Executive Director, External Relations
For almost 100 years, AUArts has inspired students to pursue their dreams.
Founded in 1926, the Alberta University of the Arts has become a significant contributor to visual culture in Canada and around the world. The college was known for its world-class facilities, award-winning faculty, and the talent and professionalism of its graduates.
As one of Canada’s four innovative universities dedicated to art, craft and design, AUArts is proud to play an important role in our country’s visual culture. AUArts graduates have gained significant national and international reputations as artists, designers and creative leaders.
AUArts’ talented community of emerging creatives learns from the best – experts who are among the country’s most acclaimed practicing artists and academics, across a diverse range of degree programs and disciplines, making AUArts a place where students can continue their education, earn an undergraduate degree or achieve their MFA.
AUArts is a leading centre for education and research, and a catalyst for creative inquiry and cultural development, engaging the world and creating possibilities.
The Role
Reporting to the President & CEO, the Executive Director, External Relations provides oversight for the University’s strategic community engagement. The role strengthens relationships with government, community stakeholders, alumni, donors, and the public to enhance the university’s reputation, secure funding, and advance institutional priorities. This role oversees all philanthropic activities for the University and leads a team of communications, marketing, and donor relations professionals.
As a member of the senior leadership team, this role is responsible for championing and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion, strategic partnerships, and enrollment management principles. Key leadership initiatives include the vision and direction for government relations, community and alumni engagement, fundraising, and public relations, ensuring alignment with the university’s strategic plan.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an innovative and visionary leader and strategic thinker with demonstrated accomplishments in building relationships with broad audiences and constituents, as well as an ability to inspire change and develop new initiatives to the betterment of the organization that focuses on people as an essential component of success. They are able to cultivate effective communication and have had success working and collaborating with others within a complex, multi-constituency group organization. The ideal candidate has an ability to engage people, inside and outside of the university, and can work collaboratively, effectively and successfully to advance AUArts, while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, and inspiring organizational proficiency in physical and mental health, safety, and wellness. They bring a proven track record of achievement in advancing Indigenous strategies, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles throughout an organization.
Experience and Qualifications
The following qualifications have been determined to promote likelihood of success in the role. While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all the following qualifications in equal measure, they are desirable and will be used in the assessment of candidates for the position. In alignment with the principles of inclusion, individuals with an alternative equivalent qualification may be considered.
To learn more about this opportunity, contact Katherine Frank (kfrank@kbrs.ca) or Beth McLennan (bmclennan@kbrs.ca). Completed applications can be submitted online using the "Apply Now" button below.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. AUArts hires on the basis of merit, and is committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and persons with minority sexual orientation or gender identities.
KBRS and AUArts will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca
Founded in 1926, the Alberta University of the Arts has become a significant contributor to visual culture in Canada and around the world. The college was known for its world-class facilities, award-winning faculty, and the talent and professionalism of its graduates.
As one of Canada’s four innovative universities dedicated to art, craft and design, AUArts is proud to play an important role in our country’s visual culture. AUArts graduates have gained significant national and international reputations as artists, designers and creative leaders.
AUArts’ talented community of emerging creatives learns from the best – experts who are among the country’s most acclaimed practicing artists and academics, across a diverse range of degree programs and disciplines, making AUArts a place where students can continue their education, earn an undergraduate degree or achieve their MFA.
AUArts is a leading centre for education and research, and a catalyst for creative inquiry and cultural development, engaging the world and creating possibilities.
The Role
Reporting to the President & CEO, the Executive Director, External Relations provides oversight for the University’s strategic community engagement. The role strengthens relationships with government, community stakeholders, alumni, donors, and the public to enhance the university’s reputation, secure funding, and advance institutional priorities. This role oversees all philanthropic activities for the University and leads a team of communications, marketing, and donor relations professionals.
As a member of the senior leadership team, this role is responsible for championing and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion, strategic partnerships, and enrollment management principles. Key leadership initiatives include the vision and direction for government relations, community and alumni engagement, fundraising, and public relations, ensuring alignment with the university’s strategic plan.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an innovative and visionary leader and strategic thinker with demonstrated accomplishments in building relationships with broad audiences and constituents, as well as an ability to inspire change and develop new initiatives to the betterment of the organization that focuses on people as an essential component of success. They are able to cultivate effective communication and have had success working and collaborating with others within a complex, multi-constituency group organization. The ideal candidate has an ability to engage people, inside and outside of the university, and can work collaboratively, effectively and successfully to advance AUArts, while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, and inspiring organizational proficiency in physical and mental health, safety, and wellness. They bring a proven track record of achievement in advancing Indigenous strategies, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles throughout an organization.
Experience and Qualifications
The following qualifications have been determined to promote likelihood of success in the role. While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all the following qualifications in equal measure, they are desirable and will be used in the assessment of candidates for the position. In alignment with the principles of inclusion, individuals with an alternative equivalent qualification may be considered.
- Degree in public relations, public policy, political science, communications, business, or a related field (a master’s degree is preferred).
- Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in government relations, external affairs, fundraising, and/or public relations.
- Proven ability to develop high-impact advocacy, engagement, and fundraising strategies.
- Experience building relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, donors, alumni, and media.
- Proven ability to collaborate with all levels of stakeholders internally and externally.
- Knowledge of public-sector legislation, policies, and procedures.
- Demonstrated knowledge of provincial politics and government operations with an ability to cultivate key contacts in relevant government ministries and external organizations across Alberta preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of government protocol, legislative process, and policy development preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in in lobbying and stakeholder engagement preferred.
- Experience working in a post-secondary or non-profit environment preferred.
To learn more about this opportunity, contact Katherine Frank (kfrank@kbrs.ca) or Beth McLennan (bmclennan@kbrs.ca). Completed applications can be submitted online using the "Apply Now" button below.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. AUArts hires on the basis of merit, and is committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and persons with minority sexual orientation or gender identities.
KBRS and AUArts will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca