Communications Strategist (Maternity Leave Coverage)

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in wildlife conservation seeks a passionate Communications Strategist to drive impactful messaging and enhance brand reputation. This role involves crafting strategic communication plans, managing media relations, and collaborating across teams to support conservation efforts. With a focus on creativity and collaboration, you'll thrive in a dynamic environment that values curiosity and integrity. Join a team dedicated to inspiring change for wildlife and wild places while enjoying a rewarding work atmosphere amidst nature.

Benefits

Competitive compensation and vacation

Flexible benefits plan

Discounts on food and merchandise

Participation in Staff Pass Benefit plan

Fun work environment

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Communications or Public Relations.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic communications plans.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communications strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Manage media relations and prepare news releases.

Skills

Strategic Communication

Media Relations

Writing Skills

Project Management

Collaboration

Education

Diploma in Communications

Bachelor's Degree in Communications

Tools

Online Application System

Social Media Platforms

Job description

Are you a communications professional seeking meaningful work that creates real impact for wildlife and wild places?

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is looking for a Communications Strategist to cover a maternity leave who will drive change for the animals, plants, and people who share our planet. We are looking for an independent, future-focused thinker who brings curiosity, integrity, and strategic insight to their work. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, stay calm under pressure, and value collaboration and excellence, we want to hear from you!

As part of the Brand & Engagement team, reporting to the Manager, Communications and working closely with stakeholders across the organization, the Communications Strategist provides both strategic advice and hands-on support for internal and external communications. You will develop and implement measurable strategies to support the zoo’s goals, manage proactive and reactive media relations, and help ensure our voice consistently reflects our purpose and brand across all channels.

As a strategic advisor, this role requires a professional who has the confidence to advocate for the organization and the conservation work we do locally and globally, as well as the diplomacy to cultivate strong working relationships to support internal clients with timely, effective service.

Our Purpose |We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Core Values |Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

Contract:

• Start Date: July 2025
• End Date: August 2026

What you will do:

• Develop and implement communications strategies aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities to drive revenue, increase awareness, and strengthen brand reputation.
• Craft high-impact, culturally aligned messaging for a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor, measure, and report on communication outcomes, adjusting plans as needed.
• Anticipate and assess potential issues affecting operations and recommend proactive communication approaches.
• Support media relations including preparing news releases, coordinating interviews, liaising with media onsite, monitoring coverage, and preparing media reports.
• Provide communications support and advice to internal clients as required, including a weekly All Staff newsletter, attending internal meetings, and support the promotion of special experiences and events.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to ensure brand consistency internally and externally across digital, print, and public-facing platforms.
• Collaborate with the Development team to support donor and member communications by reviewing development led materials, crafting impactful content for the monthly donor newsletter, proactively pitching feature stories, and supporting with communication tactics for development campaigns and sponsorship activations.
• Support website content management, specifically the notifications banner, “Plan your visit”, news and bite-sized news.
• Foster strong relationships across departments and deliver timely, high-quality service.

What you will bring:

• Diploma in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field, including work in both internal and external communications.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans.
• Proven writing ability in diverse tones, styles, and voices.
• Media relations and issues management experience are considered assets.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure and tight timelines.
• Strong business judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
• Highly collaborative and adept at working with diverse internal clients.
• Comfortable using metrics and insights to guide strategies and evaluate impact.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based with regular computer use.
• Flexible work schedule, with a minimum of three days onsite per week.
• Some lifting (boxes, signage, materials) may be required.
• Due to the nature of communications work, occasional evening or weekend support may be required for crises, events, or social media monitoring.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an outdoor facility and all staff working at the zoo must be comfortable working in a large variety of outdoor conditions. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo follows the advice of Environment Canada when responding to temperature and air quality issues.

What the Zoo Offers:

• Competitive compensation and vacation
• Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work in a park full of wild animals

Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation?If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.

Apply by doing the following;

• Watch this videoabout the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
• Submit your resume with cover letter via our online application system.
• Fill in the Application questions:
  • If hired, when would you be available to start?
  • What is your salary expectation for this position?
  • While we do offer a hybrid work plan, this role requires onsite presence at least three days per week. Will this be an issue for you?

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online byMay 26, 2025 at 4pm MST.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives tocultivate a workplacein whicheveryonefeels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selvesto work. As a conservation organization,we respect and value the diversity of all lifeand come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. Werecognize thevalue of diversity, equity, and inclusion,and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.