Manager, Communications

Why should you join our team?

YMCA Calgary is a charity that ignites the potential in Calgarians. Since our inception in 1902, we have evolved into a vibrant organization operating in every quadrant of the city.

Guided by our core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility, YMCA Calgary offers a growing hub of programming & services to address the needs of our community including connection and belonging, physical and mental wellbeing, child-care support, language instruction, affordable tutoring and more. We also ensure that no one is turned away, lowering financial barriers for youth, adults and families through the generous donations of our community. This impact takes place across our 7 health and wellness facilities, 6 childcare centres, 2 outdoor camps and 12+ community programs, empowering people of all ages and life stages to belong, grow, thrive and lead.

Manager, Communication & Engagement

Association Services

Start Date: Immediately

Salary: $54,996.00/year - $82,494.00/year

Apply on our website:

You can make an impact in the community - locally and across the globe. You will work with a fun culture of people and enjoy many of the benefits and opportunities the YMCA offers:

· Complimentary YMCA Calgary membership including a linked membership for dependent children;

· Comprehensive health and dental benefits. Premiums paid in full by the Association;

· Pension plan with specified contribution matching by the Association;

· Anniversary flex day and gifts given to celebrate each year of employment;

· Program discounts;

· Ongoing leadership development and opportunities;

· Leadership award opportunities;

· Scholarship opportunities;

· Paid recertification and training.

What qualifications are we looking for?

At YMCA Calgary we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals. The successful candidate will have the following;

· The successful candidate will have the following:

· Proven communications leadership with 6-8 years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, or related fields, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or coaching capacity.

· Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing employee, leader, and organizational communications strategies in complex or multi-site organizations.

· Strong track record in media relations, including story development, media pitching, preparing spokespeople, and managing inquiries under tight timelines.

· Experience in crisis and issues management, with the ability to provide calm, clear, and timely counsel during high-pressure situations.

· Skilled storyteller and content creator, with exceptional writing, editing, and message development skills across multiple formats and channels.

· Collaborative approach, with the ability to influence, partner, and build trust across diverse internal and external stakeholders.

· Strategic mindset and analytical ability, leveraging insights, metrics, and feedback to evaluate communications effectiveness and continuously improve.

· Experience in event planning and community engagement, ideally within not-for-profit, charitable, or community-based organizations.

· Post-secondary education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.

· Familiarity with health, fitness, recreation, or charitable sectors is an asset.

· Ability to provide a clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search and three professional references.

What does this role look like at YMCA Calgary?

The Manager, Communications & Engagement is accountable for communications at YMCA Calgary. Reporting to the Director, Community & Government Relations, this role leads association-wide communications, employee communications, media relations, and community engagement initiatives. The Manager ensures clear, consistent, and values-driven messaging that strengthens organizational culture, deepens connections with members, employees, partners, and neighbours, and protects YMCA Calgary's reputation through proactive and responsive communications, including earned media and emergency and crisis response. Duties and Responsibilities include:

Association & Employee Communications

· Develop and deliver strategies that inform, inspire, and align employees, leaders, volunteers, and members with YMCA Calgary's mission, vision, and priorities.

Community & Partner Engagement

· Lead initiatives that deepen YMCA Calgary's relationship with members, partners, and communities, including key events (Annual General Meeting, town halls, leader forums).

Media Relations & Crisis Communications

· Act as a primary lead for media relations, pitching stories, preparing spokespeople, managing inquiries, and coordinating responses. Serve as a key resource for emergency and crisis communications.

Message & Content Leadership

· Develop key messages and content that reflect YMCA Calgary's voice and values, ensuring alignment across digital, print, and in-person channels.

Strategic Collaboration

· Partner with internal leaders and cross-functional teams to advise on communications best practices, support organizational change initiatives, and advance YMCA Calgary's strategic plan.

Community Programs & Events

· Oversee planning, promotion, and delivery of key organizational events and community engagement programs that showcase YMCA Calgary's impact.

Measurement & Continuous Improvement

· Establish objectives linked to business outcomes and feedback mechanisms to evaluate communications effectiveness, applying insights to strengthen reach and engagement.

Team Leadership

· Provide coaching and oversight to a coordinator, students, and contractors as required, ensuring high-quality outputs and professional growth.

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required. Other duties, obligations, and activities may change or be assigned at any time.

What qualities do we look for in YMCA Calgary Staff and Volunteers?

Our diverse team of staff and volunteers are committed to making a positive impact in the community. In addition, they model and are committed to the following competencies:

· Developing Self and Others: Developing people with a view toward present and future capacity.

· Building Purposeful Relationships: Relating to people authentically with their best in mind.

· Creating a Culture of Community: Gathering people to purpose and vision.

· Making Intentional Impact: Intending to make a difference every day.

· Thinking and Acting Strategically: Applying thoughts, words, and actions in service to the vision.

· Applying Business Acumen: Demonstrating excellence in technical skills and stewarding the YMCA Business Model.

· Innovating: Ability to know your environment, initiate and respond effectively to changing conditions.

Please note that evidence of a clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search is a requirement

YMCA Calgary is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada by way of Canadian Citizenship, Permanent Residency or a valid Canadian work permit. YMCA Calgary is currently not engaged in international recruitment efforts as we are required to demonstrate that we have exhausted all means of recruitment both locally and nationally.

Potential candidates will only be contacted if selected for an interview.

All applications are to be submitted online but for any position specific concerns or questions, please email Apply online