External Communications Specialist

Calgary Chamber of Commerce; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent business organization in Calgary is seeking an External Communications Specialist to enhance communication and public relations efforts. This role involves leading the dissemination of policy advocacy, drafting newsletters, and tracking performance indicators. The ideal candidate has 4-6 years of experience in public relations, a relevant educational background, and strong analytical skills in a fast-paced environment. Competitive salary and hybrid work schedule offered.

Benefits

Access to gym facilities

Performance-based bonus

Vacation & benefits

Qualifications

• 4-6 years of experience in public relations and communications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interest in public policy and current affairs.

Responsibilities

• Lead public relations strategy and advance communication of public policy.
• Draft member e-newsletters and various thought leadership content.
• Track key performance indicators to gauge PR strategy success.

Skills

Public relations

Strategic communication

Analytical skills

Collaborative teamwork

Writing for diverse audiences

Education

Post-secondary education in public relations or communications

Master's degree

Job description

Do you thrive in a fast-moving environment where strategic communication and meaningful impact go hand in hand? The Calgary Chamber is looking for an experienced communicator who can navigate tight deadlines with confidence, think strategically under pressure and bring clarity to complex public policy issues. As our External Communications Specialist, you’ll be the driving force behind how we share our policy and advocacy work with the world. If you're passionate about crafting compelling messages, perform your best when the pressure is on and are energized by collaborative, high-impact work, this is your opportunity to help shape the voice of a vibrant business community.

About The Calgary Chamber

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce exists to empower the business community to advance a prosperous Calgary.

As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.

The Calgary Chamber is an inclusive workplace where diversity of thought – and of people – are recognized, valued and considered essential to achieving our mission.

Position Overview

As part of the Policy and External Affairs team, the External Communications Specialist will lead the communication and dissemination of the Chamber’s policy and advocacy work to our membership, government and the public. They will be a key contributor as part of a forward-focused team, working with media, businesses, partners and government to develop and amplify recommendations that support a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community. The role is responsible for ensuring the Chamber is the leading voice on business issues.

The External Communications Specialist reports to the Vice President, Policy and External Affairs, and works closely with the policy and government relations team, liaises with marketing and membership teams, and directly supports the President and CEO. The candidate is a strong written and verbal communicator, an expert in strategic communications and positioning, and has a strong interest in public policy.

Key Responsibilities

Communications, Media & Chamber Positioning

• Advance the Chamber’s public relations strategy to communicate our public policy work and enhance our profile across government, the business community, and the public.
• Lead the communication of public policy positions, papers, and election platforms, including through traditional media, digital platforms (social media) and presentations.
• Draft monthly member e-newsletters on policy, articles to various business-related publications, and various other thought leadership content as deemed significant.
• Develop scripts and presentations for public engagements for the President & CEO and Executive Leadership Team.
• Provide strategic counsel on messaging and positioning on key organizational and public policy issues, including in media.
  
  

Events and External Engagements

• Support the development and execution of policy initiatives, including roundtables, webinars, election platforms, workshops, luncheons and panel events.
• Support the Chamber’s events by participating in speaker panel prep calls, providing input into event content, and scripting Chamber Executive speaking remarks.
• Securing opportunities and preparing the Chamber’s Executive Leadership Team for speaking engagements.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Member Engagement Teams to develop and distribute content including member newsletters, surveys and policy-related communications.
• Lead and coordinate the development of consistent messaging across the organization to promote the Chamber vision, mission, and values; supporting internal communications as needed.
  
  

Performance Tracking

• Track and report on key performance indicators to gauge progress and success on public relations strategy and tactics.
• Measure the effectiveness of communications channels and recommend opportunities for improvement. Research emerging trends, best practices, and opportunities with the goal of improving communications execution.
  
  

Qualifications And Requirements

• Four to six years of experience in public relations and demonstrated employment history related to media and communications.
• Post-secondary education in public relations, communications or related discipline. Master’s degree considered an asset.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to write for a diverse audience.
• Strong interest in public policy, current affairs and government.
• Works well in a collaborative team environment, as well as independently.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work under tight timelines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; thrives under pressure and remains focused and effective when urgency is high.
• Strong problem solving, critical thinking and analytical skills.
  
  

Job Details

• Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
• Schedule: Monday to Friday; hybrid work schedule
• Compensation: Competitive salary, vacation & benefits including access to the Ampersand building gym and recreation facilities, holiday office closure, flex days, RRSP matching and performance-based bonus.
  
  

Applying

Equity and inclusion are part of our core values. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including non-Canadians who are eligible to work in Canada.

Applications will be accepted until August 11, 2025, however we’ll start screening candidates as we receive applications - so don’t wait to apply!