Description

York University invites nominations and applications for the position of Chief Communications Officer.

York University is known internationally as a modern and progressive institution of higher education driving 21st-century learning and innovative research and creative activities for maximum impact. Its vision is to provide a broad sociodemographic of students with a high-quality education at a research-intensive University that is committed to enhancing the wellbeing of the communities it serves. Since its establishment in 1959, York has grown quickly into Canada's third-largest University with three campuses in the Greater Toronto Area. These include the Keele and Glendon campuses as well as a new state-of-the-art campus in the City of Markham focused on how technology and entrepreneurship are reshaping all fields of knowledge and practice. Planning is also underway for a new School of Medicine, approved by the Province of Ontario in 2024, which will educate the next generation of talented primary care physicians to enhance access to integrated community-based care in York's service area and beyond.

York continues to grow its reputation for excellence. With many disciplines ranked in the top 200 worldwide, York is also recognized among the global top 40 for impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Times Higher Education 2025), the Top 100 Universities for Entrepreneurs (Pitchbook 2025), and the top 5 comprehensive Universities in Canada (Maclean's 2025). To learn more about the University, an institution that reflects the vibrancy and pluralism of the city in which it is located, visit http://www.yorku.ca.

The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) leads the Communications & Public Affairs (C&PA) Department which advances York University's brand and reputation. Working both centrally and with Faculty and divisional offices, C&PA develops and implements internal and external communications plans in support of York's mission and priorities. C&PA provides advice and counsel to York senior management and develops strong relationships with key internal and external constituents.

A key member of the President's Leadership team, the CCO will lead the communications function, developing a formidable strategic asset that proactively enhances the University's reputation and advances its goals. The CCO will work university-wide to steward and champion York's unique brand identity. Respecting the varied needs of York's campuses, Faculties, and divisions, the CCO will build productive working relationships across the University to provide coordination and support for integrated marketing and communications strategies. In a role of exceptional impact, the CCO will lead a creative, service-oriented team of 22 in effectively conveying York's distinctive strengths and projecting its compelling stories.

The CCO will have credentials befitting the role as well as deep Communications leadership experience – including in media relations, proactive issues management, and crisis communications, and as an institutional spokesperson – in a complex, multi-site, unionized organization. The CCO will have a global perspective, ideally combined with a nuanced understanding of the postsecondary landscape in Canada and internationally. Experienced interacting and communicating effectively with diverse communities, the CCO will promote a positive work culture to align with York's values of equity, inclusion, and well-being. The CCO will be a collaborative leader who inspires by example and ensures the C&PA team is proactive, aware of trends, and always on top of emerging opportunities and challenges. This is an opportunity to embrace the mission and impact of one of the largest post-secondary communities in the world, to build a robust and distinctive academic brand, and to engage audiences nationally and internationally in understanding the transformative power of a York University education.

Information on the benefits of working at York University can be found here.

To apply, please submit a CV together with a cover letter highlighting the aspects of your experience that are relevant to the required criteria, including your record of achievement with respect to advancing the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian and permanent residents will be given priority.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. All responses to Caldwell are confidential; please indicate your interest in Project 251119 at https://caldwell.thriveapp.ly/job/1271.

York University is an Affirmative Action (AA) employer and strongly values diversity, including gender and sexual diversity, within its community. The AA Program, which applies to women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and those who self-identify as 2SLGBTQ+, can be foundhereor by contacting Aqsa Ahmed, EDI Program Manager (aqsa517@yorku.ca).

York University values diversity as vital to a thriving intellectual community, and takes affirmative action to ensure that women, members of racialized groups, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ receive fair treatment during the application and hiring processes. You are invited to self-identify as a member of one or more of these groups. Self-identification is optional but is required to be considered in the Affirmative Action Program. You can check "I do not wish to answer" if you do not wish to self-identify. All responses will be kept confidential and used only to reduce the influence of implicit biases in the University's hiring. Please download and submit your Self-Identification Form to jwinship@caldwell.com.





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