Job Description

Department

VER Strategic Communications

Salary range

$67,159 to $111,927

Posted date

July 10, 2025

Closing date

July 31, 2025

Position Type

Full Time - Operating Funded

Description

---------------

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 $67,159 to $111,927.


This competition may be used to hire for multiple positions.

Location

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

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 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 Senior Partner, the Partner, Communications and Marketing will help advance the strategic goals of a College, Faculty or Vice-president portfolio at the University of Alberta.


The Partner, Communications and Marketing, is accountable for developing and implementing multi-year, annual and project-specific communications and marketing strategies, providing strategic advice to university leaders, and delivering hands-on communications and marketing services to assigned Faculties and administrative portfolios.


If you're a proactive relationship manager who excels at driving strategic communications and marketing solutions, and balancing priorities and projects serving multiple senior leaders, this role was made for you. As an organized, detail-oriented and collaborative person, you enjoy problem solving, building momentum on a team and delivering solutions.


As a successful candidate, you will work collaboratively with colleagues in External Relations across a range of areas, including: media relations, storytelling, creative and digital, brand, marketing, media relations and more.

Duties

Works with the academic or administrative leadership team to develop and implement a communication and marketing strategic plan that supports Faculty/unit objectives and aligns with the college/portfolio and university strategic plans) Develops and/or implements strategies and key messages to enhance the reputation, heighten the awareness, inspire action, address multiple audiences, and deliver a coherent and unified message to internal and external audiences Keeps abreast of relevant issues and trends that could affect the area's brand and reputation. Advises leadership on reputational risks and implications of current or proposed actions Analyzes market research, data/trends and identifies opportunities Provides strategic leadership and counsel to other communicators and leaders within the Faculty/unit (department staff, research institutes and units) Acts as editor for all faculty/unit-level communication mediums. Writes, edits and/or reviews communications materials (e.g. articles, leadership messages and positioning, speeches, faculty/area publications)

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in a related area 5-7 years of experience at the professional level, including project leadership experience Ability to translate strategic priorities into actionable communications and marketing plans Ability to balance competing priorities and meet and manage client expectations Strong team building and leadership skills Solid understanding of editorial strategy, internal communication, issues management, media relations, alumni and donor communications, and social media management Experience in project management, negotiation and brokering. Deep understanding of all communication channels Solid commitment to consultation, collaboration and communication High degree of professionalism and judgment Strong research, communication skills Solid understanding of academic culture, the university's policies and procedures and its organizational structure


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 31, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.