Academic Programs Manager Jobs in Kitchener, ON (NOW HIRING)

Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) is a unique Indigenous Institute, recognized by community, government, and institutions of higher learning, as a Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Knowledge. SNP offers postsecondary, secondary, trades education and training. SNP has formal partnerships with nine publicly funded Ontario Universities and Colleges and collaborates with six Ontario-based Indigenous owned and controlled post-secondary Institutes.

For more information, visit www.snpolytechnic.com

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction and supervision of the Dean, Community, Health, Trades & Apprenticeship (Dean), the Manager, Corporate Communications (Manager) is responsible for coordinating and implementing Six Nations Polytechnic’s (SNP) communications activities and supporting institutional communication priorities aligned with SNP’s strategic goals. The Manager develops and implements communications plans and initiatives that promote, enhance, and support SNP’s brand, programs, services, and community presence. The Manager oversees the development and distribution of institutional communications materials and works collaboratively with academic and administrative departments to support effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, including students, staff, government partners, and the broader community/public. The Manager provides operational leadership for communications activities, supports media and public relations initiatives, and ensures communications are consistent with SNP’s values, brand standards, and organizational objectives.

The Manager is required to perform all duties consistent with the governance values and operating policies of Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) while fostering positive relations with staff, students, stakeholders, and the community; contributing to a culturally supportive teaching, learning and work environment consistent with Hodinǫshǫ:nih/Rotinonhson:ni values of Ga’nigohi:yo:/Kanikoriio (Respect and the Good Mind).

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Communications and Digital Media Coordination 20%

• Coordinate and maintain SNP’s digital communications platforms, including website and social media channels;
• Write, edit, and distribute internal and external communications materials including newsletters, stories/features, web content, speeches, event materials, reports, and promotional content;
• Monitor and update website content to ensure information is current, accessible, and aligned with institutional priorities;
• Support the development and implementation of social media plans in collaboration with Marketing and Recruitment;
• Utilize analytics and reporting tools to monitor communications performance and recommend improvements;
• Support the use of AI and emerging technologies to improve communications efficiency and engagement; and
• Ensure communications materials and digital content are consistent with SNP brand standards and messaging.
• Other related duties, as required

Communications Planning and External Relations 50%

• Contribute to high-level analyses and responses (“white papers,” “shadow reports,” position statements, etc.) of inter alia, policy documents, legislation, regulations, and position papers, produced by public and private sector entities, relevant to Indigenous education and educational environments;
• Identify opportunities for, and participate in, government advocacy efforts to increase resources and recognition for SNP;
• Support the implementation of communications plans and initiatives that promote SNP’s programs, services, events, and institutional priorities;
• Draft and coordinate communications materials related to institutional announcements, initiatives, reports, and public information;
• Participate in meetings and communications activities with external partners, stakeholders, and community organizations;
• Work collaboratively with Recruitment and Marketing to support student recruitment and public awareness initiatives;
• Coordinate print and digital communications materials, including institutional publications and promotional collateral;
• Support media relations activities by preparing media materials, key messages, presentations, and briefing notes, as required;
• Assist with maintaining consistent institutional messaging for leadership and departments;
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with communications-related partners and service providers; and
• Contribute to a communications strategy that will allow SNP leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high level external audiences
• Other related duties, as required

Internal Communication and Events Support 5%

• Provide communications advice and support to departments related to internal announcements, initiatives, and projects;
• Assist departments with preparing communications materials, presentations, proposals, and reports to ensure consistency in messaging and branding;
• Work collaboratively with Information Systems and other departments to support effective use of communications technologies and platforms; and
• Support the coordination and promotion of institution-wide events, announcements, and community engagement activities.
• Other related duties, as required

Departmental Administration and Operational Support 25%

• Manage staff, including recruitment, job descriptions, work plans, task management, performance reviews etc.;(
• Coordinate day-to-day communications operations, work plans, timelines, and project priorities;
• Provide guidance and oversight to communications staff, student staff, contractors, or vendors, as assigned;
• Coordinate procurement and maintenance of communications-related materials, software, and technologies;
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through feedback, analytics, and stakeholder engagement;
• Participate in policy, committee, working group, and institutional planning processes, as required;
• Monitor and support departmental budgets and expenditures, as assigned;
• Ensure compliance with SNP policies, procedures, and reporting requirements; and
• Other related duties, as required

EDUCATIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Completion of a formal post-secondary college or university program of three to four academic years in a related discipline i.e. marketing, communications or public relations

EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE / CULTURE AND LANGUAGE EXPERTISE

Over 1 year and including 3 years experience coordinating internal and external communications activities, preferably within a post-secondary, Indigenous, public sector, or community-based organization.

Experience developing digital and print communications materials, managing social media and website content, supporting events and media relations, and collaborating with multiple departments and external stakeholders.

Supervisory or project coordination experience is considered an asset.

Criminal Record Check

The successful candidate will be required to provide an original Criminal Background Check – Vulnerable Sector Screening that is satisfactory to Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) prior to the first day of work at Six Nations Polytechnic, and an Offence Declaration that is satisfactory to SNP by their first day of employment at Six Nations Polytechnic. 

At Six Nations Polytechnic, we are committed to diversity and inclusion as we continue and expand our efforts to become a more inclusive, safe and respectful workplace. Human Resources will accommodate any needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Recruitment processes will be modified to remove barriers to accommodate those with disabilities, as may be requested.

Applicants from Six Nations and other Indigenous communities will be given preference to deliver programs and services in a First Nations community. 

Full Job description is available upon request.

POSITION TYPE: Existing Vacancy

POSITION CLOSING DATE: September 25th, 2026

JOB TYPE: Full-time Permanent

SCHEDULE: 37.5 hrs Monday-Friday; 8:30am-4:00pm

WORK MODEL: Hybrid 

PAY BAND: 8; Core range $86,654.34–$101,529.38. The target hiring salary for this position is Step 1 up to 45% of the pay band. Considerations for new hire step placements include internal pay equity, experiential knowledge and/or language and cultural expertise.

BENEFITS:

• Company registered pension plan
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid sick and personal time