Director, Communications and Government Relations (Contract - Full Time)

Avanti Software Inc.; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 85,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Membership (complimentary YMCA Calgary

Health benefits

Flex day anniversary

Program discounts

Leadership development

Scholarships

Recertification training

Job summary

YMCA Calgary is seeking a Director of Community and Government Relations (12-Month Contract - Full Time) to lead advocacy, communications and engagement strategies, reporting to the Vice President of Community Engagement. You will strengthen the organization's reputation and drive collaborative initiatives across government and community partners.

The role requires a university degree, 5+ years in public affairs, excellent writing and strategic thinking, and the ability to manage multiple

Qualifications

• University degree in a related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of public affairs experience in a government or public policy environment.
• Strong understanding of the public policy process and issues management.
• Superior writing ability, including preparation of high-quality, values-based messaging.
• Ability to work independently and cross-functionally as part of a team.
• Strong initiative, planning, budgeting, and organizational skills.
• Highly developed political acumen and the ability to practice discretion on confidential matters.
• Tolerance for ambiguity and the ability to adapt well to a wide range of competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across all levels of internal and external stakeholders and value consensus as a desired outcome.
• Knowledge of the charitable sector is an asset.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as well as experience in implementing equity-focused initiatives that address systemic barriers at work.
• Evidence of a clear Police Information Check (PIC);
• At least three professional references

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of policy and engagement strategies for community and government audiences.
• Identify and pursue advocacy efforts that align with the YMCA’s mission, vision, values, and strategic direction.
• Build strong relationships with elected officials, government representatives, and key community partners.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and the Fund Development team to secure government support and investment in strategic initiatives.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of government funding opportunities, integrating these into annual planning processes to maximize funding potential.
• Organize and host government and partner announcements, facility tours, and events to showcase YMCA programming, facilities, and impact.
• Conduct research, draft briefing notes, and author white papers to distill complex issues and articulate YMCA positions clearly and persuasively.
• Partner with YMCA Canada’s Resource Development Centre to identify shared priorities and collaborate on initiatives, providing strategic feedback and guidance.
• Lead organizational communications strategy, including external messaging and brand management.
• Oversee development of key communications materials, including annual reports, impact reports, speeches, briefing notes, and public statements.
• Develop strategies, key messages, presentations, and collateral materials to support effective engagement with external stakeholders.
• Frame complex issues into clear and impactful communications for various external audiences.
• Oversee community engagement activities to foster connection and belonging for members, employees, and our community-at-large through activities and initiatives.
• Oversee internal communications including support for operations, employee engagement initiatives, leadership and town hall meetings, and intranet management.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive community relations strategy that enhances the YMCA’s reputation and aligns with government relations priorities.
• Provide proactive media relations support, participate in an on-call emergency response rotation, and manage issues tracking.
• Lead relationships with key government agencies and community organizations, such as Calgary Economic Development, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, the Nonprofit Chamber, Sport Calgary, United Way of Calgary, etc.
• Develop frameworks and processes to develop, support, and enhance community partnerships for shared impact.

Skills

University degree

Public affairs experience

Policy understanding

Writing ability

Independent work

Budgeting

Political acumen

Ambiguity management

Stakeholder collaboration

Charitable sector knowledge

DEI commitment

Police Check (PIC)

References

Education

University degree in a related discipline

Job description

Director, Communications and Government Relations (Contract - Full Time)

Why should you join our team?

YMCA Calgary is a charity that ignites the potential in Calgarians. Since our inception in 1902, we have evolved into a vibrant organization operating in every quadrant of the city. Guided by our core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility, YMCA Calgary offers a growing hub of programming & services to address the needs of our community including connection and belonging, physical and mental wellbeing, child-care support, language instruction, affordable tutoring and more. We also ensure that no one is turned away, lowering financial barriers for youth, adults and families through the generous donations of our community. This impact takes place across our 7 health and wellness facilities, 6 childcare centres, 2 outdoor camps and 12+ community programs, empowering people of all ages and life stages to belong, grow, thrive and lead.

Director, Communications and Government Relations (Contract - Full Time) Association Services Salary: $84,815.00/yr - $106,019.00/yr Employment Type: 12-Month Contract

You can make an impact in the community - locally and across the globe. You will work with a fun culture of people and enjoy many of the benefits and opportunities the YMCA offers:

• Complimentary YMCA Calgary membership including a linked membership for dependent children;
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits. Premiums paid in full by the Association;
• Anniversary flex day and gifts given to celebrate each year of employment;
• Program discounts;
• Ongoing leadership development and opportunities;
• Leadership award opportunities;
• Scholarship opportunities;
• Paid recertification and training.

