About Olds College of Agriculture and Technology

Founded in 1913, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology has been offering high quality hands-on education for over a century. Through our core programming including continuing education, online and blended programming, we provide accessible educational opportunities within Alberta and beyond. We are passionate about the Agriculture industry. Through our applied research and integrated learning, we are proud to be Canada’s Smart Agriculture College, specializing in agriculture, agrifood, horticulture, land and environmental stewardship. We work closely with industry to advance and adapt our programming to ensure our graduates have the skills to succeed.

The Opportunity - Communications Lead, Research - temporary (12-18 months)

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement Job Classification: Business Analyst

Reporting to the Director, Office of Research Services, the Communications Lead - Research will create, execute and evaluate strategic communications and marketing plans that support the research division of the College. This position will work closely with the research teams to develop content that supports the Olds College brand and social purpose oftransforming agriculture for a better world. Olds College conducts research in crops, livestock, environment and smart agriculture, and is responsible for the Olds College Smart Farm. The Communications Lead will collaborate closely with the External Relations team to share the content across multiple platforms, including the Olds College website, social media, intranet, external publications and magazines. This position will also be responsible for creating a media relations strategy for applied research areas, including developing and pitching stories to the media.

Key Job Functions:

Strategic Communications & Marketing Leadership

• Oversee the overall development and implementation of the strategic communications and marketing plans related to research.
• Champion and exercise collaboration with the Office of Research Services to facilitate and maximize effective content sharing, engagement and best practices.

Content Development & Translation

• Work with the Olds College research teams to translate technical research content into easily understood material for all ages.
• Identify and develop content about applied research projects and initiatives, including the Olds College Smart Farm.
• Write magazine articles, web stories, social media content that supports applied research and the Olds College brand.

Media Relations & Public Engagement

• Develop relationships with media to pitch research stories, write media releases and prepare members of the research team for media interviews.
• Support research events, photo and video shoots.

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required:

• A degree in Communications, Marketing or a related program (Equivalent experience considered).
• Three to five years related work experience.
• Demonstrated success in managing strong, positive relationships with client groups.
• Demonstrated success in creating and executing communications plans and initiatives from start to finish.
• Strong professional writing skills.
• Must be able to translate very technical information into easy to understand content.
• Positive and collaborative attitude geared towards customer service with a professional demeanor.
• Detail-oriented with strong project management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment or independently.
• Must be able to effectively manage competing priorities and work well under tight deadlines.
• A creative team-player, who is curious and not afraid to ask questions.
• Makes decisions with the College’s interests in mind, while demonstrating inclusivity, openness, transparency, civility, and respect.
• Acts ethically, openly, honestly, and respectfully to build and maintain an environment of trust, safety, and well-being.
• Actively promotes equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging throughout the campus and our communities and serves as a real ally to all.
• Preference given to candidates with post-secondary work experience.

Conditions of Employment:

• Current Criminal Reference check that is free of any offenses.
• Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the key job functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It is not an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Other duties may be assigned.

Please apply by March 26, 2026

We thank all individuals for their interest in this position. We appreciate the time involved for candidates in the application process. At this time, please note only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Olds College is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of any sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.