Director, Digital Engagement - Queens University

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Executive Director, Communications, the Director, Digital Engagement leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Office of Advancement’s digital strategy and engagement systems (e.g., websites, email marketing, event management tools). This role evaluates, coordinates, and implements improved business processes for new and existing digital communications initiatives to support the broader communications and engagement strategy. The Director builds strong partnerships and consensus amongst diverse constituents across the university, translating strategic goals into digital capabilities to enhance user experience and engagement.

This position supports Advancement’s goal of ‘Contemporary Practice in Information Management’, including data quality, data and analytics platforms, and data literacy in marketing and communications. This role requires expertise in analytical tools and reporting, data-driven strategy, web accessibility compliance and risk management associated with digital technologies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partners with Information Services (IS) and Advancement teams to develop and align digital strategies that enhance communications platforms, strengthen online brand presence, and optimize internal resources. Ensures all digital initiatives are developed in collaboration with IS to maintain alignment with institutional priorities and technical capabilities.
• Leads the strategic direction and implementation of Advancement’s digital engagement by developing and executing long-term multi-year digital roadmaps and plans that support a comprehensive digital engagement and fundraising strategy, ensuring alignment with IS and broader university systems.
• Drives digital strategy by establishing expertise across Advancement digital engagement systems, including all external-facing websites, email marketing, and event management tools.
• Owns the adoption, governance, and appropriate use of Advancement’s digital engagement systems, including the event management system, email marketing system, and external-facing websites. Ensures these platforms are effectively utilized to support engagement, fundraising, and data-driven decision-making.
• Establishes and enforces best practices, guidelines and procedures for the appropriate use of these systems, ensuring alignment with institutional policies, compliance requirements, and strategic goals.
• Oversees training, adoption, and constituent engagement to maximize the effectiveness of these digital tools across Advancement. Works closely with IS and internal partners to ensure integration, efficiency, and reporting capabilities.
• Builds and strengthens relationships across Advancement and the university community to enhance the user experience.
• Focuses on audience needs and user journey mapping to create a best-in-class digital experience for alumni and donors.
• Identifies and integrates emerging digital trends, AI, and automation into strategy and operations.
• Manages digital content strategy and information architecture (IA) to support engagement goals.
• Leads digital projects through all phases of project management, ensuring timelines, deliverables and constituent alignment are met.
• Benchmarks against peer institutions and incorporates new and emerging digital innovations.
• Tracks and analyzes digital marketing campaign performance, refining strategies for maximum impact.
• Uses data-informed decision-making to enhance marketing, communications, and fundraising efforts.
• Identifies the need for staff resources, participates on staffing committees, and makes effective recommendations regarding employee selection.
• Manages performance by establishing performance standards, reviewing, and evaluating performance and conducting formal performance reviews and talent reviews on an ongoing basis.
• · Assesses staff training and development needs and ensures that employees receive training required to improve and sustain successful performance.
• Investigates, addresses and resolves employee/labour relations issues, including disciplinary matters.
• Undertakes other duties as assigned in support of the unit and/or department.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• University degree, preferably in marketing, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum seven years of progressively successful experience in strategic communications, marketing, analytics, and/or digital engagement, focused on a leadership level, within a large, multi-constituent organization.
• Advanced knowledge of e-solutions, current and emerging digital technologies (e.g., mobile, search engine optimization [SEO], content management strategies) and digital marketing best practices. Ability to work with design and technical teams to overcome user-experience challenges.
• Experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud or similar marketing automation platforms is an asset, including journey building, audience segmentation, and campaign execution.
• Knowledge of federal and provincial legislation related to digital communications, web accessibility, privacy legislation (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Canada's Anti-Spam Law), electronic security (Payment Card Industry) and other related legislation.
• Strong understanding of user and design-centred digital methodologies driven by qualitative/quantitative data.
• Deep knowledge of best-in-class analytics, with a strong ability to draw insights to drive strategy and understand best practices in reporting metrics.
• Proven track record in strategy development and implementation; project management; program analysis; and meeting objectives.
• Proven management leadership and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to define and communicate strategy and tie portfolio activity and planning back to the overarching goals and the “big picture”.
• Experience in researching and writing information management policies, procedures, or planning documents.
• Clear understanding of and strict adherence to ethical fundraising standards and supporting legislation.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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