Director, Strategic Communications

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Location: Calgary, Alberta (On-site with flexibility for hybrid work)

Employment Status: Full-Time, Permanent

Position Purpose

The Director, Strategic Communications leads Canada West Foundation’s communications strategy and execution. This role oversees the Strategic Communications group, guiding the Foundation’s external voice, brand presence and stakeholder engagement. Responsible for supervising three communications professionals (two Communications Specialists and one Senior Communications Specialist), the Director ensures the clarity, reach and impact of CWF’s research, events and thought leadership.

The position plays a critical role in supporting the communications needs of the Director, Strategic Partnerships & Fund Development, collaborating closely with the Vice President, Research and the research team, and amplifying the voice of the CEO and COO through op-eds, media and events.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develop, implement and evaluate the Foundation’s integrated communications strategy to elevate its reputation and influence across Western Canada and beyond.
• Oversee branding, messaging and digital presence to ensure consistency, credibility and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, COO and senior leadership on strategic communications and public positioning.

Team Leadership & Management

• Supervise and mentor three direct reports (two Communications Specialists and one Senior Communications Specialist), fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture.
• Establish annual goals, performance standards and professional development plans for the team.
• Ensure communications outputs meet high standards for clarity, accessibility and impact.

Research Communications

• Collaborate with the VP, Research and research team to translate complex policy analysis into accessible publications, media pieces and digital products.
• Provide editorial oversight for reports, policy briefs and op-eds to ensure accuracy, consistency and engagement.
• Position CWF research as timely, relevant and solutions-focused for policymakers, media and the public.

Partnership & Fund Development Support

• Support the Director, Strategic Partnerships & Fund Development with donor and sponsor communications, impact reporting and recognition events.
• Work jointly on co-branded proposals, sponsorship packages and donor/partner engagement materials.
• Ensure alignment of communications strategies with fund development objectives.

Executive & Organizational Communications

• Lead the drafting and placement of op-eds, speeches and public statements for the CEO and COO.
• Provide media relations support, including preparation for interviews, message development and crisis response.
• Guide the organization’s positioning on public policy issues to ensure a consistent, non-partisan voice.

Events & Engagement

• Plan and execute high-quality organizational and client events, including research launches, roundtables and stakeholder briefings.
• Oversee event communications, logistics and sponsor recognition.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure events strengthen relationships and extend CWF’s influence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, public policy or a related field.

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, with leadership and supervisory responsibility.

• Strong editorial judgment, writing and presentation skills.

• Proven track record of cross-functional collaboration with research and fund development teams.

• Experience in public policy, think tank, non-profit or government environments preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to:

• Lead and inspire communications teams.

• Translate complex policy and research into clear, compelling messages.

• Manage media relations, digital platforms and organizational branding.

• Deliver high-impact speeches, op-eds, and event communications.

Working Conditions

• Calgary-based, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangements.
• Some travel and occasional evening/weekend work required for events, media or project deadlines.

Performance Metrics

• Effectiveness of the Foundation’s brand and communications reach.
• Quality, clarity and impact of communications products.
• Research visibility in media, stakeholder forums and public discourse.
• Engagement and satisfaction of donors, partners and stakeholders.
• Team performance, collaboration and professional growth.
• Successful execution of events and public-facing

How to Apply

Applications accepted until 11:59 pm MT on October 24, 2025

Send your cover letter, resume and references as a single PDF to klinkhammer@cwf.ca with the subject

line composed as follows:

Last Name_Director Strategic Communications