Director, Media Relations & Research

Union/Affiliation: Administrative and Professional Staff (APSA) Pay range: $99,865 to $119,148 annually SFU Department Descr: Communications & Marketing Position Grade: 12 # of openings: 1 Biweekly Hours: 72

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

SFU’s Communications & Marketing (C&M) team members are consultative problem-solvers. We deliver strategies that help inform our key audiences and influence their attitudes, perceptions and behaviours in support of SFU as a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future.

About the Role

This pivotal leadership role within SFU’s Communications & Marketing team supports the university’s reputation strategy by overseeing media relations and strategic research communications. Reporting to the Executive Director, Strategic Communications, the Director, Media Relations and Research leads two high-performing teams—media relations and research marketing—to elevate SFU’s visibility and impact. With a strategic, big-picture lens, the Director develops and implements integrated communications plans that align with institutional priorities, fosters influential relationships, and drives awareness of SFU’s research and innovation excellence. The role requires strong leadership, reputation building communication and marketing expertise, and the ability to inspire cross-functional collaboration to exceed objectives and deliver measurable outcomes.

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