Manager, Community Relations

Concordia University of Edmonton; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian educational institution is seeking a Manager, Community Relations to develop and implement strategies that enhance engagement with donors, alumni, and the community. This role involves leading fundraising initiatives, strengthening partnerships, and supporting institutional advocacy efforts. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in community engagement and fundraising, superb communication skills, and a collaborative approach. Competitive wages and a vibrant work environment are offered.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in advancement and fundraising.
• Proven record of managing relationships that advance organizational goals.
• Experience in budget planning and financial accountability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen relationships with stakeholders.
• Execute fundraising initiatives and donor engagement strategies.
• Lead alumni engagement initiatives to strengthen connections.

Skills

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

Leadership and team-building abilities

Organizational and project management skills

Effective interpersonal skills

Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders

Proficiency in CRM systems

Education

Degree in communications, public relations, or related field

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

You know every great relationship is an investment, and you’ve got a talent for turning generosity into real-world results. You build partnerships that matter, rally support around big ideas, and fuel impact that lasts long after the thank-you notes are sent. You can turn a coffee chat into a partnership, a handshake into a donation, and a great idea into a community-wide "count us in." With strategic instincts and genuine heart, you turn connection into momentum, and momentum into measurable impact. If you believe community is the best kind of capital, and you’re ready to help fuel what’s next, join Concordia University of Edmonton as our next Manager, Community Relations.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Chief Public Affairs Officer (CPAO), the Manager, Community and Donor Relations plays both a strategic and hands‑on role in advancing Concordia University of Edmonton’s relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, alumni, community, and government. The position is responsible for developing and implementing integrated strategies that strengthen CUE’s reputation, engagement, and philanthropic impact. This includes leading proactive donor cultivation and stewardship, fostering alumni connections that support mentorship and giving, maintaining strong and responsive community partnerships, and contributing to institutional advocacy and government relations efforts. As both a strategist and an active practitioner, the Manager plans, coordinates, and personally executes relationship‑building initiatives, events, campaigns, and communications that align with CUE’s strategic priorities and long‑term advancement goals.

Duties And Responsibilities

Fund Development and Donor Relations

• Strategically identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with current and prospective individuals, corporate, alumni, and community donors to advance institutional priorities.
• Design and implement donor engagement strategies that move donors along the philanthropic continuum toward higher‑impact giving.
• Take a hands‑on role in executing fundraising initiatives, including major campaigns, proposals, recognition activities, and personalized stewardship.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to identify fundraising opportunities aligned with CUE’s strategic objectives.
• Maintain accurate donor and prospect records, preparing reports and insights to guide future engagement.
• Draft and review high‑quality communications and materials for donors, including impact reports, proposals, and stewardship correspondence.

Alumni Relations

• Lead alumni engagement initiatives that strengthen lifelong connections between alumni and CUE.
• Partner with the Concordia Alumni Association Executive to support its strategic goals, programming, and governance.
• Identify alumni prospects for potential major gifts, planned giving, or sponsorship opportunities.
• Plan, organize, and personally execute targeted alumni events and initiatives that support mentorship, partnerships, and giving opportunities.
• Promote alumni benefits programs and drive uptake to enhance revenue and alumni engagement.

Community Relations

• Serve as a primary contact for CUE’s community relations activities and represent the University at community events and meetings.
• Develop and implement integrated engagement strategies that strengthen CUE’s connections with local stakeholders, external partners, and internal communities, including students, faculty, and alumni, while advancing the university’s profile, reputation, and functional collaboration.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate high‑impact events and initiatives, including those involving the President, that foster meaningful partnerships and community engagement.
• Manage and evaluate high‑level events for the President that support the university’s profile and reputation.
• Respond to stakeholder inquiries and issues in a timely, professional, and effective manner.

Government Relations / Advocacy

• In collaboration with the CPAO, monitor government initiatives, policies, and funding opportunities relevant to post‑secondary education and CUE’s priorities.
• Support briefings, correspondence, and events involving elected officials and government representatives as needed.
• Contribute to the preparation of advocacy materials, ensuring CUE is prepared for potential engagement opportunities in the future.

Leadership, Strategy, and Administration

• Assist in developing and executing a strategic plan that aligns with the university’s goals related to community, donor, alumni, and stakeholder relations.
• Advise and support the CPAO, President, the university’s executive team, and the Board of Governors on matters of community relations and engagement strategy.
• Serve as Budget Control Officer for the business unit, overseeing expenses and allocations.
• Supervise and lead the Community Relations team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Develop and apply metrics to measure the success and impact of engagement, alumni, and fundraising initiatives.
• Prepare briefing notes, program materials, and event plans for the President and senior leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and represent the university with professionalism and impact.
• Proven leadership and team‑building abilities, demonstrating sound judgment, discretion, and the capacity to motivate and inspire others toward shared goals.
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Effective interpersonal skills with a diplomatic and inclusive approach to engaging internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners to advance institutional priorities.
• Ability to exercise independent initiative while contributing effectively within a team‑oriented environment.
• Proficiency with customer or donor relationship management (CRM) systems; experience with Raiser’s Edge is an asset.
• Certified Fund‑Raising Executive (CFRE) designation or eligibility for certification is considered an asset.

Education And Qualifications

• A post‑secondary degree in communications, public relations, business, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in one or more areas of the portfolio, preferably advancement and fundraising.
• Proven record of developing, managing, and enhancing relationships that advance organizational goals through effective community, donor, and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in budget planning, management, and financial accountability with strong attention to detail.
• Experience working within post‑secondary or non‑profit environments is considered an asset.

Direct Reports

• Community Relations Specialist
• Student Assistant

Working Conditions

• Office environment: long periods of sitting and monitor usage.
• Weekends and evening work may be required.
• Traveling and attending events may be required.

Concordia University of Edmonton encourages applications from members of racialized groups, visible minorities, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, women, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and others who may support a diversity of perspectives at CUE. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.