Senior Advisor, Communications and Engagement

The Calgary Police Commission (the Commission) is a board of 10 community members and two city councillors appointed by City Council and the Government of Alberta to provide independent governance and oversight of the Calgary Police Service. It serves as a non-political board of directors that ensures the police operate at arms-length from elected leaders while also being accountable and responsive to the community.

The Alberta Police Act gives the Commission responsibility for hiring and supervising the police chief, establishing policies that ensure Calgary has efficient and effective policing, establishing police priorities and annual policing plans in consultation with the police chief, providing oversight on certain police personnel matters, and approving how the police budget is spent.

Reporting to the Commission's Executive Director, the Senior Advisor of Communications and Engagement facilitates the Commission's conversations with partners and the community. Primary duties include:

• Provide strategic communication advice to the Commission and its staff, including identifying emerging issues and providing sound issues management advice in a highly political environment.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate communication and engagement strategies and tactics that build trust in police governance and support the priorities of the Commission.
• Manage the Commission's social media and media relations, including producing engaging graphics and video content for social media, writing media releases, answering inquiries, preparing key messages, and coaching spokespeople.
• Plan and coordinate engagement activities to gather input from the public, Calgary Police Service employees, and other interested parties, including an annual full day townhall style event, an awards program, and two surveys each year.
• Develop, implement and assess intergovernmental relations strategies, in consultation with the Calgary Police Service and other Commission staff, to maintain strong relationships with City Council, the Government of Alberta and other partners, and to advocate around the police budget, police governance, and various regulatory or legislative issues.
• Write letters, speeches, presentations, memorandums, Council reports, briefing notes, website content, and other communication materials on behalf of the Commission.

Qualifications

• A degree in a related field, such as communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or political science, combined with at least 8 years of progressive experience working in communications, public consultation, public affairs, government relations, or a similar field.
• Designation of Accredited in Public Relations (APR), Communication Management Professional (CMP), Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP), or Certified Public Participation Professional (CP3) is considered an asset.
• Ability to use basic graphic and video editing software and social media platforms.
• Experience using Canva Pro, the Adobe Suite, and/or similar programs is considered an asset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills that demonstrate a thorough understanding of different audiences, as well as an ability to create visually professional documents that match the visual/brand identity of the Commission.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and political acumen, including an ability to influence without authority, work collaboratively, and establish strong and positive working relationships with colleagues, board members, and partners.
• Proven ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgement.
• Ability to manage priorities and deadlines as the Commission's only communications professional.

Pre-employment Requirements

• An enhanced security clearance will be conducted.
• Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications. Education obtained from out of country must have or be able to obtain, an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) for confirmation of equivalent credentials.

Position and Pay Information

Business Unit: Calgary Police Commisssion

Position Type: 1 Permanent

Compensation: Level P3 $104,938 - $131,172 per annum

Hours of work: Non-Standard 37.5 hour work week.

Days of work: Monday to Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. Compressed work week options available.

Location: 1150 - 202 6 Avenue S.W.

Audience: Internal/External

Apply By: August 20, 2026