Director, Community Engagement
Are you an experienced external relations leader that is passionate about helping to grow businesses that are shaping Alberta? If so, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is searching for a Director, Community Engagement to add to our team, and we encourage you to apply.
AWE respectfully acknowledges that we live and work within the traditional territories of Treaty 6, 7, and 8 as well as the ancestral lands of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. We acknowledge that these are the gathering places, hunting grounds, and home of the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit. We offer our respect and gratitude for the relationships offered by the peoples within these communities. We dedicate ourselves to moving forward in the spirit of partnership and collaboration as we strive to create a safe and inclusive society where every individual is valued and celebrated.
The Director of Community Engagement will oversee a team, operate as an integrated part of the Leadership Team, and will work with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to advance AWE’s strategic plan and achieve organizational goals and objectives. AWE operates with a hybrid work environment, and this role can be based out of the Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta regions.
Key Roles & Responsibilities (include but are not limited to)
Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Community Engagement will oversee all organizational funding projects, programming, organizational communications, and external relations, while leading a team to successfully deliver on community engagement initiatives.
Actively champions diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization’s programs and projects, ensuring equitable opportunities for all
Advocates for equitable access to resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs across Alberta
Participates in organizational strategic planning, operational plan development, and policy development, implementation, and review
As part of the Leadership Team, creates alignment and commitment on key strategic goals
Executes and continually improves a multi-year plan to support AWE’s priorities
Leads a team (staff and contractors) in the development, planning, and implementation of a broad range of initiatives; supports team recruitment, performance management, onboarding, training, progressive discipline, time and attendance management and coaching
Supports budget creation; oversees financial results review and analysis, and identifies areas of opportunity
Oversees implementation of AWE’s brand strategy
Develops, maintains, and executes AWE’s external relations and communications plan to support fund development, enhance awareness, and showcase the value of the organization and impact
Oversees strategic communications activities, including digital, social media, partner relationship management and media relations
Develops and maintains key relationships through outreach, education, and engagement
Develops internal and external reports, presentations and publications
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of existing and emerging policy and initiatives/developments at levels of government with a goal of evaluating impacts on AWE clients and identifying opportunities to further opportunities
Ensures and oversees appropriate issues identification and that management systems are in place to protect and strengthen AWE’s reputation
Implements and delivers on organizational and project objectives and measures
Fosters and maintains a “service and team oriented” collaborative and innovative culture
Reports on community engagement progress
COMPETENCIES and SKILLS
High resourcefulness with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
Entrepreneurial and innovative thinker who will build and implement ideas
Ability to achieve organizational goals and lead effective cross-functional teams
Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and analytical skills
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with and effectively influence stakeholder organizations through strategic communications
Ability to handle difficult situations and individuals with aplomb and grace
Demonstrates creativity, flexibility, and understanding in working with diverse populations
Experience speaking in front of large groups and interacting with staff and audiences
Solutions and detail-oriented individual with a high degree of professionalism
Evidence of problem-solving skills and ability to multi-task in high-pressure situations
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
Three (3) plus years of executive leadership experience in this field
Degree in Communications, Business, Public Relations, Public Administration, Marketing or equivalent; Additional educational qualifications or relevant experience will be considered.
Three (3) plus years’ experience working in external relations and community engagement
Demonstrated experience in delivery and development of external relations plans while working with multiple stakeholders
Thorough understanding and preparation of budgeting and scheduling
Intermediate to Advanced MS Office and web-based applications
Considered Assets:
Entrepreneurial experience
MBA
Not-for-profit, governance Board experience
CPRS or IABC professional accreditation
Certificate in project management
Bilingualism in English and French
About You!
You excel in providing exceptional service to our community, fostering meaningful connections, and thriving in a dynamic, strategic environment. Your role requires innovative thinking, effective communication, and the ability to lead a diverse team in translating ideas into action. You'll lead strategically, driving initiatives that align with organizational objectives and collaborating seamlessly with diverse groups. Your ability to cultivate trust and rapport will be essential as you navigate various community engagements. You are passionate about learning and want to grow professionally while supporting entrepreneurs to do the same. Flexibility is key, as this role will entail occasional travel, evening, and weekend commitments for events and meetings.
How to Apply
If your experience is close to what we're looking for, even if you don’t check every box, please send your cover letter and resume to human.resources@awebusiness.com with subject line “Director, Community Engagement.”
AWE is committed to building a diverse workforce representative of the communities we serve. We actively encourage and welcome all qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, ancestry, place of origin, religious beliefs, gender/gender identity/gender expression, age, physical/mental disability, marital/family status, source of income, sexual orientation or persons who may require an accommodation to apply. If you require accommodations at any stage of the application process (e.g. alternate formats, accessibility support), please email human.resources@awebusiness.com