Assistant Director, Media Relations

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

1d•CA$102,329 - CA$137,705•Onsite

About The Position

Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) is the Government of Alberta’s full-service communications, public relations and marketing department. Its mandate is to enhance communications between Albertans and the Government of Alberta. CPE’s expert staff provide specialized services across the spectrum of communications including writing, social media, media relations, event coordination, issues management, crisis communications, digital communications, advertising, marketing, graphic design, public engagement and translation services. The department staffs communications branches in all government ministries of government, along with a central operations department. Reporting to the Director, Media Outreach and Events, the Assistant Director, Media Relations plays a key leadership role in advancing Government of Alberta priorities through strategic media outreach and stakeholder engagement. This position leads a team responsible for strengthening relationships with multicultural, rural, national, international, and specialty media, while supporting meaningful engagement with cultural communities and diverse audiences across Alberta. You will work closely with senior leaders, communications professionals, media representatives, and community partners to identify opportunities, navigate emerging issues, and deliver outreach strategies that enhance public awareness and engagement.

Requirements

University graduation in a related field such as Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business or related discipline supplemented by a minimum of four years of progressively responsible related experience.
One year of education for one year of related experience; or One year of related experience for one year of education.

Nice To Haves

Working with cultural communities or cultural media organizations.
Building relationships with journalists, editors, producers, broadcasters, community media representatives, or cultural media organizations.
Developing media outreach strategies for cultural communities, language markets, rural communities, or specialized stakeholder groups.
Planning or supporting media interviews, media events, media roundtables, stakeholder briefings, or ministerial media engagements.
Providing communications advice that demonstrates cultural awareness and sensitivity to diverse audiences and communities.
Knowledge of public sector communications practices, Government of Alberta communications standards, Canadian Press Style, or plain language principles.
Experience developing or implementing communications, outreach, or media relations strategies supporting government, public sector, political, multicultural, rural, national, international, or specialty audiences.
Experience using media monitoring, stakeholder analysis, performance metrics, reporting tools, data, or AI-enabled technologies to support communications planning and decision-making.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of media outreach strategies that support Government of Alberta priorities and increase engagement with diverse audiences.
Identify opportunities to strengthen Alberta's visibility across multicultural, rural, national, international and specialty media markets.
Provide strategic advice and recommendations on media relations activities, emerging issues and outreach opportunities.
Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, broadcasters, community media representatives and key stakeholders.
Oversee media engagement activities including interviews, media events, roundtables and stakeholder outreach initiatives.
Act as a key liaison with the Premier's Office, Ministerial Offices and internal communications partners to support coordinated media relations efforts.
Lead, coach and support a team delivering media relations, outreach and translation-related services.
Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment through coaching, performance feedback and employee development.
Ensure effective processes, reporting mechanisms and operational practices are in place to support service delivery and continuous improvement.
Monitor media trends, stakeholder feedback and outreach performance to identify opportunities, risks and emerging issues.
Use data, reporting and technology to support evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement of media engagement activities.