Public Relations

The Alberta Dental Association (ADA) is the collective voice of dentists in Alberta. Established in 2023, the ADA strengthens and supports the dental profession and promotes oral health as an integral part of general health for all Albertans.

The Position

You know what deserves attention, what needs a clear position and how to make a message land. You bring seasoned judgment, fresh instincts, and the creative edge to help the ADA stand out. You think strategically, move quickly and deliver polished work. You are ready to keep pace with an ambitious CEO and team and bring your creative edge to the table.

Reporting to the CEO, the Public Relations & Communications Director leads the ADA’s communications, public relations, marketing, and digital presence. You will strengthen our distinctive voice, engage members, build public trust, and support advocacy that advances the profession and oral health in Alberta. You will support the CEO in leading government relations, working closely with our external GR firm.

You will also develop our Communications Specialist, manage contracted vendors, and coach our leaders. Each year, you will help the incoming elected President find their authentic voice as the ADA’s spokesperson, keeping our brand consistent while making their leadership their own.

We set a high bar, pitch in, celebrate our wins and make room for humour. Bring your energy and your best work

This is a full-time, permanent position.

Hours of work

Occasional evening and weekend availability is required for Board and committee meetings, events, major campaigns and urgent media or reputational issues. Scheduled Board and committee commitments usually involve 2–3 evenings and one weekend day every 2–3 months. Some flexibility with daily work hours is available under ADA policies.

Location:

Staff of the ADA work in a hybrid in-o﬋ce and home o﬋ce model, per the established Personnel Policies. The ability to travel within the province, and potentially nationally, is required.

Salary:

$100,000 to $145,000, commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities

As a member of the ADA’s senior leadership team, you will translate organizational strategy into focused plans, develop people and stay accountable for delivery. Your responsibilities include:

• Lead the annual communications and marketing plan, aligning campaigns, media engagement, digital strategy, and editorial priorities with the ADA’s strategic and operational goals, evidence, and member needs.
• Own the accuracy, tone, quality and impact of communications for members, media, government, partners, and the public. Strengthen the ADA’s brand and protect the credibility of the Association and profession.
• Build a proactive media program: cultivate relationships, pitch relevant stories, screen inquiries, and monitor coverage. Support members with media inquiries and prepare ADA spokespersons for interviews.
• Coach each incoming ADA President to communicate with confidence in their own voice. Advise the CEO and other leaders and develop speeches, scripts, presentations, articles, statements, and key messages.
• Support CEO-led government relations and lobbying in close collaboration with the external GR firm. Rapidly assess policy and political developments, recommend timely action, prepare briefs and advocacy materials, and support meetings and follow-through with elected officials and government staff.
• Anticipate emerging issues through policy, environmental and media scanning. Help lead coordinated responses to misinformation, reputational risks, policy changes and urgent developments, including natural disasters.
• Develop, implement and evaluate the ADA’s public awareness and oral health campaigns, including Oral Health Month, and collaborate with the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and provincial and territorial dental associations (PTDAs) Communicators Group on shared initiatives.
• Oversee member and public communications across the website, Member Lounge, email, and social channels. Create engaging content and test fresh formats, including video, while maintaining professional standards.
• Lead the ADA Connection magazine, from editorial planning and content development through editing, design, printing, and distribution. Work with other teams to support advertising revenue and sponsor commitments while maintaining editorial credibility.
• Lead strategic communications and marketing for the ADA’s flagship event, the Alberta Dental Team Summit, and promote ADA programs, services, and educational offerings.
• Supervise and develop the Communications Specialist through clear goals, regular feedback, and learning and development. Build skills, confidence and ownership while ensuring quality and timely delivery.
• Manage externa