Job Description

Job Title: External Relations Manager

Employment Indicator: Permanent

Reports to : Director, Member Engagement & Communications

APEGA is seeking a skilled and strategic communicator to lead our external relations team. As one of three communications managers, you'll play a key role in shaping public perception and strengthening stakeholder trust.This position is ideal for a media-savvy, politically astute communicator who can think strategically, write clearly, and collaborate across departments. You'll lead media relations, guide government and stakeholder engagement, and advise APEGA's executive team on reputational matters and position APEGA as a modern, transparent, and effective regulator

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director, Member Engagement and Communications, the External Relations Manager plays an important role in advancing APEGA's reputation as Alberta's regulator of the engineering and geoscience professions. This position leads the strategic development and execution of external relations initiatives, with a focus on government relations, media engagement, and reputation management.

This role is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with media, government, regulatory counterparts, and public stakeholders. The manager brings deep understanding of Alberta's regulatory and political landscape--especially as APEGA transitions to the Professional Governance Act--to inform timely and accurate communication and engagement that protects and enhances APEGA's public profile.

The External Relations Manager also acts as an advisor to APEGA leadership and designated spokespersons on matters of public perception and reputational risk. The role supervises two External Relations Specialists and collaborates across divisions to ensure alignment and consistency in external messaging.

Responsibilities

Implement proactive strategies to cultivate media relationships and support local presence through media messages and community-engagement opportunities. Ensure external relations initiatives and outcomes are linked to APEGA's strategic priorities. Leverage relationships with media and develop news releases to promote and enhance APEGA's reputation as a trusted and modern regulator. Pitch new ideas, identify content, and write key messages to share with key stakeholders to strengthen and amplify APEGA's reputation as an effective regulator. Develop briefing notes and speeches for council and the executive leadership team, as well as briefs and submissions to the government. Provide timely, relevant advice to help APEGA's leadership make informed decisions and support the strategic plan. Flag important developments that could affect APEGA or the professions and recommend appropriate responses. Help manage complex or sensitive issues, working with other teams to develop responses and reduce organizational risk. Draft responses to emails from registrants addressed to the president or the registrar & CEO, ensuring responses reflect APEGA's regulatory role, tone, and strategic messaging. Analyze media monitoring reports for environmental scans and regulatory trends. Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications and Publications & Content managers to ensure message alignment across all platforms. Proactively identify engagement and event opportunities (including round tables, panels, speaking opportunities) for APEGA spokespeople that position APEGA as a thought leader. As a member of the Crisis Management team, provide expertise on best practices and procedures that impact APEGA's reputation during crises. Act as a lead to identify issues and develop strategies for damage containment in crisis situations. Supervise, provide direction, guidance, and effective feedback for two external relations specialists. Participate in cross-functional planning with design, production, and digital teams to deliver effective tactics aligned with external relations goals. Contribute to integrated communications planning and shared departmental KPIs. Develop and maintain a government and stakeholder (GSR) relations strategy and implementation plan. Oversee non-legislative GSR activities, encompassing strategy development, proactive engagement, external coordination, and integrated support for executive outreach. Recommend actions, events, and activities to engage government officials. Work with senior leaders on communication strategies on the implementation of the Professional Governance Act and other relevant legislative changes Provide guidance and direction on GSR initiatives and efforts as a subject matter expert. Monitor trends to proactively shape APEGA's messaging and engagement strategies. Monitor legislative activity, including bills, orders-in-council, committee meetings, and relevant regulatory developments. Prepare correspondence and official communication to government officials, including ministers and senior public servants. In collaboration with other business units, develop tailored engagement strategies for each major stakeholder group to ensure regular, purposeful interaction. In collaboration with other business units, build connections with peer associations, academic institutions, industry partners, and regulators with overlapping mandates or interests

Competencies, Skills & Attributes

Competencies

Core:

Exemplifying Integrity Fostering Communication Results Orientation Service Excellence Teamwork
Core Leadership:

Decision Making Ensuring Accountability Inspiring Others
Additional Leadership:

Thinking Strategically
Functional:

Media and Public Relations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

This position requires advanced knowledge of a range of internal and external communications. Knowledge of public and external relations and communication best practices. Knowledge of external relations campaign objectives and tactics; what it takes to measurably influence public opinion. Thorough knowledge of traditional, digital, and social media channels. Established relationships with media organizations, journalists, and various levels of government organizations. Excellent judgement and understanding of issues management best practices and procedures to determine and follow escalation decision points and approvals. Must react to changes quickly and creatively, often altering communication strategies and plans to address changes. Demonstrated project and change management skills, including knowledge of change management principles and methodologies. Excellent communication and behavioral/people management skills. Ability to be flexible in an ever-changing environment and to adjust as required. Excellent writing and presentation skills. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Business planning and budgeting skills. Requires advanced business writing, marketing and communication planning experience, including knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of project management. Requires a strong ability to build professional, productive and collaborative relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders, including working with diverse groups to engage and develop consensus. Must be able to work under pressure, set priorities, and thrive in a high-paced environment.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in public relations, political science, journalism, or communications. 5-7 years of experience in developing and leading strategic public relations, government relations, and/or communication campaigns. Experience working with stakeholder groups (boards, committees, influencers, sponsors, public stakeholders, etc.). Advanced knowledge of political processes, government functions, parliamentary procedures, and/or intergovernmental dynamics. Demonstrated experience with public affairs and government relations strategy development and implementation. 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience including managing staff and projects. Experience working with member-based organizations, regulators, or governments would be an asset. Experience in regulatory practices would be considered an asset. Facilitation experience would be an asset. Solid knowledge of Microsoft Suite and budgeting practices using Excel. Equivalencies may be considered.

Closing Date:

Until successful candidate is found

We acknowledge all candidates working in their area of expertise may build their knowledge, skills, and competencies in several ways. We welcome candidates from a breadth of backgrounds, who may have equivalent skills and competencies to the ones listed above. There may be APEGA positions posted that have specific regulatory requirements, and in keeping with those requirements, APEGA will follow the guidelines that we are bound by. All candidates are considered with the objective to enhance APEGA's people and culture.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your cover letter and resume directly through our company website (https://www.apega.ca/about-apega/apega-careers

Thank you for your interest in APEGA.
Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

Casual dress Commuter benefits Company events Dental care Disability insurance Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance Paid time off Vision care Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Edmonton, AB T6E 6A8