Executive Lead, Communications & Engagement

Alberta Health Services; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 98,000 - 177,000; Full time

Job summary

Assisted Living Alberta (ALA) seeks an Executive Lead, Communications and Engagement to join its Executive Leadership Team in Edmonton (or Calgary). Reporting to the CEO, this role oversees communications, engagement, public affairs, government relations, and stakeholder coordination to build public confidence and advance ALA’s mandate.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished executive with a master’s degree in communications or related field and at least ten years’ leadership experience,

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, public relations, business administration or related field.
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience in communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement or related field.
• Five years in a senior leadership role with direct accountability for communications and engagement functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead communication and engagement strategies to build confidence in ALA and its partners.
• Establish and advance communications, engagement, government relations and stakeholder coordination with the Ministry and system partners.
• Provide strategic leadership for organizational communications and crisis management at provincial and local levels.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Public affairs

Government relations

Crisis communications

Media training

Issues management

Education

Master’s degree in communications, public relations, business administration or related field

Job description

Your Opportunity:

Assisted Living Alberta (ALA) is seeking a strategic and influential communications executive to join its Executive Leadership Team (ELT) as Executive Lead, Communications and Engagement.Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this role provides provincial leadership for communications, engagement, public affairs, government relations, and stakeholders. As ALA continues to evolve as a provincial health agency, the Executive Lead will play a key role in building public confidence, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and advancing understanding of ALA's mandate and services.This is a unique opportunity to establish and lead a modern communications and engagement function that supports organizational growth, system transformation, and service excellence. Working closely with government, healthcare partners, service providers, and community organizations, the Executive Lead serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO and ELT on strategic communications, public affairs, issues management, and reputation management.The ideal candidate is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in strategic communications, government and stakeholder relations, ministry engagement, media relations, crisis communications, and issues management.Assisted Living Alberta (ALA) delivers, coordinates and oversees home and community care and continuing care health services in Alberta, helping Albertans live safely and independently in the places they call home.

Description:

The Executive Lead, Communications and Engagement leads communication and engagement strategies that build confidence in Assisted Living Alberta (ALA) and its contracted partners as providers of high-quality continuing care services in the community. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, this role establishes and advances communications, engagement, government relations, and stakeholder coordination functions in partnership with the Ministry and system partners, supporting ALA's evolution as a provincial health agency.The Executive Lead provides strategic leadership for organizational communications, ensuring clear, consistent messaging that strengthens understanding of ALA's mandate, identity, and future-state model among internal and external audiences. With a team of nearly 30, the role oversees external communications and public affairs, including media relations, digital, web and social channels, public information and education, issues management, and crisis communications, while fostering strong relationships with government, stakeholders, and partners.This provincial position’s location is Edmonton (preferable) or Calgary.

• Transition Company: Assisted Living Alberta
• Classification: Executive Lead
• Union: Exempt
• Unit and Program: ALA Corporate Communications
• Primary Location: Seventh Street Plaza
• Location Details: As Per Location
• Negotiable Location: Provincial
• Employee Class: Regular Full Time
• FTE: 1.00
• Posting End Date: 23-NOV-2026
• Date Available: 04-JAN-2027
• Hours per Shift: 7.75
• Length of Shift in weeks: 2
• Shifts per cycle: 10
• Shift Pattern: Days
• Days Off: Saturday/Sunday
• Minimum Salary: $71.44
• Maximum Salary: $128.54
• Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable

Required Qualifications:

The successful candidate possesses a master’s degree in communications, public relations, business administration or related field.A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, government relations, or a related communications-focused discipline is required, including at least five (5) years in a senior leadership role with direct accountability for communications and engagement functionsA combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered.

Additional Required Qualifications:

This key leadership position requires expertise in strategic communications, including internal, external and crisis communications at a system and local level.Demonstrated experience serving as a trusted strategic advisor to executive leadership teams, providing expert counsel on communications, stakeholder engagement, reputation management, and issues management, including preparing and coaching senior leaders for media interviews, public appearances, and high-profile communications events.Experience in government and stakeholder relations, including ministry interface.Experience in issues management.Cross-agency engagement and coordination experience is required, as is proven adeptness at building strong relationships with a wide variety of partners.Experience developing organizational strategy and planning, leading strategic initiatives and leading change to achieve positive results.Proven leadership abilities, including comfort with decision-making and exercising sound judgement.Ability to influence, negotiate, and mediate resolutions to complex situations.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in healthcare, continuing care or large-scale public sector organizations is preferred. Professional accreditation through Canadian Public Relations Society or International Association of Business Communicators is preferred.