Description
McMaster is a university that makes an impact locally, nationally and globally through its commitment to translating research and learning into action that improves health, strengthens society and prepares the next generation of leaders and citizens. With its cutting-edge research and world-class teaching and learning, McMaster is ranked among the Top 150 universities in the world. McMaster invented problem-based learning, an innovation that transformed higher education globally, and is home to evidence-based medicine, one of the great advances of modern medicine.
With over 37,000 students, more than 8,000 continuing faculty and staff, and a vibrant research enterprise, McMaster is consistently ranked among Canada’s top research universities and is recognized as a HamiltonNiagara Top Employer and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers.
As McMaster looks to the future, there is a significant opportunity to elevate how the University defines, tells and amplifies its story by building a stronger, more cohesive global brand that reflects the scale and impact of its research, innovation, teaching and community leadership. It is within this context, that McMaster University is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as its new Vice-President, Communications – an exciting opportunity to lead and shape the future direction of one of the University’s most visible and strategically important functions.
Reporting to the President, the Vice-President provides enterprise-wide leadership across strategic communications, brand and marketing, and government relations, positioning the University for sustained national and global impact. In partnership with the President, Provost, Vice-Presidents, Deans and senior leaders, the Vice-President ensures a cohesive institutional narrative and a unified approach to reputation, engagement and strategic positioning in an increasingly complex and dynamic global environment. As a strategic advisor, the Vice-President plays a critical role in navigating complex reputational and policy environments, advances advocacy priorities and builds meaningful partnerships with the external community that strengthen McMaster’s voice and influence on key issues.
The ideal candidate is an accomplished leader with significant experience leading enterprise-wide communications, brand and marketing, and government relations functions within complex organizations. They have a proven track record of leading large-scale organizational change, including setting strategic vision, aligning diverse stakeholders, and driving enterprise-wide transformation. They are skilled at influencing public policy, translating complexity into clear and compelling strategies that advance institutional priorities, and exercising sound judgement. An outstanding communicator and relationship builder, they are known for their ability to engage diverse audiences with authenticity and credibility, foster collaboration, and build alignment around a shared vision. As an inclusive and accessible leader, the Vice-President will bring experience leading high-performing teams and cultivating a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement, further positioning McMaster as a globally recognized leader in research, innovation, education and societal impact.
McMaster has partnered with the leadership advisory firm Odgers for this search. Applications are encouraged immediately and ideally by July 22, 2026, at https://careers.odgers.com/en-ca/job/31160. For more information or accommodations at any step of the process, please contact Julia Robarts and Krutika Hotwani at mcmastervpcomms@odgers.com. This posting is for a newly created position.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
