Communications and Issues Coordinator

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ministry of Children and Family Services funds programs and services to support vulnerable children, youth, families, and individuals to live safely and succeed in Alberta. This includes providing services and resources to protect children and youth from abuse and neglect and effectively address harm that has placed them in need of intervention. Mentoring and support services are available to youth transitioning into healthy, productive adults. The ministry also invests in community-based groups that support prevention and early intervention services such as Family Resource Networks, youth emergency shelters as well as programs that raise awareness and help respond to family violence, sexual violence, and abuse. Be at the heart of communication and decision-making in a dynamic regional environment. As a Communications and Issues Coordinator, you’ll shape how critical information is shared, support leadership with timely and strategic advice, and help navigate emerging issues with confidence. This is an opportunity to blend creativity, analysis, and collaboration to ensure impactful communication that supports programs serving children and families across the region. Reporting to the Issues and Communications Manager, this role provides communications, issues management, and project support to the region’s leadership team. Working in a fast-paced environment, it operates with a high degree of independence to develop communications, support initiatives, and ensure timely, accurate responses to emerging issues and executive requests.

Requirements

University graduation in a related field (Communications, Social Services, Business Administration, Public Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, Journalism); no experience required; or equivalent as described below.
Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of: 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; OR 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.
Strong knowledge of government of Alberta structures, initiatives, policies, legislation, and protocols, particularly within the Child Intervention Division and related service delivery systems.
Excellent analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills with the ability to break down complex issues, synthesize information, and apply sound judgment in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and tight timelines.
Strong organizational, time management, and adaptability skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet short deadlines, and deliver high-quality results in an environment of changing demands and priorities.
Strong collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and digital communication skills, including experience working with government protocols, SharePoint or similar platforms, and familiarity with branding/identity standards and design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite considered an asset).
Strong written, verbal, editorial, and proofreading skills with the ability to communicate complex and politically sensitive issues in clear, plain language tailored to diverse audiences while maintaining neutrality and professionalism.

Nice To Haves

Someone with strong IT or Marketing or Graphic Design background is preferred.
Related experience with government systems, processes and policies is preferred.
Direct experience in communications and operations planning is preferred.
Familiarity with branding/identity standards and design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite considered an asset).

Responsibilities

Develop, draft, and coordinate a wide range of communication products, including newsletters, SharePoint content, presentations, and information materials. Ensure all communications are clear, consistent, aligned with GOA standards, and effectively support internal and external audiences.
Contribute to regional communications planning and decision-making, develop processes and tools to improve information flow, and provide communications support for operational planning, program delivery, and leadership initiatives.
Lead and support communications-related projects and special initiatives that align with regional and divisional priorities. Provide coordination and surge capacity for cross-branch and ministry-wide initiatives to ensure consistent and integrated outcomes.
Support the management of Action Requests (ARTS), correspondence, and emerging issues by gathering, analyzing, and coordinating information across stakeholders. Ensure timely, accurate responses to senior leadership requests and contribute to continuous improvement of tracking and reporting processes.