee will begin reviewing applications on February 9, 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively senior leadership experience in large organizations.
• Experience in public policy development and advocacy at multiple levels.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and navigate complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagement with government for policy advocacy.
• Oversee alumni engagement and fundraising strategies.
• Collaborate with executive team to align external strategies.

Skills

Government relations

Advancement strategies

Marketing and communications

Strategic thinking

Relationship-building

Education

Graduate degree in a relevant field

Job description

Brock University, Niagara Region, Ontario

Brock University is seeking a collaborative, strategic leader to serve as its next Vice‑President, External. This current vacancy is a unique opportunity to shape and elevate the University’s reputation and relationships across government, community, alumni, and global partners. The successful candidate will lead an integrated portfolio focused on enhancing Brock’s visibility, influence, and support at the local, national, and international levels.

The University

Brock University is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with rich academic programs and world‑class scholarship. Located on the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement, its main campus lies in the historic Niagara region. With more than 18,000 students in seven diverse Faculties, 600 faculty members, and over 124,000 accomplished alumni, Brock has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s top post‑secondary institutions. Brock is also a proud recipient of numerous awards, including Forbes’s “Best Employers for Company Culture” and “Best Employers for Diversity” in 2024, and it is home to fourteen 3M Teaching Fellowship Award Winners and eight Canada Research Chairs.

The Role

Reporting to the President, the Vice‑President, External is a key member of Brock University’s senior executive team and is responsible for shaping and executing the institution’s external engagement strategy. This role brings together government relations, community partnerships, marketing & communications, advancement and alumni engagement, and event planning into a unified portfolio designed to elevate Brock’s reputation, expand its influence, and attract support. The VP External plays a vital role in building and sustaining relationships that align with and advance the University’s academic, strategic, and civic priorities. The nature of this role requires occasional national and international travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Government and Community Relations – Lead proactive engagement with municipal, provincial, and federal governments to advocate for policies, funding, and initiatives that support Brock’s purpose and strategic direction. Serve as a key liaison to regional partners and civic leaders, ensuring Brock remains an anchor institution in Niagara.
• Advancement and Alumni Engagement – Oversee the development and execution of institutional fundraising strategies, including major gift and planned giving programs. Deepen alumni engagement and cultivate a culture of philanthropy that contributes to the long‑term financial sustainability of the University.
• Marketing and Communications – Enhance Brock’s reputation and partnerships through strategic marketing, communications, and major events that engage the community, elevate the University’s brand in key markets, and foster partnerships aligned with Brock’s academic mission.
• Strategic Integration and Executive Collaboration – Align external affairs efforts across departments to ensure cohesive messaging, relationship management, and consistent institutional reputation‑building. Collaborate closely with other members of the executive team to ensure external strategies reflect and reinforce Brock’s institutional priorities.

The Ideal Candidate

As the ideal candidate, you are a strategic and relationship‑focused executive with a proven record of success in advancing organizational priorities through external engagement. You bring deep experience in one or more of the core portfolio areas (government relations, advancement, alumni engagement, marketing and communications) and are known for your ability to lead high‑performing teams, build strong relationships, and navigate complex political and institutional environments with diplomacy and vision. You possess a strong understanding of the higher education sector and its potential within the Niagara region, as well as national and global settings. With a focus on collaborative leadership, you will bring innovative ideas to enhance Brock’s operations. You bring a high level of energy, a capacity to sustain work at a high pace, and a willingness to work outside regular hours when needed.

Qualifications and Demonstrated Success

• A graduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, business, communications, marketing) or an equivalent combination of education and leadership experience; a minimum of 10 years of progressively senior leadership experience in large, complex organizations, ideally in post‑secondary education, government, or the non‑profit/public sector.
• Relationship‑building with government, community leaders, donors, alumni, or key partners.
• Advocacy at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels, with a good understanding of best practices in public policy development.
• Leading advancement and donor engagement strategies, with an understanding of fundraising best practices.
• Building a high‑performing team and fostering a positive workplace culture; experience working with governing bodies such as boards, councils, senates, etc.

Skills and Attributes

• Strategic and integrative thinking, able to connect diverse portfolios and partners to institutional goals.
• Exceptional relationship‑building skills with a collaborative and diplomatic leadership style.
• Political acuity and sound judgment in navigating complex and high‑profile environments.
• Excellent communication, public presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation in leadership and partnership‑building.
• A passion for public education and a deep appreciation for Brock’s purpose and community impact.

Salary Range: $242,000 - $268,000

The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications on February 9, 2026.

Brock University recognizes that it is located on the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement. Today, Brock is the gathering place of many First Nations, Métis and Inuit— many of whom continue to live and work on its campus.

Brock University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialised persons, and persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation.

Support and accommodations will be provided to applicants with disabilities, upon request. Applicants in need of an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process can contact [e-mail] or identify their needs to the recruitment professional named in the job description.

KBRS does not use artificial intelligence to screen candidate applications.

Candidates interested in this opportunity should contact Abbey MacLeod at [e-mail], Kyle Steele at [e-mail], or Dr. Jennie Massey at [e-mail], or submit a full application package online at: https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/17546728271920000008knd