What qualifications are we looking for?

At YMCA Calgary we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals. The successful candidate will have the following;

• University degree in a related discipline or equivalent experience;
• Minimum of 5 years of public affairs experience in a government or public policy environment;
• Strong understanding of the public policy process and issues management;
• Superior writing ability, including preparation of high-quality, values-based messaging;
• Ability to work independently and cross-functionally as part of a team;
• Strong initiative, planning, budgeting, and organizational skills;
• Highly developed political acumen and the ability to practice discretion on confidential matters;
• Tolerance for ambiguity and the ability to adapt well to a wide range of competing deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across all levels of internal and external stakeholders and value consensus as a desired outcome;
• Knowledge of the charitable sector is an asset;
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as well as experience in implementing equity-focused initiatives that address systemic barriers at work;
• Evidence of a clear Police Information Check (PIC);
• At least three professional references

What does this role look like at YMCA Calgary?

The Director of Community and Government Relations will provide senior leadership to advance YMCA Calgary’s mission by strengthening the organization’s reputation through strategic communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement, partnerships, and government relations. Reporting to the Vice President of Community Engagement, this role is responsible for developing and implementing integrated advocacy, communications, and engagement strategies that align with organizational priorities, enhance public trust, and amplify the YMCA’s impact across communities. By championing collaboration and driving alignment with strategic initiatives, the Director will integrate community and government efforts to support funding opportunities, elevate organizational presence, and deliver meaningful outcomes that help individuals and communities belong, grow, thrive, and lead.

Duties and Responsabilities include:

Lead Advocacy & Government Relations

• Lead the development and implementation of policy and engagement strategies for community and government audiences.
• Identify and pursue advocacy efforts that align with the YMCA’s mission, vision, values, and strategic direction.
• Build strong relationships with elected officials, government representatives, and key community partners.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and the Fund Development team to secure government support and investment in strategic initiatives.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of government funding opportunities, integrating these into annual planning processes to maximize funding potential.
• Organize and host government and partner announcements, facility tours, and events to showcase YMCA programming, facilities, and impact.
• Conduct research, draft briefing notes, and author white papers to distill complex issues and articulate YMCA positions clearly and persuasively.
• Partner with YMCA Canada’s Resource Development Centre to identify shared priorities and collaborate on initiatives, providing strategic feedback and guidance.

Lead Communications and Grow Reputation

• Lead organizational communications strategy, including external messaging and brand management.
• Oversee development of key communications materials, including annual reports, impact reports, speeches, briefing notes, and public statements.
• Develop strategies, key messages, presentations, and collateral materials to support effective engagement with external stakeholders.
• Frame complex issues into clear and impactful communications for various external audiences.
• Oversee community engagement activities to foster connection and belonging for members, employees, and our community-at-large through activities and initiatives.
• Oversee internal communications including support for operations, employee engagement initiatives, leadership and town hall meetings, and intranet management.

Lead Public Relations, including Media Relations and Crisis Communications

• Develop and execute a comprehensive community relations strategy that enhances the YMCA’s reputation and aligns with government relations priorities.
• Provide proactive media relations support, participate in an on-call emergency response rotation, and manage issues tracking.

Deepen Community Engagement

• Lead relationships with key government agencies and community organizations, such as Calgary Economic Development, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, the Nonprofit Chamber, Sport Calgary, United Way of Calgary, etc.
• Develop frameworks and processes to develop, support, and enhance community partnerships for shared impact.

Perform other duties as assigned to support the organization’s mission and goals.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required, and other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

What qualities do we look for in YMCA Calgary Staff and Volunteers?

• Developing Self and Others: Developing people with a view toward present and future capacity.
• Building Purposeful Relationships: Relating to people authentically with their best in mind.
• Creating a Culture of Community: Gathering people to purpose and vision.
• Making Intentional Impact: Intending to make a difference every day.
• Thinking and Acting Strategically: Applying thoughts, words, and actions in service to the vision.
• Applying Business Acumen: Demonstrating excellence in technical skills and stewarding the YMCA Business Model.
• Innovating: Ability to know your environment, initiate and respond effectively to changing conditions.

Please note that evidence of a clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search is a requirement

YMCA Calgary is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada by way of Canadian Citizenship, Permanent Residency or a valid Canadian work permit. YMCA Calgary is currently not engaged in international recruitment efforts as we are required to demonstrate that we have exhausted all means of recruitment both locally and nationally. Potential candidates will only be contacted if selected for an interview. All applications are to be submitted online but for any position specific concerns or questions, please email [e-mail].