Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives And Issues Management

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

In accordance with the Handbook of Terms and Conditions of Employment for Management and Professional Staff (Excluded) , this full-time continuing position offers a comprehensive benefits package found at Faculty & Staff Benefits and annual salary range which will be commensurate with qualifications.

Location - Work primarily takes place in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Working for the Department

The mandate of University Strategic Communications is focused on enhancing and protecting the institutional reputation of the University of Alberta as one of the leading public universities in Canada and the world. We build awareness and understanding of the U of A's transformative impact on students and society. We showcase the initiatives and stories that demonstrate the U of A's commitment to research and teaching excellence that leads to positive enduring change both close to home and around the world.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director, Issues Management & Strategic Initiatives in External Relations, the Senior Advisor, Issues Management & Strategic Initiatives advises on, develops and executes issues management, crisis communications, risk mitigation and related strategic external relations initiatives, strategies, functions, programs and services across the institution. This role holds a university-wide span of influence through the delivery of issues management goals and objectives. Managing issues, initiative and projects with an in-depth understanding of the public, political, and regulatory environment, the Senior Advisor is responsible for providing high-level issues management advice, initiative management and services to executives, portfolios, colleges and faculties.

In this position, the Senior Advisor delivers advice, strategies and products that align with institutional planning and priorities, as well as considers stakeholder plans and priorities.

The Senior Advisor requires a high-level of confidence and tact, seamlessly guiding and assisting the institution through often complex, challenging and sensitive situations involving a range of significant internal and external University stakeholders. In all facets of this role, the Senior Advisor endeavors to integrate and advance the University’s commitments to equity, diversity and inclusivity. This position also understands, fulfills, and promotes the health, safety and environment responsibilities identified in university policy.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will join a team of professional and collaborative colleagues who strive for excellence in strategic communications and stakeholder relations by ensuring alignment, consistency and creativity in institutional key messaging, storytelling and advocacy. The Senior Advisor, Issues Management & Strategic Initiatives will demonstrate and possess the following competencies and qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and written and oral communication skills are required.
• Experience as an official public representative and advising/training on media relations best practices and in regards to sensitive or controversial issues.
• French language skills are an asset.
• Annual submission of U of A Conflict of Interest / Conflict of Commitment Declaration.
• University degree in a related field such as public relations, journalism, communications or political science (an advanced degree is strongly preferred).
• Diverse, high-level experience and demonstrated accomplishments in communications, public engagement and stakeholder relations; experience within the postsecondary education sector is an asset.
• Demonstrated strong project and team management skills.
• Ability to think and perform strategically, to effectively communicate strategic advice and counsel, and to provide sound strategy management and focus through complex, high profile and sensitive situations and during crises.
• Compliance, alignment, and support of the University of Alberta’s (current and emerging) mandate, strategic initiatives, and operational plans and programs that are dedicated to achieving a more diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive environment for all who work, learn, and live within our community is required.
• A solid understanding of the purpose and use of social media for strategic stakeholder engagement and issues management.
• A working understanding of relevant legislation, regulation and compliance requirements related to information management, personal privacy and public health and safety is preferred.
• A solid understanding of Alberta and Canada's political and media landscape, and in particular the key stakeholders for post-secondary education.
• This position is an active member of the university’s emergency response Crisis Management Team.
• Actively seeks out and creates opportunities for knowledge exchange and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Over 7 years of diverse experience and a demonstrated track record of success in a senior stakeholder relations, issues/risk management and/or communications role within large, complex, multi-stakeholder organizations, including regularly providing strategic advice to and briefing senior leaders.
• Plugged into local, national and international networks, best practices and trends.
• Flexibility in weekly work schedule (related to out-of-office on-call hours and/or media relations duties) as required.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and multiple demands, and effectively prioritize under pressure and during times of crisis.

How To Apply

If you are a skilled and dedicated communications professional with the passion and a proven track record of providing outstanding service to internal and external clients in support of unit and institutional goals, please consider joining our team! Your resume, along with an up-to-date cover letter that clearly identifies how you meet or exceed the above qualifications, is required for consideration. Please note: Applicants must demonstrate that they have recent and relevant experience performing some or all of the above-noted duties.