Executive Director, Strategic Communications and External Relations

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. The Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services (“PSES”) has significant oversight and involvement in public security and emergency services through its various divisions and operations. The department is responsible for the administration of law enforcement, correctional services, policing and police oversight and public safety. The Ministry supports crime prevention and restorative justice programs, as well as programs and services to support victims of crime including those affected by domestic violence and human trafficking. The Ministry also coordinates large scale emergency and disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery programs and initiatives through the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA). The Alberta Sheriffs Police Service (ASPS) was created in July 2025, and once operational, will strengthen Alberta’s existing policing model and complement the province’s current police services, which includes the RCMP, Indigenous policing services and municipal police. It will help fill gaps and ensure law enforcement resources are deployed efficiently to meet Alberta’s evolving public safety needs and improve law enforcement response times, particularly in rural communities. The Executive Director, Strategic Communications and External Relations leads a dynamic team of communications professionals in developing and executing the ASPS’s comprehensive communications strategy. This includes oversight of corporate communications, media relations, government relations, and stakeholder engagement. A key priority of this role is to build and expand both the communications and government relations functions for the ASPS. Reporting to the Executive Officer, the Executive Director (ED) contributes to overall organizational strategy and long-term planning. This position offers a broad, system-level perspective, coordinating multiple communications and engagement initiatives to ensure consistency within ASPS and alignment with partner agencies. The Executive Director also plays a pivotal role in cross-agency communications, collaborating closely with other police services, different levels of government and participating in interagency planning and training forums. During public emergencies, the Executive Director provides expert communications leadership and operational support to assist the police service in maintaining public confidence and ensure continuity of service. As a member of the ASPS leadership team, the Executive Director will provide strategic advice to the Chief, Deputy Chiefs, and other senior leaders. The role is responsible for building a trusted, transparent, and proactive communications function that supports the ASPS’ mission, fosters public and stakeholder engagement, and enhances the organization’s provincial reputation.

Requirements

Extensive senior management experience in communications, stakeholder engagement, and government relations, including recent experience leading teams and advising executive leadership.
Proven ability to develop and deliver strategic communications and engagement in complex, high-profile environments.
Strong knowledge of multi-channel communications (digital, media, social) and issues management.
Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships and influence across government and with diverse stakeholders.
Excellent communication, analytical, and leadership skills, with experience managing teams, projects, and resources.
Degree or diploma in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Experience in public sector and/or law enforcement environments with knowledge of the Police Act is an asset.

Responsibilities

Leads a dynamic team of communications professionals in developing and executing the ASPS’s comprehensive communications strategy.
Oversees corporate communications, media relations, government relations, and stakeholder engagement.
Builds and expands both the communications and government relations functions for the ASPS.
Contributes to overall organizational strategy and long-term planning.
Coordinates multiple communications and engagement initiatives to ensure consistency within ASPS and alignment with partner agencies.
Plays a pivotal role in cross-agency communications, collaborating closely with other police services, different levels of government and participating in interagency planning and training forums.
Provides expert communications leadership and operational support during public emergencies to assist the police service in maintaining public confidence and ensure continuity of service.
Provides strategic advice to the Chief, Deputy Chiefs, and other senior leaders.
Builds a trusted, transparent, and proactive communications function that supports the ASPS’ mission, fosters public and stakeholder engagement, and enhances the organization’s provincial reputation.