Strategic Communications Specialist

Role Responsibilities

We are seeking a dedicated individual to fill the senior position of Strategic Communications Specialist within our Forestry Division. Reporting directly to the Information Unit Manager, this role is responsible for strategic information management, executive-level reporting and emergency response coordination. This position is critical because it ensures that decision-makers receive timely, accurate and actionable insights to support ministry operations, particularly during crises or high-priority situations.

As the Strategic Communications Specialist, you will integrate data analysis, risk assessment and strategic communications to enhance the ministry’s ability to respond to emerging issues, optimize operations and align with government priorities. You will proactively monitor legislative, environmental and operational developments, synthesize key information into executive briefings, dashboards and reporting frameworks.

You must be able to anticipate challenges, provide real-time analysis and ensure alignment with stakeholders.

You will be working in a high-pressure situation, to provide timely and accurate updates on current and emerging issues as well as ensure the information is communicated clearly.  A strong understanding of the wildfire management program, forest management, communications and the Government of Alberta is essential for this position, as well as effective data analysis and project management skills. Excellent communication skills, including verbal, written, and presentation abilities are crucial for success in this role.
 

As the Strategic Communications Specialist, you will collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders, assess issues, determine priorities, coordinate supporting information, and take appropriate actions to contribute to the success of our Forestry Division. If you are ready to take on this challenging yet rewarding role and make a real difference in the forestry sector, we encourage you to apply today.
 

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.
 

Creative Problem Solving: Anticipates, assesses, and readily adapts to changing priorities while maintaining resilience in times of uncertainty while working effectively in a changing environment.

Build Collaborative Environments: Takes a collaborative approach with work to foster open communication and leverage team skills.

Agility: Identifies alternative approaches in uncertain, complex situations while supporting others in determining and assessing strategy.

Systems Thinking: Considers the changing environment while recognizing how work impacts a vast network of stakeholders. 

Develop Self and Others: Aims to learn from experiences and stays current with skills and knowledge to remain competitive.

Qualifications

Education:
•    University graduation in Communications, Public Administration, Business, Emergency Management, Data Science or related fields/equivalencies plus 3 or more years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below. 

•    Directly related experience and/or education may be considered on basis of one year of education for one year of experience or vice versa.

Assets: 
•    Expertise in strategic communications, risk analysis, and real-time reporting.
•    Strong understanding of government decision-making processes, crisis management frameworks, and policy development.
•    Proficiency in data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or GIS mapping software to enhance reporting clarity.
•    Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and document automation tools.
•    Ability to synthesize large volumes of data into concise, actionable reports for executive audiences.
•    Experience with media monitoring, social listening tools, and public sentiment analysis for proactive issues management.
•    Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling narratives.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This is permanent full time position with standard weekly hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday. The incumbent may be requested to work overtime, evening and weekends due to the emergency nature of wildfires.

Travel throughout the province may be required as part of your responsibilities to coordinate with Ministry staff and colleagues, other government departments, clients, and other stakeholders. 

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

What the GoA has to offer:

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.