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

www.nait.ca/careers



Reporting to the Vice-President, External Relations & Chief Development Officer, the

Director of Community Engagement

will provide strategic leadership to NAIT's engagement team while offering direction and advice to senior leaders aiming to develop and implement initiatives that optimizesour connections with stakeholders, enhances our reputation, and aligns internal and external engagement efforts.


As the

Director of

Community Engagement

, you will be responsible for optimizing stakeholder engagement across various sectors, including industry partners, donors, government, alumni, community partners and prospective supporters. Your role will involve understanding stakeholder behavior, identifying opportunities to enhance relationships, and driving initiatives that increase NAIT's presence and impact locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally.


The Director oversees all aspects of the Community Engagement function including strategic planning, staff management, partnership management, and reporting. Leading a new and high-profile initiative, the Director must advance Community Engagement by fostering innovation and working collaboratively with departments and business units across the institution, and with external partners to NAIT (including post-secondary, industry and other community partners).


The Director will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of impactful engagement strategies that align with NAIT's vision.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Engagement & Relationship Building


Develop and execute comprehensive engagement strategies that align with NAIT's vision and strategic priorities to move the portfolio forward. Develop, manage and optimize relationships through strategic community engagement initiatives. Provide strategic direction to executives on engagement opportunities. Collaborate with NAIT leadership team to uniquely position and market NAIT's community engagement opportunities leading to impact and an increased reputation and awareness of NAIT. Collaborate with the advancement team to leverage donor and alumni information for event briefings, community engagement, and recruitment advisory committees.

Operations, Budget & Resource Management

Employ strong management principles in leading, managing and supporting activities within the department and for the institution. Establish a sustainable growth and business plan, and ensure it is implemented and monitored to align and support the institution's strategic plan. Plan, forecast, and manage the annual community engagement budget. Provide strategic direction in relation to volunteer committees, including monitoring terms, renewals, and maintaining a skills matrix for advisory committee recruitment. Create measurement frameworks to track and enhance NAIT's community engagement efforts. Conduct weekly interactions with senior leaders to gather stakeholder engagement insights and provide event briefings and coaching. Conduct post-event evaluations, documenting successes, areas for improvement, and next steps for ongoing engagement. Attend events as a senior leader, and at times staffing executive leadership, outside of normal working hours, including evenings and weekends, with occasional travel required.

Portfolio Development, Reputation and Partnership Building


Strengthen relationships with community partners and advance NAIT's role and reputation as a community builder and leader. Grow NAIT's reputation in Community Engagement by amplifying current initiatives, convening stakeholders, and showcasing collaborative leadership. Map internal engagement events with external opportunities to ensure NAIT representatives attend the right events with detailed event briefings. Develop confidential documentation, including briefings and strategy documents focused on principal gift donor research (philanthropic gifts of $1M or more). Initiate, coordinate and interpret market research relevant to community engagement to competitively position NAIT locally, provincially and nationally. Advise leadership on key events and meetings to attend and provide guidance on events that may not be beneficial. Communicate with event organizers, including government officials, industry partners, NAIT partners, and donors.

Skills & Abilities:

Drives Vision and Purpose - Clearly articulates a compelling vision and strategy that inspires and motivates others. Balances Stakeholders - Effectively navigates and balances the needs of diverse stakeholders. Strategic Mindset - Possesses a strong strategic mindset, anticipating future trends and translating them into innovative solutions. Drives Results - Consistently achieves outstanding results, even in challenging circumstances. Instills Trust - Builds and maintains trust through honesty, integrity, empathy, and authenticity by modelling these behaviours while encouraging others to do the same. Deep understanding of Edmonton and Alberta's philanthropic, political and economic landscape. Strong knowledge of government protocols, particularly related to event attendance by NAIT officials. Working knowledge of FOIPP, PIPA, and the Post-Secondary Learning Act. Excellent project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple initiatives simultaneously. Strong communication, relationship-building, and strategic planning skills. Ability to analyze engagement trends and make data-informed recommendations. Ability to apply knowledge of external activities and internal opportunities to advance the institution's goals. Candidates must have a high degree of accountability with the ability to work independently and effectively lead teams.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in a related field (business, public relations, marketing, communications, or related field of study). 7+ years experience working with community stakeholders. Experience in donor portfolio management, project management, Gantt charting, and Association of Fundraising (AFP) Code of Ethics and Professional Practices. A combination of education and experience will be considered.


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

: $109,064.28 - $144,494.48 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

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 benefits and unique perks 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 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. 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 careers@nait.ca.




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