Portfolio Manager, Strategic Communications and Media Relations

United Way of the Alberta Capital Region•Edmonton, AB

8h•CA$80,000 - CA$85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a Portfolio Manager, Strategic Communications and Media Relations who will lead the development and execution of United Way of the Alberta Capital Region’s communications strategy to strengthen awareness, engagement, trust, and understanding of the organization’s impact. This role is responsible for media relations, strategic communications, issues and crisis communications, and product marketing. The Manager ensures consistent, compelling, and brand-aligned messaging across all channels and audiences, supporting United Way’s reputation, visibility, and engagement goals. As a key communications advisor, the Manager will provide strategic counsel to organizational leaders, leads proactive media outreach, supports spokesperson activities, oversees product marketing strategies, and develops communication plans and content that advance organizational priorities. Working collaboratively across teams, the Manager will create authentic communications that reflect United Way’s values, culture, and mission, while helping position the organization as a trusted leader on community issues. This position will report to the Director, Brand, Marketing and Product and will have one direct report: Portfolio Lead, Product Marketing.

Requirements

Strong verbal and written communication skills
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Teams, SharePoint and Asana.
Strong knowledge and abilities to produce results in PowerPoint, Canva, and Adobe products.
Knowledge of Salesforce, Salesforce Marketing Cloud and WordPress.
Self-driven, demonstrate accountability, and strive for operational excellence with the ability to lead others and build strong teams.
Operates with a strong customer service focus.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills and the ability to build engaging relationships through trust, teamwork, and direct communication.
Post-secondary degree in Communications, Business, Public Relations, Marketing, or related fields.
Minimum of six (6) to seven (7) years related experience.
A minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of supervisory experience.
A valid driver’s license and vehicle are required as some travel will be involved within Edmonton and surrounding area.
Shares United Way's purpose to ensure no one in our community is left behind, is a difference maker in our community, and wants to connect to a bigger purpose.
Integrates core values, integrity, and accountability throughout all organizational and business practices and acts with personal, professional, ethical, behavioural integrity and maintains confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Membership with the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) or International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is considered an asset.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Manages media relations by acting as the primary point of contact for media outlets; providing support to leadership, staff, and senior volunteers; occasionally acting as spokesperson; coordinating logistics and developing key messages for interviews.
Develops and maintains relationships with local, regional, and sector media to strengthen United Way’s reputation and increase earned media opportunities.
Identifies, pitches, and secures proactive media opportunities that advance organizational priorities, elevate community issues, and showcase United Way’s impact.
Leads the development and distribution of news releases, media advisories, statements, backgrounders, key messages, and other media materials.
Monitors media coverage, emerging issues, and reputational risks, providing strategic advice and supporting issues and crisis communications planning and response.
Collaborate on media relations initiatives and outreach planning to increase United Way’s reach and relevance in the community through media interviews, news releases, with key members of the internal team, including the CEO and other members of executive team.
Leads the development, maintenance, and implementation of crisis communications plans, protocols, and tools to support organizational preparedness and response.
Provides strategic communications advice and support to executive leadership during issues, incidents, and crisis situations.
Develops and coordinates timely, accurate, and consistent internal and external communications during crisis events, ensuring alignment across audiences and channels.
Collaborates with leaders across the organization to assess communications risks, anticipate emerging issues, and develop mitigation and response strategies.
Develops and implements strategic communications plans that advance organizational priorities, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and support business objectives.
Oversees the development and production of marketing and communications materials, including key messages, collateral, reports, presentations, digital content, and stakeholder communications.
Leads the development of workplace campaign materials, working collaboratively with fundraising teams to support engagement, participation, and revenue goals.
Manages external communications vendors, consultants, designers, and suppliers, ensuring quality, brand alignment, and effective project delivery.
Collaborates with the 211 Alberta team to develop and implement communication strategies that integrate the 211 brand into external engagement materials.
Aligns brand content strategy with communications plans to enhance 211 Alberta’s public presence and community engagement.
Evaluates and reports on content strategy effectiveness, identifying areas for growth and improvement.
Oversees the development and execution of integrated product marketing plans for United Way products, including workplace campaigns and public awareness efforts.
Monitors market trends and adapt strategies to maximize engagement and impact.
Oversees and creates a wide range of content and collateral, including key messaging, digital and print assets, presentations, web and video content (internally and externally produced).