📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director, Marketing & Brand
🔹 Company: Brock University
🔹 Location: St. Catharines, Main Campus
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Higher Education
🔹 Date Posted: May 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days on campus)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategic planning and execution of marketing and branding initiatives
- Leading and developing high-performing brand and marketing teams
- Counseling senior leadership and collaborating across campus
- Driving student recruitment and enhancing brand reputation
- Managing marketing budget and ensuring efficient resource allocation
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and experience in post-secondary education or a related field.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for comprehensive and integrated marketing strategies and campaigns
✅ Establish and steward Brock’s key marketing narratives, setting the strategic approach for message architecture
✅ Shape and influence the strategic priorities of Marketing and Communications units across the institution
✅ Inspire, lead, and develop high-performing brand and marketing teams
✅ Set and govern robust institutional marketing policies, standards, and protocols
✅ Oversee and manage strategic partnerships with advertising and marketing agencies
✅ Provide high-level marketing counsel, thought leadership, and mentorship to campus and executive partners
✅ Establish a comprehensive, full-funnel KPI framework, monitoring KPI performance and making strategic recommendations
✅ Drive continuous improvement to enhance marketing efficiencies, effectiveness, and overall return on investment
✅ Establish strategic goals for the marketing and brand team and act as the principle project manager and strategic driver for all brand and marketing initiatives
✅ Oversee and manage the marketing budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to maximize ROI
ASSUMPTION: The role requires a strong understanding of current trends in digital marketing and expertise in leveraging diverse digital marketing channels to achieve results.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Degree in marketing, digital marketing, advertising, or the equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience: Experience in marketing and brand strategy at a senior strategic level, leading marketing campaigns and brand management
Required Skills:
- Excellent presentation and communication skills
- Ability to think strategically and analytically and to make evidence-based decisions
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Ability to solve complex problems independently and take decisive action
- Promotes and embodies inclusivity and respect within the workplace and community
Preferred Skills:
- Experience at a post-secondary education institution and student recruitment (domestic and international)
- Ability to adapt and evolve institutional brand for new and emerging platforms and channels
ASSUMPTION: A valid G class driver’s license and an acceptable driver’s abstract are required for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD 110,092 - 135,000 per year (based on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations)
Benefits:
- Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage
- Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan
- Up to 3 weeks of vacation per year, in addition to university holidays
- Hybrid work schedule available
- Eligibility for the Brock Tuition Waiver Program
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexible work arrangements available
ASSUMPTION: The final salary is based on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations within the target hiring range.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 11-50 employees (small, close-knit teams with opportunities for growth)
Founded: Brock University was founded in 1964
Company Description:
- Brock University is a comprehensive, research-intensive university with a strong focus on experiential education
- The university is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples
- Brock has been ranked #3 as Canada’s Best Employers and top 10 as one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity
Company Specialties:
- Higher Education
- Student Recruitment
- Marketing and Branding
- Experiential Education
Company Website: www.brocku.ca
ASSUMPTION: Brock University is committed to creating a respectful and equitable workplace, fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Management
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Executive Director, Marketing, Brand and Communications
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days on campus, with flexible work arrangements available)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to shape and influence the strategic priorities of Marketing and Communications units across the institution
- Opportunities to mentor and develop high-performing brand and marketing teams
- Chance to drive student recruitment and enhance brand reputation
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the chance to make a real impact on the university’s marketing and branding efforts.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Main Campus (Employees)
Office Location(s): St. Catharines, Main Campus
Geographic Context:
- St. Catharines is located in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada
- The city is known for its natural beauty, with numerous parks and trails
- St. Catharines is home to a diverse range of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and festivals
Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, with flexible work arrangements available
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between on-campus collaboration and remote work.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and planning
- Leadership and team management skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with Brock University’s values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Demonstrate your understanding of Brock University’s mission, vision, and values
- Prepare examples of your marketing and branding successes, as well as any challenges you’ve overcome
- Be ready to discuss your approach to strategic planning, budget management, and KPI monitoring
ATS Keywords: Marketing Strategy, Brand Management, Campaign Development, KPI Monitoring, Budget Management, Leadership, Higher Education, Student Recruitment, Digital Marketing
ASSUMPTION: Brock University does not use AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot CRM)
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the candidate’s expertise and the university’s current tech stack.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in teaching, learning, and research
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Inclusivity and diversity
- Integrity and accountability
- Student-centeredness
Work Style:
- Strategic and forward-thinking
- Data-driven and analytical
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Committed to continuous learning and professional development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Brock University’s commitment to creating a respectful and equitable workplace?
- How do you approach strategic planning and execution in a higher education context?
- How do you foster a culture of creativity, cross-functional collaboration, and operational excellence within your team?
ASSUMPTION: Brock University values candidates who are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team with diverse skills and backgrounds
- Balancing strategic planning with day-to-day tactical tasks
- Adapting to a hybrid work environment and managing remote team members
- Navigating budget constraints and ensuring efficient resource allocation
- Keeping up with the latest trends and best practices in marketing and branding
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on strategic marketing and branding within a higher education context
- Compared to similar roles in other industries, this position requires a strong understanding of student recruitment and the unique challenges and opportunities of the higher education sector
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior leadership positions within the university or related organizations
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and influence the strategic priorities of a comprehensive, research-intensive university.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing campaign to drive student recruitment and enhance brand reputation
- Conducting market research and analyzing data to inform strategic decision-making
- Managing and optimizing the university’s digital marketing presence, including website and social media channels
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, data-driven, and collaborative nature of the role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the university’s overall strategic plan, and how can I contribute to its success?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how can I hit the ground running?
- How does the university support the professional development and growth of its marketing and branding team members?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the university’s marketing and branding efforts, and how can I help address them?
- How does the university measure the success of its marketing and branding initiatives, and how can I contribute to improving these metrics?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate your interest in the role, the university, and its strategic priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, demonstrating your understanding of Brock University’s mission, vision, and values
- Prepare examples of your marketing and branding successes, as well as any challenges you’ve overcome
- Be ready to discuss your approach to strategic planning, budget management, and KPI monitoring
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and reiterate your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
