MacEwan University is seeking a Director, Community Relations, for a full-time continuing opportunity with our Community Relations department. Reporting to the Associate Vice-President, Government and Community Relations, you will lead the execution of community relations initiatives that support institutional priorities and strengthen relationships between MacEwan University and its community partners.
Working within an integrated portfolio, you will translate strategic priorities into coordinated engagement plans, advance key partnerships, and support the delivery of community-facing initiatives across local and regional contexts. This role provides strategic advice to the AVP by bringing forward community insights, emerging issues, and partnership opportunities to inform portfolio planning. It works collaboratively across the institution and with external stakeholders to address complex challenges and maintain a consistent, proactive community presence.
Key responsibilities include:
- Maintaining strong working knowledge of the university's strategic priorities, and leading stakeholder and community engagement strategies that advance these priorities;
- Building and maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships with community representatives, organizations, businesses, non-profits, and municipal government committees, and other external partners;
- Advising on, identifying, and recommending opportunities for the university to participate in and influence community initiatives, partnerships, events, and programs aligned with MacEwan's mandate and strategic vision;
- Leading the planning, coordination, and delivery of community outreach and engagement initiatives that strengthen relationships and enhance the university's profile and presence in the community;
- Representing the university at community events and external meetings, while maintaining strong awareness of industry trends, emerging issues, and opportunities relevant to higher education and community engagement;
- Providing advice on institutional relationship and partnership frameworks, including stewardship approaches, stakeholder education, governance considerations, and evaluation mechanisms to support successful collaborations;
- Working collaboratively with internal departments to coordinate effective community relations and engagement efforts, identify partnership opportunities, and ensure alignment with institutional priorities;
- Providing operational leadership and oversight for community relations initiatives and programs, including the Community Access Program; Preparing briefings, reports, key messages, promotional materials, and other communications to support the AVP, Government and Community Relations, and other senior leaders on key community interests and relevant developments related to higher education;
- Monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on engagement metrics, trends, and performance data to inform decision-making, continuous improvement, and future engagement strategies;
- Managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, policies, procedures, and occupational health and safety standards; and
- Leading, mentoring, and developing staff through recruitment, performance management, and employee relations, while fostering a positive and values-driven culture.
SkillsYou will have:
- The ability to lead by example while demonstrating integrity, flexibility, tact, and perseverance;
- The ability to maintain confidentiality and successfully navigate sensitive situations;
- Strategic thinking, creativity, analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills, with keen attention to detail;
- The ability to interpret and apply institutional priorities within a community engagement context;
- Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with an extensive array of internal and external stakeholders;
- Knowledge of community, social, and political environments relevant to the university, including awareness of emerging trends and stakeholder dynamics;
- The ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information, and prepare briefings, reports, and recommendations for leadership;
- Strong and effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences;
- The ability to influence and coordinate across functions without direct authority;
- The ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented collaborative environment;
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to work on multiple projects, adapt to changing priorities, and deliver on a variety of commitments and deadlines; and
- Knowledge of change management and process management techniques.
Qualifications- A minimum of a bachelor's degree in business, arts, social sciences, sciences or a related discipline.
- A minimum of 8 years of experience being progressively responsible for community engagement, stakeholder relations, or a related field, including experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
- Experience building and managing relationships with community organizations, partners, and stakeholders.
- Experience working within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment and experience in a post-secondary institution would be considered an asset.
- Established networks within Edmonton and/or Alberta would be considered an asset.
- A certificate in project management or change management would be considered an asset.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Position Requirements- This position is on campus only.
BenefitsWhen you become part of the MacEwan University team, you will enjoy a competitive salary. Our total compensation package includes:
- Competitive base pay
- Generous vacation time
- Secure pension plan
- Flexible benefits package
- Continuous learning culture
- Opportunities for career growth
