Director, Marketing And Branding

About Hanson College

Hanson College, established in 2001, is a private educational institution that delivers college diploma programs and language training programs to international students. Our three campuses are located in Toronto, Brampton, and New Westminster, BC. Our team is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for higher education. We cultivate a diverse, supportive work environment because we have a passion for education, mentoring, and personal and professional growth. Joining Hanson to change life trajectories through education for generational impact in the global community.

We are hiring a Director, Marketing and Branding to support our Ontario Campuses.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic communications and marketing planning process, including market research and analysis, and evaluation.
• Source suppliers to produce Hanson-logo merchandise, including centralizing and managing the distribution of the merchandise to all departments.
• Develop new creative, innovative, and out-of-the-box approaches in applying Hanson’s messages.
• Collaborate with external community partners (Cambrian college) to develop innovative communication strategies to strengthen and leverage the partnership.
• Develop and lead the customer relationship management process ensuring Hanson stays connected to customers, streamline processes, and improve profitability.
• Lead, direct, and play a mentorship role to marketing and branding team members by assisting in the execution of their duties, and supporting their professional growth.
• Develop strategic communications frameworks, principles, and policies that guide work inside Hanson College across multiple areas (development, recruitment, administration, etc.).
• Develop and maintain the emergency communications plan as part of Hanson’s emergency preparedness plan.
• Keep up with and understanding industry best practices and emerging strategies that will keep the brand marketing up to date and ensure Hanson a competitive edge in brand awareness, consumer acquisition, and retention.
• Develop and implement strategic business plans.
• Enable data-driven decisions with ROI and metric-driven models.
• Serve as a key spokesperson for Hanson, particularly during times of crisis, emergency or reputation management.
• Manage organizational activities like product presentations, trade shows, and customer-sponsored events.
• Develop a deep understanding of consumer mindsets and barriers to brand marketing and offer creative and sustainable solutions.
• Responsible for innovative leadership in the creation, implementation and direction of short and long-term marketing and communication plans that advance the public image and reputation of Hanson College while communicating Hanson’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Provide advice and counsel to senior leadership regarding the development and employment of proven communication strategies to support Hanson’s strategic initiatives.
• In consultation with Senior Management, develop, direct, and lead digital (website, social media, SEM/SEO) and traditional marketing platforms including researching current brand positioning and developing unique brand identity that will connect with customers and raise awareness of Hanson College.
• Provide leadership and vision for all institutional, leadership, crisis/emergency, and internal communications, as well as media relations and issues management.
• Set objectives goals and standards, coordinate departments, liaise with key distributors and suppliers, and oversee the workflow and the workforce involved in operations.
• Act as the primary point of contact with external business partners, enabling strong collaborative working relationships.
• Assess and mitigate communication related risks as part of Hanson’s risk management program.
• Develop and manage the marketing and branding annual budget.
• Lead and oversee the brand planning process inclusive of the definition of target customer and the development of marketing mix and strategies on consumer brand-interaction in order to encourage increased purchase.
• Lead go-to market planning and drive cross-functional collaboration within Hanson.
• Devise and implement strategies to reach sales targets by driving leads.

Education and Qualifications:

• Possess strong planning and organization skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• MBA, an asset.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Salesforce, and Google Analytics, and use of software such as Adobe Creative Suite 6, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or any other related field.
• Superior written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to operate with a high degree of initiative, diplomacy, and tact.
• 7 to 10 years of experience in a higher education setting or public college/university.
• Demonstrated ability to incorporate both traditional and new communications technologies in strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to build collegial relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in issue management and crisis communications.
• Demonstrated experience as a communications strategist.
• Proven expertise in developing and implementing integrated communication plans for multiple audiences.
• Extensive editorial experience, with both print and electronic communications.
• Proficient in CRM systems, databases, and marketing automation.
• A diverse marketing background with demonstrated proficiency in leading various marketing projects, such as digital marketing, communications, branding, marketing campaigns, tradeshows, and other related initiatives.
• 5+ years of experience overseeing a marketing team and managing all marketing functions.

Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible work environment. We value the unique skills and experiences each individual brings. If you require accommodation, don't hesitate to contact the Human Resources Department to make arrangements. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other legally protected factors.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by a Hanson College Recruiter directly from our Organization.