Overview
About the Calgary Chamber
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce exists to help businesses reach their potential. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.
Position Overview
As part of the Policy and External Affairs team, the Senior Public Relations Advisor will lead the communication and dissemination of the Chamber’s policy and advocacy work to our membership, government and the public. They will be a key contributor as part of a forward-focused team, working with media, businesses, partners and government to develop and amplify recommendations that support a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community. The role is responsible for ensuring the Chamber is the leading voice on business issues.
The Senior Public Relations Advisor reports to the Vice President, Policy and External Affairs, and works closely with the policy and government relations team, liaises with marketing and membership teams, and directly supports the President and CEO. The candidate is a strong written and verbal communicator, an expert in strategic communications and positioning, and has a strong interest in public policy. They are responsive to the news cycle, while executing on the Chamber’s strategic purpose.
Key Responsibilities
Communications, Media & Chamber Positioning
- Lead the Chamber’s public and media relations and engagement, including preparing and distributing press releases, statements and advisories, responding to media inquiries, developing key messages, and preparing Chamber spokespeople for interviews.
- Advance the Chamber’s public relations strategy to communicate our public policy work and enhance our profile across government, the business community, and the public.
- Support with the communication of public policy positions, papers, and election platforms, including through traditional media, digital platforms (social media) and presentations.
- Build relationships with media outlets to ensure traction on the Chamber’s policy positions, including by securing media interviews, landing op-eds and facilitating media presence at Chamber events.
- Draft monthly member e-newsletters on policy, articles to various business-related publications, and various other written content.
- Develop scripts and presentations for public engagements for the President & CEO and Leadership Team.
- Lead the development and execution of Chamber-driven public relations campaigns.
- Provide strategic counsel on messaging and positioning on key organizational and public policy issues.
Policy and Government Relations
- Support the development and execution of policy initiatives, including roundtables, webinars, election platforms, workshops, luncheons and panel events.
- Support the policy team in building and maintaining relationships with key external stakeholders including Chamber members, government employees and officials, and strategic partners.
Current Affairs
- Monitor business-related issues and government events and provide support when a response to the membership, media or government is required.
- Support the Calgary Chamber research and current affairs activities including issue identification, solution formulation and communication responses.
- Work with the Marketing Team to develop and distribute content including member newsletters, surveys and policy-related social media posts.
Internal Communications
- Lead the development of consistent messaging across the organization to promote the Chamber vision, mission, and values.
- Support and liaise between Marketing and Membership teams, and Policy and External Affairs, coordinating communications and ensuring consistent messaging across the organization.
- Provide informal coaching and training to internal staff to help position the Chamber and communicate a clear value proposition of the Chamber and its public policy work.
- Contribute to writing, proofreading, and editing for a wide variety of written, digital and presentation materials, supporting all teams across the Chamber.
Performance Tracking
- Track and report on key performance indicators to gauge progress and success on public relations strategy and tactics.
- Measure the effectiveness of communications channels and recommend opportunities for improvement. Research emerging trends, best practices, and opportunities with the goal of improving communications execution.
Qualifications and Requirements
- 6 to 8 years of experience in public relations and demonstrated employment history related to media and communications.
- Post-secondary education in public relations, communications or related discipline.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to write for a diverse audience.
- Strong interest in public policy, current affairs and government.
- Works well in a team environment, as well as independently.
- Strong time management skills in order to meet deadlines in a dynamic, fast paced environment.
- Strong problem solving, critical thinking and analytical skills.
Reporting Relationships
Reports to:
- Vice President, Policy and External Affairs
Works closely with:
- Policy and Government Relations Team
- President & CEO
- Marketing and Events Team
- Membership Team
Job Details
- Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
- Schedule: Monday to Friday; hybrid work schedule
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree; Master’s degree considered an asset
- Experience: Media and strategic communications: 6 to 8 years
- Compensation: Competitive salary, vacation & benefits including access to the Ampersand building gym and recreation facilities, holiday office closure, flex days, RRSP matching and performance-based bonus.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
At the Calgary Chamber, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diversity is sought, and all individuals are valued. We firmly believe in equal opportunity for all, and do not discriminate in our hiring process based on race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, age or neurodiversity. We also welcome applications from non-Canadians who are eligible to work in Canada.
The Calgary Chamber is an inclusive workplace where diversity of thought – and of people – are recognized, valued and considered essential to achieving our mission.
