Director, Communications and Engagement

Edmonton; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 131,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Edmonton is seeking an exceptional communications leader to guide a team delivering strategic communications and public engagement across a large municipal organization.

You will advise senior leaders, manage sensitive issues, and align departmental priorities with city-wide goals while upholding our values of inclusion and public service.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading communications, engagement and related functions in a large, complex organization.
• Exceptional judgment and political acumen with candid, thoughtful advice.
• Ability to build strong teams, navigate change and influence across organizational boundaries.
• Expertise in strategic communications, public engagement, issues management and business partner relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead with purpose by empowering a high-performing team delivering communications and engagement.
• Shape the conversation with strategic counsel on high-profile issues affecting Edmontonians.
• Build bridges with senior leaders, elected officials, and partners.
• Anticipate challenges, identify opportunities and apply sound judgment and political acumen.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Political acumen

Team leadership

Strategic communications

Public engagement

Issues management

Education

Education in communications/marketing/journalism/business

Advanced education / accreditations

Job description

Community Services | City of Edmonton

Big city. Complex challenges. Meaningful impact.

Edmonton is growing, evolving and tackling some of the most important issues facing cities today. From community safety and social well-being to recreation, culture and emergency services, the work of Community Services touches the lives of Edmontonians every day.

We're looking for an exceptional communications leader who sees complexity as opportunity, builds trust through relationships and knows how to turn strategy into impact.

Reporting directly to the Deputy City Manager, Community Services, you'll be a trusted advisor, strategic partner and influential voice at the leadership table. You'll lead a talented team of communications and engagement professionals, navigate high-profile and often sensitive issues, and help shape how the City connects with the people it serves.

What will you do?

• Lead with purpose. Inspire, coach and empower a high-performing team that delivers exceptional communications and engagement
• Shape the conversation. Provide strategic counsel on complex, high-profile and emerging issues that matter to Edmontonians
• Build bridges. Cultivate trusted relationships with senior leaders, elected officials, and community and business partners
• See around corners. Anticipate challenges, identify opportunities and bring sound judgment and political acumen to difficult decisions
• Make an impact. Champion innovative communications, meaningful public engagement and change initiatives that deliver measurable results
• Think beyond boundaries. Connect departmental priorities to the City's broader goals and help move the organization forward
• Live our values. Align with our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
• Foster inclusion. Support, uphold, and foster a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion

Qualifications

You're a strategic thinker, trusted advisor and people-first leader who thrives where the stakes are high and the answers aren't always obvious.

You bring

• Significant experience leading communications, engagement and related functions in a large, complex organization
• Exceptional judgment, political acumen and the confidence to provide candid, thoughtful advice
• A demonstrated ability to build strong teams, navigate change and influence across organizational boundaries
• Expertise in strategic communications, public engagement, issues management and business partner relationships
• Relevant education, training and/or experience in communications, marketing, journalism, business or a related discipline. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered
• Advanced education and relevant professional accreditations are considered assets

Above all, you lead with integrity, curiosity and a commitment to public service, equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion.

Why this role?

Few communications leadership opportunities offer this breadth of responsibility, proximity to decision-making and potential for meaningful community impact.

If you're ready to lead talented people, tackle consequential challenges and help shape the future of Edmonton, we'd like to hear from you.

Bring your perspective. Lead with purpose. Make Edmonton better.

Conditions of Employment and Work Environment

• 1 permanent, full-time position
• Hours of Work: 36.9 hours per week, Monday - Friday. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite
• Salary: (Annually) $130,637.93 - $163,297.94
• Hire is dependent on a Criminal Information Check satisfactory to the City of Edmonton. There may be a cost associated with this requirement

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@ edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits. Talent sourced through this process may be considered for similar opportunities within the City of Edmonton.

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation

Classification Title: PT4
Posting Date: Nov 12, 2026
Closing Date: Dec 14, 2026 11:59:00 PM (ABT)
Number of Openings (up to): 1 - Permanent Full-time
Union: Management
Department: Community Services
Work Location(s): 17th Floor Edmonton Tower, 10111 104 Avenue Edmonton T5J 0J4