Job Description

Department

VER Strategic Communications

Salary range

$68,101 to $113,509

Posted date

July 10, 2025

Closing date

July 17, 2025

Position Type

Full Time - Operating Funded

Description

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This competition is restricted to internal applicants of the University of Alberta. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.


This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).


In accordance with the Administrative and Professional Officer Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $68,101 to $113,509.

Location

- This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at Enterprise Square.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.


The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.


Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people -- from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Strategic Communications

The Strategic Communications portfolio enables the University of Alberta to deliver on the vision and goals outlined in the university's strategic plan. We illustrate the value that the U of A provides to our community and to society as a whole.


In service of the University strategy, we work with academic and operational leaders to tie their operational and strategic plans into the larger university strategy in a way that moves the dial on important measures of success. As a centre of expertise, we view our communications from end to end throughout the life cycles of our important communities. We integrate the seemingly disparate initiatives into a master narrative that showcases the unique aspects of the University of Alberta.


Whether we work directly with partners on their initiatives, or support their work through portfolio-initiated projects, we connect the dots from strategies across the institution - especially where they connect to the larger institutional goals - and draw them together into a compelling and consistent narrative of one of the Top 5 universities in Canada.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director, Content Generation and Media Relations in the External Relations portfolio, the Media Relations Strategist is responsible for telling the university's story to the world, as per the university's strategic plan. The Media Relations Strategist accomplishes this goal primarily by implementing thoughtful and strategic media relations strategies across a plethora of platforms, from traditional media releases and content marketing to managing online reputation and brand identity.


In all facets of this role, the Media Relations Strategist endeavors to integrate, communicate and advance the University's commitments to equity, diversity and inclusivity.


This position understands, fulfills, and promotes the health, safety and environment responsibilities identified in university policy.

Duties

Through proactive media relations, augmenting the university's local, national and international reputation and visibility by pitching stories about the research and other activities happening at the U of A to external media around the world. Measuring and evaluating the success of media relations strategies to achieve the goal of having the university's key messages well reflected in all external media stories. Updating and revising the media relations strategies as appropriate to reflect changing priorities, based on evidence, such as sentiment or metrics analysis of external news stories and research of best practices, such as appropriate tactics to use in reputation management, and issues management. Ensuring effective packaging and delivery of communications - proactively promoting planned and opportunistic stories and messages that advance the university's reputation and strategic plan, and helping to manage issues. Producing news stories that reflect the wide scope and breadth of research and other activities at the University of Alberta. Is responsible for distributing those stories as widely as possible through associated social media channels, the university's social media channels and by pitching the stories to traditional media. Developing and overseeing media relations training programs across the university to be able to provide relations training and coaching for university leadership, subject matter experts, researchers, and students as needed. Establishing and maintaining relationships with media professionals and working collaboratively with the University of Alberta Marketing and Communications' Partners and Centres of Expertise to ensure consistent strategy and aligning priorities and promoting traditional media coverage. Responding to ad-hoc media queries expediently and preparing briefing notes, writing media releases and pitches, fact sheets, backgrounders, for the Senior leadership team as required. Assisting in the development and maintenance of subject matter expert databases and media contact databases.

Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in a related area, with preference for a Master's degree Minimum 7 years of communications and/or media experience, including writing different types of materials for different audiences, issues management and crisis communication, proactive pitches, social media management, storytelling. Minimum 3 years independently managing proven relationships with media representatives on behalf of a complex organization and media relations, including proactive pitching/positioning, responsive subject matter, expert commentary support, and acting as a public representative and spokesperson. Exceptional track record of developing and implementing social media strategies that have consistently met or exceeded planned objectives. Keen eye for detail, particularly in tactical implementation and audience analytics Solid understanding of the purpose and use of social media for strategic stakeholder engagement Ability to manage competing deadlines and multiple demands, and effectively prioritize The individual will be current on social media best practices and be able to fully integrate multimedia and various digital tools as appropriate. High degree of professionalism and judgement Excellent knowledge of applicable laws, legislation, and best practices guiding public information management in Canada and Alberta. Solid understanding of Alberta and Canada's political and media landscape, and in particular, the key stakeholders for post-secondary education. Strong comprehension of the University of Alberta, its various stakeholders, partners, and governance structure. French language skills are an asset.


At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.


We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.



All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms--physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.



The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.



L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identite et une expression sexospecifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.

Note:

This opportunity will be available until midnight July 17, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.