Reporting to the Director, Corporate Strategy & External Relations, the Manager, Corporate Communications & Engagement provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the County’s corporate communications and engagement functions.
As Manager, Corporate Communications & Engagement you will lead corporate communications strategy and work collaboratively with departmental communicators to ensure clear roles, consistent standards, and alignment with corporate priorities.
The Manager oversees engagement, creative, web, and print services to deliver integrated, high‑quality communications that inform and engage audiences and strengthen the County’s reputation.
As a key advisor to senior leadership, the executive team, and Mayor and Council, this position also plays a critical role in crisis communications and emergency management, serving as a member of the Incident Management Team (IMT) and/or Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and delivery of the County’s corporate communications and engagement strategy, including communications, engagement, creative, web, and print services
- Establish and govern corporate communication policies, standards, and practices that support effective governance, transparency, and accountability
- Provide strategic direction for brand management and corporate messaging to ensure alignment with corporate priorities, legislative requirements, and reputation goals
- Oversee a “One County” approach to prioritization and resource allocation across communication functions, balancing service demands, risk, timelines, and capacity
- Ensure integrated, consistent communications across channels by aligning engagement insights, creative services, digital platforms, and print materials
- Strengthen governance communications by clearly communicating policy decisions and municipal operations to internal and external audiences
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communications and engagement efforts, reporting on outcomes and driving continuous improvement
- Build strong partnerships across departments, providing leadership, advice, and coordination to support corporate initiatives and projects
- Establish clear roles and collaborative working relationships between corporate communications and departmental communicators
- Implement the branch business plan, providing operational oversight, organizational structure, and staff leadership
- Manage the branch budget with a strong focus on fiscal accountability, resource optimization, and compliance
- Develop and monitor performance measures and ensure integrated communication, brand, and engagement strategies that drive organizational effectiveness
- Lead and coach a multidisciplinary team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and strong relationships across the organization
- Provide strategic communications and engagement advice to senior leadership, the executive team, and Mayor and Council.
- Serve as a key member of the Incident Management Team (IMT) and/or Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)
- Lead the development and execution of crisis communication plans tailored to local government
- Support emergency preparedness through training and exercises for staff and elected officials
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related discipline
- Minimum10 years of progressive professional communications experience, including leadership of strategic communications
- Minimum 5 years of leadership and/or supervisory experience
- Government and/or political experience is required
- Completion of ICS 300 and Public Information Officer (PIO) training is an asset
- Strong understanding of corporate communications, branding, digital/web strategy, and community engagement methodologies
- Excellent political acumen and issues management experience
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across platforms
- Proven ability to lead in complex, fast-paced, and high-pressure environments
- Strong facilitation, systems-thinking, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills
Who We Are:
Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, collaboration, and accountability.
Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
- Extended health and dental coverage
- Health and wellness spending account
- Life and disability insurance
- Retirement and pension programs
- Management Flex time
- Employee and family assistance program
- Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
- Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace
Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered.
This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.
Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
