Executive Director, External Relations

Alberta University of the Arts; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary Executive Director, External Relations to enhance community engagement and relationships. This full-time role involves strategic oversight of government relations, fundraising, and public relations, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong leadership background and a passion for building diverse relationships within the community. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic educational environment, fostering equity and inclusion while advancing the university's mission.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership experience in government relations and public affairs.
• Proven ability to develop advocacy and fundraising strategies.

Responsibilities

• Strengthen relationships with government and community stakeholders.
• Oversee philanthropic activities and lead communications team.

Skills

Leadership

Public Relations

Strategic Thinking

Stakeholder Engagement

Fundraising

Communication

Education

Degree in Public Relations or Related Field

Master’s Degree (preferred)

Job description

Alberta University of the Arts, 1407 14 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Req #370

Friday, March 28, 2025

Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility, and in building community?

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is looking for a Executive Director, External Relations to provide oversight for the University’s strategic community engagement.

This is a full-time permanent position. Hours of work are 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Executive Director, External Relations strengthens relationships with government, community stakeholders, alumni, donors, and the public to enhance the university’s reputation, secure funding, and advance institutional priorities. This role oversees all philanthropic activities for the University and leads a team of communications, marketing, and donor relations professionals.

As a member of the senior leadership team, this role is responsible for championing and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion, strategic partnerships, and enrollment management principles. Key leadership initiatives include the vision and direction for government relations, community and alumni engagement, fundraising, and public relations, ensuring alignment with the university’s strategic plan.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an innovative and visionary leader and strategic thinker with demonstrated accomplishments in building relationships with broad audiences and constituents, as well as an ability to inspire change and develop new initiatives to the betterment of the organization that focuses on people as an essential component of success. They are able to cultivate effective communication and have had success working and collaborating with others within a complex, multi-constituency group organization.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Degree in public relations, public policy, political science, communications, business, or a related field (a master’s degree is preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in government relations, external affairs, fundraising, and/or public relations.
• Proven ability to develop high-impact advocacy, engagement, and fundraising strategies.
• Experience building relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, donors, alumni, and media.
• Proven ability to collaborate with all levels of stakeholders internally and externally.
• Knowledge of public-sector legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of provincial politics and government operations with an ability to cultivate key contacts in relevant government ministries and external organizations across Alberta preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of government protocol, legislative process, and policy development preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in lobbying and stakeholder engagement preferred.
• Experience working in a post-secondary or non-profit environment preferred.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. AUArts hires on the basis of merit, and is committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and persons with minority sexual orientation or gender identities.