Strategic Director of Communications & Government Relations

Avanti Software Inc.; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 85,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Membership (complimentary YMCA Calgary

Health benefits

Flex day anniversary

Program discounts

Leadership development

Scholarships

Recertification training

Job summary

YMCA Calgary is seeking a Director of Community and Government Relations (12-Month Contract - Full Time) to lead advocacy, communications and engagement strategies, reporting to the Vice President of Community Engagement. You will strengthen the organization's reputation and drive collaborative initiatives across government and community partners.

The role requires a university degree, 5+ years in public affairs, excellent writing and strategic thinking, and the ability to manage multiple

Qualifications

• University degree in a related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of public affairs experience in a government or public policy environment.
• Strong understanding of the public policy process and issues management.
• Superior writing ability, including preparation of high-quality, values-based messaging.
• Ability to work independently and cross-functionally as part of a team.
• Strong initiative, planning, budgeting, and organizational skills.
• Highly developed political acumen and the ability to practice discretion on confidential matters.
• Tolerance for ambiguity and the ability to adapt well to a wide range of competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across all levels of internal and external stakeholders and value consensus as a desired outcome.
• Knowledge of the charitable sector is an asset.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as well as experience in implementing equity-focused initiatives that address systemic barriers at work.
• Evidence of a clear Police Information Check (PIC);
• At least three professional references

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of policy and engagement strategies for community and government audiences.
• Identify and pursue advocacy efforts that align with the YMCA’s mission, vision, values, and strategic direction.
• Build strong relationships with elected officials, government representatives, and key community partners.
• Collaborate with senior leaders and the Fund Development team to secure government support and investment in strategic initiatives.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of government funding opportunities, integrating these into annual planning processes to maximize funding potential.
• Organize and host government and partner announcements, facility tours, and events to showcase YMCA programming, facilities, and impact.
• Conduct research, draft briefing notes, and author white papers to distill complex issues and articulate YMCA positions clearly and persuasively.
• Partner with YMCA Canada’s Resource Development Centre to identify shared priorities and collaborate on initiatives, providing strategic feedback and guidance.
• Lead organizational communications strategy, including external messaging and brand management.
• Oversee development of key communications materials, including annual reports, impact reports, speeches, briefing notes, and public statements.
• Develop strategies, key messages, presentations, and collateral materials to support effective engagement with external stakeholders.
• Frame complex issues into clear and impactful communications for various external audiences.
• Oversee community engagement activities to foster connection and belonging for members, employees, and our community-at-large through activities and initiatives.
• Oversee internal communications including support for operations, employee engagement initiatives, leadership and town hall meetings, and intranet management.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive community relations strategy that enhances the YMCA’s reputation and aligns with government relations priorities.
• Provide proactive media relations support, participate in an on-call emergency response rotation, and manage issues tracking.
• Lead relationships with key government agencies and community organizations, such as Calgary Economic Development, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, the Nonprofit Chamber, Sport Calgary, United Way of Calgary, etc.
• Develop frameworks and processes to develop, support, and enhance community partnerships for shared impact.

Skills

University degree

Public affairs experience

Policy understanding

Writing ability

Independent work

Budgeting

Political acumen

Ambiguity management

Stakeholder collaboration

Charitable sector knowledge

DEI commitment

Police Check (PIC)

References

Education

University degree in a related discipline

Job description

YMCA Calgary is seeking a Director of Community and Government Relations (12-Month Contract - Full Time) to lead advocacy, communications and engagement strategies, reporting to the Vice President of Community Engagement. You will strengthen the organization's reputation and drive collaborative initiatives across government and community partners.

The role requires a university degree, 5+ years in public affairs, excellent writing and strategic thinking, and the ability to manage multiple