The Alberta Teachers' Association

invites applications for the position of

Communications Manager

Full-Time Position

Work Location: Barnett House (11010 142 Street NW), Edmonton

As the professional organization of Alberta teachers, the ATA promotes and advances public education, supports teachers' professional practice and serves as the advocate for its members. The Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) is proud to retain our status as one of Alberta's Top 80 Employers for consecutive years. We offer:

• A 35-hour work week, a minimum of four weeks of paid vacation, plus multiple other days off categories to support your work/life balance.
• A generous defined benefit pension plan and a competitive salary range of $93,327 to a current maximum of $121,536.
• A full range of 100% employer-paid benefits for you and your eligible family members.
• Free on-site parking, outdoor patio, cafeteria, library, access to an on-site gym and multifaith/quiet spaces.
• Recognition and development programs plus generous support for continuous staff education.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Associate Coordinator, Communications, this position oversees the production of provincial communications programs, campaigns and projects that utilize social media, multimedia products, mass media, public relations, community outreach and other approaches to align external and internal messaging with the Association's mission and directives. The incumbent supervises and directs the work of professional staff on the communications team while working closely with the other departments that include web development, editing and design, print publishing, senior leadership, and the ATA President. Specific responsibilities include:

• Plans and executes communications programs that support the strategic goals of the Association.
• Lead the development and efficient implementation of the Association's internal and external communications strategies, publications and news releases. Designs and evaluates comprehensive external communication strategies and initiatives to effectively reach target audiences and enhance engagement.
• Work proactively with stakeholders to develop effective and engaging communications strategies to promote ATA services, launch campaigns, and support programs that advocate for educational improvements.
• Work closely with the ATA President and senior leadership teams to manage emerging issues, draft media responses. May act as a spokesperson (on camera) on behalf of the Association when appropriate.
• Provides implementation explanations to internal and external stakeholders (department leaders, local subgroups, etc) to support understanding and awareness of complex issues and campaigns.
• Help to monitor social media, mainstream media and political discourse to identify issues of importance to the Association that may need a communications response.
• Writing news stories and taking photographs for The ATA News, ATA Magazine, The Learning Team, social media and other Association publications.
• Works as part of the supervisor leadership group to help set and complete important Association strategy, projects and goals.
• Supervises Communications Officers in alignment with the Career Growth, Supervision and Evaluation Policy.
• Provides direction, guidance, oversight and performance improvement coaching and support as needed.
• Facilitates ongoing professional development opportunities for career growth. Fosters a culture of cooperation, diversity and teamwork.
• Coordinates the publishing and delivery of communications across a multitude of communications channels.
• Determine appropriate committee and event support (travel) and attendance for Communications Officers
• Assist with the development and management of departmental budget, negotiating fee for service contracts and agreements, and monitoring expenditures

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, media or public relations.
• 8-10 year's experience in political or public communications development; equivalencies of different education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Significant leadership and supervisory experience with the ability to motivate and develop a team through mentorship and coaching.
• Crisis communication experience and ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion.
• Experience utilizing various mediums of communication including social media (X, Facebook, Instagram and others), public facing websites, SharePoint sites, and Microsoft Teams.
• Experience developing and implementing mobilizing or organizing campaigns is an asset.
• Experience working in a member-driven association is an asset.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, document and use project management and/or communications planning approaches to execute complex campaigns and long term strategy goals.
• Knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital and social media. Solid understanding of Copyright and privacy legislation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate to diverse audiences using inclusive language approaches. Ability to communicate both verbally and written in French is considered an asset.
• Strong organization and project management skills with high quality standards and an attention to detail.
• The ability to multitask, prioritize work assignments and collaborate effectively.
• A strong sense of diplomacy, tact and risk management when working with external and internal stakeholders; and
• Must be able to drive to events occasionally and work irregular hours during times of emergent communication needs.

HOW TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter and resume in one attachment along with the names and telephone numbers of two business references should be addressed to Connor Poon, HR Generalist and emailed to [email protected] by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

The Alberta Teachers' Association thanks all applicants for their interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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