Queen’s University is situated on traditional Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee Territory.

Founded in 1841, Queen’s University is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive institutions, recognized internationally for its excellence in research, teaching, and academic excellence. With a strong legacy of scholarship and discovery, Queen’s has made a lasting global impact while delivering a transformative learning experience. Its community of more than 31,000 students and 5,000 faculty and staff is dedicated to addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Queen’s is renowned for its research strengths in areas such as cancer detection and treatment, geoengineering, materials science, artificial intelligence, and supercomputing, and is home to the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics. As a member of Canada’s U15 group of research-intensive universities, Queen’s consistently ranks among the top institutions globally and nationally. It is placed within the top 200 worldwide by the QS World University Rankings and among the top 10 universities in Canada by Maclean’s. In addition, Queen’s has ranked among the top 10 universities globally for six consecutive years in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which assesses institutional contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

It is within this context that Queen’s University welcomes applications for the position of Senior Director, Internal Communications (“Senior Director”).

Reporting to the AVP Integrated Communications, with dotted line to the VP, University Relations, the Senior Director is an integral member of the central communications senior team. The Senior Director will design and execute Queen’s central internal communications functions, developing strategic communication plans that organize and prioritize communication for Queen’s (faculty and staff).The Senior Director will ensure members are connected to the institution’s overall strategic initiatives, purpose, mission and values; will lead and continually elevate the internal communications function at Queen’s University; and will advance the strategic development and impact of internal communications across the University. To achieve these goals, the Senior Director will design and steward an integrated internal communications system that works across the entire University, establishing and convening a cross-campus Internal Communications Working Group – a community of practice with representation from faculties and shared services – and with leading the development and implementation of an enterprise internal communications strategy and governance framework. The Senior Director will work closely with the Principal’s and Provost’s offices, central Human Resources’ leadership, faculty communications leads and shared service portfolios to build readiness and ensure internal communications serve as an engine for Queen’s employee experience and institutional performance. Working in close coordination with fellow University Relations leaders, the Senior Director sets the framework for communications staff to ensure the integration of content, messaging and approach across the institution. The Senior Director also plays a vital role in the University’s efforts to enhance Indigenization – Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism (I-EDIAA) while contributing to the shared mission of supporting and engaging the Queen’s community in inclusive and meaningful ways.

As the ideal candidate, your career includes significant progressive experience in strategic communications, with an expertise in internal communications, from large and complex, multi-stakeholder and decentralized environments. You have been involved in building or transforming internal communications, including developing plans, strategies, operating models and best practices. As a communications executive, you understand how to utilize content strategy, storytelling and engagements to build culture and further a sense of belonging and mission alignment across an organization. Colleagues refer to your ability to serve as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leaders, to provide communications and engagement counsel, and to build alignment and consensus through influence, rather than direct authority. You have a high level of professionalism and judgement, can manage confidential information, and are able to build an understanding, and knowledge, of the key role internal communications plays through team management, coaching and mentoring. Candidates must hold a university degree, and a graduate level degree or relevant professional designation in communications or leadership are both considered assets. Candidates must also have an interest, and ability, to work within a diverse campus community and demonstrated success in implementing equitable, diverse, inclusive policies and practices in line with Queen’s I-EDIAA principals.

To learn more about this significant leadership opportunity with Queen’s University, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Caroline McLean (Caroline@griffithgroup.ca) or visit https://griffithgroup.ca/queens-university-senior-director-internal-communications/

Salary Range and Compensation Package: As a grade 12 position, the target hiring range is $122,000-167,000, commensurate with experience. For information on the University’s total compensation package, please visit: https://www.queensu.ca/humanresources/employee-resources/benefits

Remote Working Arrangement: At Queen’s University, University Relations supports flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible, while maintaining a strong commitment to collaboration, connection, and service to the university community.

• Initial Work Arrangement – New employees in University Relations are expected to work fully in person, on campus, for their first six months. This period is intended to support onboarding, relationship-building, and a strong understanding of the university environment.
• Eligibility and Structure Following the initial six-month period – Employees may request a Remote Working Arrangement (RWA). RWAs are not automatic and are considered based on the nature of the role, operational requirements, and team needs. Approved RWAs may allow for up to 40% remote work.

Use of AI: Griffith Group Executive Search does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for a position.

Reason for posting: New Position

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is strongly committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.

The University will provide support in its recruitment process to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes an applicant’s accessibility needs into account. If you require accommodations during the interview process, please contact Jane Griffith at Jane@griffithgroup.ca and hradmin@queensu.ca. Every effort to accommodate candidates will be made in a way that is equitable and respectful of their additional professional, community, and personal responsibilities.