Communications Specialist

Canada West Foundation; Calgary; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading think tank as a Communications Specialist in Calgary. You will craft compelling narratives, manage events, and engage with stakeholders to amplify impactful public policy discussions. This full-time role offers a chance to shape conversations that matter, with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive team culture.

Benefits

Competitive Compensation

Professional Growth Opportunities

Creative Range in Projects

Supportive Team Culture

Qualifications

• Experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or public affairs.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Experience planning events and collaborating with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Build and execute creative content to extend reach.
• Plan and execute dynamic events across formats.
• Draft speeches, media releases, and strategic documents.

Skills

Communication

Storytelling

Time Management

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Communications or related field

Tools

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

WordPress

Google Analytics

Excel

Job description

Bring Policy to Life. Shape Conversations That Matter.

Join our Strategic Communications Team as one of our new Communications Specialists.

Location: Calgary, AB

Reports to: Director of Communications

Status: Full-Time, Permanent

Make Ideas Matter

At the Canada West Foundation, we believe good public policy changes lives — and intentional and impactful communications brings policy to life. We’re looking for a versatile, creative and impact-driven communicator to amplify bold ideas, turn complex research into compelling content, add pizzazz to our events and elevate how we show up in Western Canada and beyond.

If you’re a strategic thinker, natural storyteller and energized by real-world impact — we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

You’ll be part of a small, agile team that punches above its weight — collaborating with researchers, stakeholders and senior leaders to shape narratives and drive engagement.

Strategy + Storytelling

• Build and execute smart, creative content that extends the reach of our work.

• Set clear goals, track results and adapt based on insights and impact.

• Turn policy research into plain-language, platform-ready content that resonates.

Events + Engagement

• Plan and execute dynamic events — roundtables, public panels, donor briefings — across virtual and in-person formats.

• Manage logistics, promotion, sponsors and partnerships with precision and polish.

• Help our events hit harder and travel farther.

Digital + Design

• Own our social media channels, newsletters and website updates (WordPress).

• Design digital and print assets using Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.

• Help shape our visual identity and grow our audience through data-backed strategies.

Internal + Stakeholder Comms

• Draft speeches, op-eds, media releases, talking points, donor materials and more.

• Support executive communications and special initiatives that cross teams.

• Collaborate on updates, reports and strategic documents that tell our story.

What You Bring

We don’t expect you to check every box — we’re looking for someone smart, curious and motivated to make a difference.

• Experience in communications, marketing, journalism, digital media or public affairs.

• A knack for turning complex ideas into accessible, engaging content.

• Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills across formats and platforms.

• Experience planning events and collaborating with stakeholders.

• Familiarity with tools like Canva, Adobe Suite, PowerPoint, WordPress, HubSpot or Mailchimp.

• Data-savvy: Comfortable with analytics tools like Google Analytics or building reports in Excel.

• Strong time management and ability to thrive in a fast-moving environment.

• A collaborative mindset, proactive attitude and desire to grow.

Bonus Points

• Experience in donor engagement.

• Background in public policy, nonprofits or think tanks.

• French or other second language.

Why Join Us?

• Mission with Meaning – Shape public conversations that impact lives and communities in Western Canada.

• Creative Range – Build your portfolio across digital, print, events, and strategy.

• Professional Growth – Take the lead on files, pitch bold ideas and see your work in action.

• Culture that Cares – Join a high-performing team that values impact, not egos.

• Competitive Compensation – Commensurate salary and benefits.

About Us

The Canada West Foundation is a non-partisan, evidence-based think tank focused on the big issues shaping Western Canada’s future — from trade and energy to innovation and workforce development, and all in between.We’re here to turn smart ideas into real-world change.

When policy works for the West, it strengthens the whole country.

How to Apply

Send your cover letter and resume in one document to [e-mail] with the subject line:

“Last Name_Communications Specialist_Application”

We appreciate all applications, but only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Applications accepted until 11:59 PM MT on May 24, 2025