Genome Alberta is a not-for-profit corporation, incorporated under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. Our organization operates in partnership with Genome Canada, the Province of Alberta, and a number of other funding partners. Genome Alberta is responsible for the initiation, funding, management, and administration of a large research funding portfolio.
Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Communications & Stakeholder Relations is a senior member of the management team, responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of annual communications/government relations plans and strategies for the purpose of promoting and contributing to the organization’s strategic positioning with target audiences. The Director of Communications & Stakeholder Relations is also responsible for the development of policies, guidelines, standards and performance metrics to provide support, advice, and guidance in the delivery of communications services. The plan and its execution will be guided by the organization’s strategic vision and objectives promoting the value of genomics.
The ideal candidate will be a motivated professional. He/she will connect with stakeholders who can link activities and tactics to organizational objectives. The Director will be a strategic thinker with knowledge/experience in how government works, how decisions are made, and what kind of information is compelling to government decision makers. The Director will also have managed the production of an Annual Report, communications budget development, sponsorship opportunities and reporting on outcomes against objectives and budgets. He/she will be well-versed in organizational communications and marketing and will be familiar with overseeing contract assistance.
He/she will have demonstrated experience in producing effective communications products (digital and printed but not radio/tv/podcasts etc.) that inform and persuade clearly. He/she will also be able to take complex concepts and describe the value proposition in terms that both decision makers and the public can understand and appreciate (samples of writing of both will be requested).
As a part of the management team, major responsibilities and contributions include:
- Develop and implement Communications and Government Relations Plan in consultation with the President and CEO, Chief Scientific Officer, and stakeholders
- Supporting the government relations strategy with appropriate communications products designed to inform and persuade government funding decision-makers, potential private sector funders, and potential Third-Party Advocates (TPAs)
- Supporting the President & CEO and members of the Board, with appropriate communications products to assist them in advocating on behalf of Genome Alberta
- Maintaining, updating, and expanding the suite of Genome Alberta communications products that support the goal of informing and persuading decision-makers
- Development and implementation of a social media strategy
- Managing required administrative responsibilities including budgeting, contractor management, timelines, and reporting on outcomes
- Engaging communications and government relations staff at Genome Canada, regional Genome Centres, and other provincial and federal stakeholders to deliver on collaborative objectives
Key Competencies
- Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to build and foster strong, strategic professional relationships across a broad spectrum of stakeholders
- Ability to thrive in a collaborative and cooperative team environment with colleagues
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Possess strong written and verbal communication skills (including strong presentation skills).
- Ensure alignment and integration of sponsorships with annual objectives
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with Genome Canada and regional Genome Centres
The suite of products the Communications Director will be responsible for maintaining, upgrading, and expanding includes (but is not limited to):
- Develop style/brand management guidelines
- Website
- Annual Report
- Materials that promote new funding opportunities across stakeholder groups
- An ongoing suite of stories highlighting Genome Alberta research successes
- Power Point presentations for various audiences and purposes
- Short and long speech notes for the President and Board to use
- Short documents that highlight the value proposition of Genome Alberta
- FAQ and Q&A documents
- Social media postings
- Management of Media/Presentation training for the Board
- E-Newsletter to targeted audiences
- A collection of photographs, charts, memes, and illustrations for use in various products
- Management of contractors who may be engaged to write, create graphics, or design products as required to handle overflow or fill gaps in available skills
- Evaluation of sponsorship opportunities
- Assist in the GR strategy as it may pertain to, for example, paid advertising in targeted areas
- Maintain and monitor ongoing administrative requirements such as subscriptions, software contracts/updates, media monitoring or other services that support the position’s responsibilities
Depending on the exact skill set of the successful candidate, the budget provides for contractors to assist with specific skills (such as graphic designers/illustrators and writers)
Qualifications and Education
University or college degree in communications and/or political science with demonstrated experience in government relations at the provincial and/or federal level
What we Offer
- A competitive compensation and benefits package
- Exceptional culture
- An opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a dynamic organization that aims to improve the lives of Albertans and
- Canadians through its support for Genomics research
- An appropriate work-life balance that ensures the well-being of its employees
- Group RRSP contributions/Pension (company match)
COVID-19 considerations:
Genome Alberta is committed to following all provincial and federal public health authority guidance pertaining to COVID-19.
Location:Suite 200, 3512 – 33 St N.W., Calgary, AB
Salary range:Commensurate with experience
Please submit your cover letter, resume and writing samples before August 5, 2022, to Mitthua Banks at
mbanks@genomealberta.ca
Genome Alberta is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment that values the diversity of the people we hire and serve. Diversity at our organization means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths.
Although we thank all applicants for their interest in Genome Alberta, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you.
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