Strategic Marketing Manager – Thompson Rivers University

Drive targeted, data-informed marketing campaigns that align with institutional priorities and deliver end-to-end execution across channels.

Why This Role Matters

As a senior member of the Marketing and Communications Leadership team, the key role of the Strategic Marketing Manager is to work with the department leadership team, manage and lead direct reports and collaborate with university clients to plan and execute effective paid and unpaid promotions for a broad variety of TRU initiatives.

The Strategic Marketing Manager is a strategic and creative thinker who is highly skilled in the areas of brand management, paid advertising, media planning, earned media, and owned media and project management. The ability to balance strategic planning with tactical execution and creative marketing ideas with data-driven decision-making comes naturally to you.

Leading all things paid media (online and offline), the Strategic Marketing Manager is responsible for the strategic planning, development, execution, reporting, and performance optimization of advertising campaigns.

As a collaborative individual, you are highly adept at managing your own team as well as cross-institutional team efforts. You understand the importance of strong relationships to accomplish great work.

What You’ll Do

Responsible for the planning and execution of online and offline marketing campaigns, which align with institutional priorities as well as the strategic marketing goals of the requesting department or faculty. Utilize a variety of digital marketing tactics such as social media, search engine marketing (SEM), pay-per-click (PPC), retargeting, landing pages, A/B testing and others to drive traffic and maximize conversions. Lead activities related to project fulfillment: write project and creative briefs, issue requests for proposals (RFPs), manage vendor relations, purchase media, manage budgets, utilize project management software, develop timelines, review artwork with the Creative Manager, and sign off on final projects. Support the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications in meeting core strategies and priorities. Supervise Senior Marketing Strategist team including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and coaching. Oversee incoming campus-wide marketing requests and assist direct reports with prioritizing projects, working with clients, and providing marketing direction. Work within a cross functional team including leadership, strategists, writers, graphic designers, web designers and clients to develop and deliver ideas from concepts to final designs. Establish and maintain relationships with external suppliers - request quotes, select vendors, establish timelines, oversee quality control and financial accountability related to production. Establish and maintain relationships with advertising representatives – buy media, secure viable discounts, seek and engage in new opportunities to drive traffic, maximize ROI and grow the TRU brand. Engage and collaborate with external agency partners on projects. Collaborate with Integrated Planning and Effectiveness team to inform marketing strategies. Create, maintain, and conduct analytics reporting across multiple platforms and extract KPI’s for future campaign development and go-to-market strategies, complete with formal proposals and recommendations on tactics. Remain abreast of marketing and advertising trends to continuously cultivate new initiatives and ideas. Present campaigns and projects to internal and external departments, and communicate about strategies, creative and budgets Serve as an active member on a variety of relevant institutional committees.

What You Bring

Bachelor’s degree in appropriate specialization such as marketing or communications, or equivalent experience. Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in team management in an agency, marketing department or personal business. Work experience in a large complex public sector organization is an asset. Extensive knowledge of marketing concepts and best practices. Extensive knowledge of paid, earned and owned media – their value and when to use them. Expert knowledge of media planning. Understanding of online analytics and reporting utilizing Google Analytics or other tools within social media and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to create actionable analytics for evaluating activities and making data-drive decisions. Working knowledge of graphic design, web interface design, multimedia, and website development. Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

Why TRU?

At TRU, you’ll have access to a competitive total rewards package that includes:

100% employer-paid extended health, dental, and medical benefits 5 weeks vacation plus paid time off from Christmas to New Years 13 statutory holidays Defined Benefit pension plan with full vesting from day one Tuition support for employees and their dependents Hybrid work arrangements

Why Kamloops?

This position is based out of TRU’s main campus in Kamloops, which features an abundance of green space and overlooks the North and South Thompson Rivers. Kamloops is a vibrant city that offers a high quality of life for people of all ages, with mild winters, warm summers, and short commutes.

The city is situated between the Coastal and Rocky Mountains, which is the perfect backdrop for some of Canada’s most incredible outdoor experiences. Living and working in Kamloops, you will be minutes away from scenic river trails and parks and a short distance to world-class outdoor recreation in all seasons, including mountain biking and hiking trails, freshwater lakes in the Okanagan and Shuswap and world-class skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Plus, it is only a few hours' drive to major hubs in BC, Alberta, and the United States.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re ready to lead strategic communications at TRU, we’d love to hear from you.

View the full job posting and apply at https://tru.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/34835

For more information, reach out to Kelsey Todd, People and Culture Consultant, at ktodd@tru.ca