Director, Community Engagement

Director, Community Engagement

Are you an experienced external relations leader that is passionate about helping to grow businesses that are shaping Alberta? If so, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is searching for a Director, Community Engagement to add to our team, and we encourage you to apply.

AWE respectfully acknowledges that we live and work within the traditional territories of Treaty 6, 7, and 8 as well as the ancestral lands of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. We acknowledge that these are the gathering places, hunting grounds, and home of the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit. We offer our respect and gratitude for the relationships offered by the peoples within these communities. We dedicate ourselves to moving forward in the spirit of partnership and collaboration as we strive to create a safe and inclusive society where every individual is valued and celebrated.

The Director of Community Engagement will oversee a team, operate as an integrated part of the Leadership Team, and will work with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to advance AWE’s strategic plan and achieve organizational goals and objectives. AWE operates with a hybrid work environment and this role can be fulfilled from around the Calgary or Edmonton regions.

Key Roles & Responsibilities (include but are not limited to)

Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Community Engagement will oversee all organizational funding projects, programming, organizational communications, and external relations, while leading a team to successfully deliver on community engagement initiatives.

• Actively champions diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization’s programs and projects, ensuring equitable opportunities for all
• Advocates for equitable access to resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs across Alberta
• Participates in organizational strategic planning, operational plan development, and policy development, implementation, and review
• As part of the Leadership Team, creates alignment and commitment on key strategic goals
• Executes and continually improves a multi-year plan to support AWE’s priorities
• Leads a team (staff and contractors) in the development, planning, and implementation of a broad range of initiatives; supports team recruitment, performance management, onboarding, training, progressive discipline, time and attendance management and coaching
• Supports budget creation; oversees financial results review and analysis, and identifies areas of opportunity
• Oversees implementation of AWE’s brand strategy
• Develops, maintains, and executes AWE’s external relations and communications plan to support fund development, enhance awareness, and showcase the value of the organization and impact
• Oversees strategic communications activities, including digital, social media, partner relationship management and media relations
• Develops and maintains key relationships through outreach, education, and engagement
• Develops internal and external reports, presentations and publications
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of existing and emerging policy and initiatives/developments at levels of government with a goal of evaluating impacts on AWE clients and identifying opportunities to further opportunities
• Ensures and oversees appropriate issues identification and that management systems are in place to protect and strengthen AWE’s reputation
• Implements and delivers on organizational and project objectives and measures
• Fosters and maintains a “service and team oriented” collaborative and innovative culture
• Reports on community engagement progress

COMPETENCIES and SKILLS

• High resourcefulness with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Entrepreneurial and innovative thinker who will build and implement ideas
• Ability to achieve organizational goals and lead effective cross-functional teams
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with and effectively influence stakeholder organizations through strategic communications
• Ability to handle difficult situations and individuals with aplomb and grace
• Demonstrates creativity, flexibility, and understanding in working with diverse populations
• Experience speaking in front of large groups and interacting with staff and audiences
• Solutions and detail-oriented individual with a high degree of professionalism
• Evidence of problem-solving skills and ability to multi-task in high-pressure situations

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

• Three (3) plus years of executive leadership experience in this field
• Degree in Communications, Business, Public Relations, Public Administration, Marketing or equivalent; Additional educational qualifications or relevant experience will be considered.
• Three (3) plus years’ experience working in external relations and community engagement
• Demonstrated experience in delivery and development of external relations plans while working with multiple stakeholders
• Thorough understanding and preparation of budgeting and scheduling
• Intermediate to Advanced MS Office and web-based applications

Considered Assets:

• Entrepreneurial experience
• MBA
• Not-for-profit, governance Board experience
• CPRS or IABC professional accreditation
• Certificate in project management
• Bilingualism in English and French

About You

You excel in providing exceptional service to our community, fostering meaningful connections, and thriving in a dynamic, strategic environment. Your role requires innovative thinking, effective communication, and the ability to lead a diverse team in translating ideas into action. You'll lead strategically, driving initiatives that align with organizational objectives and collaborating seamlessly with diverse groups. Your ability to cultivate trust and rapport will be essential as you navigate various community engagements. You are passionate about learning and want to grow professionally while supporting entrepreneurs to do the same. Flexibility is key, as this role will entail occasional travel, evening, and weekend commitments for events and meetings.

How to Apply

If your experience is close to what we're looking for, even if you don’t check every box, please send your cover letter and resume to human.resources@awebusiness.com with subject line “Director, Community Engagement.”

AWE is committed to building a diverse workforce representative of the communities we serve. We actively encourage and welcome all qualified candidates, regardless of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religious beliefs, gender/gender identity/gender expression, age, physical/mental disability, marital/family status, source of income, sexual orientation or persons who may require an accommodation to apply. If you require accommodations at any stage of the application process (e.g. alternate formats, accessibility support), please email human.resources@awebusiness.com

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