Department VER Strategic Communications

Salary range $67,159 to $111,927

Posted date August 20, 2025

Closing date September 3, 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.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus 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, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples 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 Faculty of Native Studies

Initially established as the School of Native Studies in 1984, the Faculty of Native Studies is an Indigenous-led academic unit with longstanding partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations and communities around the globe. The contributions that its faculty members, administrative staff and graduate and undergraduate students make through community-engaged and interdisciplinary research, teaching and service create positive and lasting impacts. Just as importantly, the Faculty of Native Studies' students, faculty and staff learn and benefit from the knowledge that has been reciprocally shared. It is the first and only autonomous Indigenous Studies faculty in Canada.

Position Summary

Reporting to a Senior Partner, the Partner, Communications and Marketing will help advance the strategic goals of the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta. As Partner, Communications and Marketing, you will develop and work closely with colleagues to deliver integrated communications, digital and creative services to internal and external audiences. As the dedicated point of contact for the Faculty of Native Studies, you’ll provide excellent relationship management with senior leaders, and provide them with strategic communications advice.You’re a proactive relationship manager who excels at strategic communications solutions while balancing priorities and projects serving multiple senior leaders. 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 internal communications, editorial strategy, creative and digital, brand, marketing, media relations, issues management, and more. You will be responsible for executing and reporting on the communications tactics identified in communications plans that you build.

Duties

Communications:

• Develop communications and strategic plans for Faculty of Native Studies
• Scope projects, lead project meetings, and manage timelines, resources and delivery of strategic communications solutions
• Work with Centres of Expertise including media relations, issues management, brand, and creative and digital solutions on the execution of communications assets
• Identify and pitch, write, edit, and produce high quality content for a variety of platforms: including websites, newsletters, media releases, social media, stories, campaigns.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance reputation, heighten awareness and address multiple audiences across various social media platforms.
• Collaborate and coordinate with cross-functional teams to execute on successful communications projects and campaigns.

Relationship management:

• Steward strategic partnerships and information sharing
• Regularly assess processes and workflow to ensure consistency and efficiency, recommending changes when appropriate
• Contribute to an environment that respects Indigenous governance, knowledge systems, and the diverse identities of Indigenous peoples.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• 5-7 years of progressive experience in strategic communications or journalism in a complex organization, including project leadership experience
• The ability to work independently and proactively to make strategic decisions
• Ability to work with all levels of staff and management
• Deep understanding of communication channels and audience evaluation
• Experience with writing and executing communications plans
• Experience in developing complex communications strategies
• Solid commitment to consultation, collaboration, and communication
• A high degree of professionalism and judgment
• Comfortable providing strategic advice and recommendations to senior leaders
• Demonstrated experience with and/or training in supporting successful communications related to Indigenous initiatives
• Solid understanding of academic culture
• Knowledge of the different histories and contemporary experiences of Indigenous people living in Canada
• Understanding of Indigenous-settler relationships, and the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canada
• Familiarity writing about and for Indigenous people and communities
• Familiar with the complexities of Indigenous knowledge, research, and pedagogy
• Ability to think critically, demonstrate tact and diplomacy, work independently and collaboratively
• Cover letter must address why you are interested in supporting the Faculty of Native Studies

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, Métis 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’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight September 3, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.