Specialist, Indigenous

**Salary: Authority Band 8 ($88,354.50 - $91,903.50)**

**Status: Full-Time, Permanent, Unionized**

**Number of positions available: 1**

**Closing Date: July 10, 2025**

**WHO WE ARE**

The Calgary Airport Authority (also known as Calgary Airports) manages and operates both YYC Calgary International Airport and YBW Springbank Airport as well as collaborates with the many vibrant community partners who impact our guest experiences. If you are interested in an exciting career in the airport industry then this is the place to be

**WHAT WILL YOU DO**

Do you believe that inclusive dialogue, Indigenous engagement, and meaningful partnerships should shape the role of airports as gateways to both connection and community? If your values are rooted in collaboration, reconciliation, and meaningful engagement, we invite you to help us strengthen the connection between Calgary Airports and the Indigenous and external communities we serve.

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Specialist, Indigenous and External Relations to drive transformational partnerships with Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and industry allies. Reporting to the Manager, Government & External Relations, you will take the lead in advancing our Reconciliation Strategy, shaping an Indigenous Community Engagement Framework, and ensuring Calgary Airports engages with key industry groups to advance the positions of the organization.

**WHATS THE TEAM LIKE**

If you’re seeking an opportunity to excel while shaping impactful relationships that enhance the travel experience for millions each year, we could be a great fit. Our Government and External Relations team plays a pivotal role in developing strategic initiatives that align with our business objectives and elevate the overall experience at Calgary Airports. Through proactive engagement with government bodies, industry partners, community groups, and other key stakeholders, we influence decisions that drive progress and innovation. We’re passionate about what we do, work hard, and always find time to enjoy the journey.

**WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Indigenous Engagement & Program Leading
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations, including Treaty 7 First Nations and regional Métis governments.
- Serve as the primary liaison between Calgary Airports and Indigenous communities, fostering open, transparent, and respectful dialogue.
- Coordinate the implementation of Calgary Airports’ Reconciliation Strategy in partnership with internal teams.
- Design and lead the development of an Indigenous Community Engagement Framework to guide consistent and meaningful outreach.
- Provide culturally appropriate guidance to internal departments on Indigenous engagement strategies and communication.
- Collaborate on enhancing Indigenous cultural representation through art, exhibits, and other initiatives across airport spaces.
- Contribute to the “Supporting Indigenous Communities” segment of the organization’s community investment program.
- Track reconciliation progress and stay current on Indigenous-related policies and issues.
- Internal Collaboration & DEI Support
- Coordinate with People, Corporate Communications, and Digital Communications teams to recognize and honor culturally significant dates (e.g., Red Dress Day, National Indigenous History Month, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation).
- Promote Crew participation in Indigenous cultural awareness training in collaboration with the Indigenous Cultural Advisor.
- Support Indigenous supplier diversity and procurement initiatives.
- Advise internal project teams to ensure Indigenous engagement and cultural inclusion are meaningfully integrated.
- External Partners Alignment and Relationship Management
- Develop and execute stakeholder engagement strategies to build trust, promote transparency, and address community concerns.
- Monitor policy positions of key partners (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Industry Association of Alberta) and support strategic alignment with government relations priorities.
- Collaborate with local tourism partners to position the airport as a hub for travel and business.
- Represent Calgary Airports at public consultations, community forums, and industry events, ensuring its priorities and values are clearly communicated.
- Plan and execute engagement activities for external partners, including meetings, workshops, and public forums.
- Strengthen relationships with community organizations, business associations, and industry partners.
- Coordinate visits and airport tours for external partners to showcase Calgary Airports’ initiatives and infrastructure.
- Act as a member of the Communications & External Relations emergency response call-out team, assume role of writer and / or government and external relations manager, as assigned and as appropriate to the situation.

**WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING**
- The ability to gain and maint