Vice President External

Brock University; Canada; On-site; CAD 242,000 - 268,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Canada is seeking a Vice-President, External to shape and execute its external engagement strategy. This executive role integrates government relations, community partnerships, marketing, and alumni engagement. The ideal candidate will possess at least 10 years of senior leadership experience, exceptional relationship-building skills, and a strong understanding of the higher education sector. A competitive salary of $242,000 - $268,000 is offered, reflecting the importance of this position.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively senior leadership experience in large organizations.
• Experience in post-secondary education, government, or non-profit/public sector.
• Proven record in advancing organizational priorities through external engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead proactive engagement with governmental partners to advocate for policies and funding.
• Oversee development of fundraising strategies and alumni engagement.
• Enhance university's reputation through strategic marketing and communications.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Relationship-building

Political acuity

Excellent communication

Negotiation skills

Education

Graduate degree in relevant field

Job description

Brock 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 withum Agreement, with its main campus located in the historic Niagara region, Brock offers all the benefits of a young and modern university in a safe, community‑minded region with beautiful natural surroundings. 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 a one of Canada’s top post‑secondary institutions. The university continues be an important regional presence and is about to open a new campus in Burlington, further growing connections to the community through this new, dynamic space.

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 in 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, capable of sustaining work at a high pace and outside of regular hours when needed.

Qualifications and Demonstrated Success

• A graduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, business, communications, marketing) or 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 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 positive workplace culture.
• Working with governing bodies such as boards, councils, senates, and other executive bodies.
• Strategic and integrative thinking, able to connect diverse portfolios and partners to institutional goals.
• Exceptional relationship‑building skills with a collaborative and diplomatic leadership approach.
• Political acuity and sound judgment in navigating complex and high‑profile situations.
• 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.

Salary Range

$242,000 - $268,000

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

EEO and Diversity Statements

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, racialized 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 in order to participate as a candidate 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.

Keeping Canada’s university community informed, inspired and connected