Job Description

:
In order to ensure your application is received by NAIT for thorough review and consideration, please apply directly through our Careers site at
Please Note: This is a temporary position ending on or before Dec 31, 2026 with the possibility of extension.
The Communications Strategist is a trusted advisor responsible for the development and implementation of strategic communications supporting NAIT's President and CEO, the Board Chair, and the Office of the President. This role directly contributes to NAIT's institutional priorities by amplifying executive leadership, aligning messaging with The NAIT Effect and annual OKRs, and managing high-profile communications projects that influence internal culture and public perception.
Building on the core functions of the Communication Strategist role-such as project management, brand stewardship, and stakeholder-focused messaging-this position extends into enterprise-level influence and oversight. It integrates all core responsibilities of client-centered strategy and execution, while also offering leadership in presidential social media, governance reporting, executive speechwriting, and institution-wide strategic campaigns.
The strategist works closely with M&C colleagues, the External Relations team, and the Chief of Staff, serving as a central figure in NAIT's internal and external storytelling and brand expression.
This position operates in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, requiring frequent attention to urgent and evolving priorities. The strategist must be prepared to respond quickly to executive needs, reputational risks, and institutional developments-sometimes outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet deadlines and support high-stakes communications.
Estimated allocation of time:

• Executive and presidential communications: 30%
• Board communications and strategic governance support: 20%
• Strategic planning and enterprise-wide campaign leadership: 25%
• Project management and oversight of execution: 15%
• Cross-unit collaboration and counsel to peers: 10%

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver strategic communications for NAIT's President, Board Chair, and Office of the President, including speeches, executive briefings, governance reports, and social media content.
• Lead the planning, writing, and execution of presidential and board-facing communications, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities such as The NAIT Effect and annual OKRs.
• Manage the production of high-profile messaging for internal and external audiences, including employees, learners, donors, government, and media.
• Coordinate governance communications, including the Consolidated Executive Management Committee Report to the Board and other board-related materials.
• Provide editorial oversight and strategic counsel on executive messaging developed by other teams, ensuring consistency, tone, and readiness for senior audiences.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications, External Relations, and Strategy & Governance to ensure message integration across platforms and departments.
• Lead cross-functional communications projects, including institutional campaigns, executive visibility initiatives, and reputational risk responses.
• Monitor and respond to emerging issues, providing rapid communications support during high-stakes or time-sensitive scenarios-including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Maintain and evolve the President's communications strategy and voice across all channels, including digital platforms and public-facing engagements.

Skills & Abilities:

• Outstanding writing and content development skills across speeches, social media, video, and digital platforms.
• Versatile in multiple media formats; able to produce executive and board communications in written, spoken, and visual forms.
• Serves as the owner of the President's "voice," building a close, practical working relationship with executive leadership and the Board Chair.
• Strategic, adaptable, and responsive-able to manage urgent, high-stakes communications, including outside regular hours.
• Politically astute, discreet, and emotionally intelligent; skilled at synthesizing complex information for diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with the use of AI tools and large language models (LLMs) to enhance efficiency, accelerate content development, and support strategic decision-making in communications.

Qualifications:

• Education:

• A bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field is required.
• A master's degree or equivalencies are considered an asset

• Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, with a demonstrated track record of developing and delivering executive-level communications.
• Experience supporting senior leaders or boards, ideally in a public sector, post-secondary, or complex organizational environment.
• Proven ability to manage high-profile, high-stakes communications projects and campaigns.
• Experience with issues management, governance communications, and institutional storytelling is an asset.

• Technical Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in written and digital communications, including speechwriting, social media, and video content development.
• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite and digital collaboration tools.
• Familiarity with digital publishing platforms, social media management tools, and multimedia production.
• Experience using AI tools and large language models (LLMs) to enhance communications efficiency and effectiveness.

• Other Requirements:

• Exceptional interpersonal, political, and organizational acumen.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services or the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS).
Remuneration: $84,655.22 - $112,153.60 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package. (Classification - Job Code Description).
Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.
About NAIT
We are proud to have been named one of Alberta's Top Employers for 14 consecutive years. Being part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, industry clients and partners, NAIT's culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability.
People are what make NAIT great, and we prioritize the employee experience. We offer focusing on health and wellness, work-life balance, recognition, and professional and personal growth. In addition to excellent vacation time, we offer paid time off between Christmas and New Year's.
NAIT supports a flexible work environment, enabling staff to request approval for on-campus, off-site, or hybrid work arrangements based on the nature of the role. Please note that remote positions require employees to reside within Canada.
NAIT is committed to fostering an environment that supports equity and cultivates inclusion through our . We are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion and Pride at Work Canada. While we encourage all qualified applicants to apply, only those being considered will be contacted. If you require any accommodations, please connect with us at .
#LI-MO1 #LI-Hybrid -

Skills Required