Specialist, Communications

Position Description

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Communications, the Specialist, Communications plays a key role in working collaboratively across all Tourism Calgary areas of business, delivering expertise in corporate communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement. Working with a high‑performing team, this hands‑on role supports content development, can execute communications plans across multiple channels, work with tourism data and craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences, while ensuring consistent alignment with the destination brand.

The ideal candidate is a versatile communications generalist with strong writing skills, demonstrated media experience, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. You excel at building relationships and supporting cross‑functional collaboration.

• Support the development and implementation of integrated communications plans, editorial calendars, and content strategies across multiple channels, in collaboration with internal teams.
• Draft, edit, and finalize a wide range of written materials, including media releases, key messages, Q&As, speaking notes, briefing notes, newsletters, presentations, partner updates, website content, and corporate reports.
• Support organizational monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting, including drafting narrative content, summarizing performance results, and translating data into clear, audience‑friendly communications.
• Translate tourism data and research into clear, compelling narratives to support storytelling, reporting, and stakeholder communications.
• Maintain a strong understanding of Calgary’s tourism industry, policy environment, and stakeholder landscape.
• Work closely with the Communications Team to support measurable objectives and KPIs, using analytics and insights to refine and improve communications efforts.

• Support both proactive and reactive media relations.
• Draft media materials including news releases, media statements, key messages, Q&As, and speaking notes for press conferences and media interviews.
• Respond to media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and help prepare spokespeople in collaboration with the SVP and executive team.
• Monitor media coverage, issues, and emerging trends, and flag risks or opportunities as appropriate.

• Support communications planning and execution for corporate events, announcements, and stakeholder engagements.
• Provide project coordination for cross‑departmental initiatives and special projects.
• Ensure event‑related materials and communications uphold Tourism Calgary’s destination brand.

• Draft key messages, issues briefs, stakeholder updates, and backgrounders to support advocacy, government relations, and partner engagement (in alignment with the SVP).
• Assist with stakeholder mapping, engagement tracking, and follow‑up communications as needed.

• Support communication of Tourism Calgary’s business plan, strategic framework, and long‑term tourism strategy.
• Translate research insights and tourism performance data into accessible, compelling communications.
• Assist with partner‑related communications work as required.

• Degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• 3‑5+ years of progressive experience in communications, media relations, or public relations.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to work quickly and confidently under tight timelines.
• Demonstrated experience supporting media relations, including drafting media materials and preparing spokespeople.
• Comfort working with data, research, or performance metrics and translating insights into plain‑language communications (experience in research or analysis is an asset).
• Highly organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate across teams and with external partners.
• Experience with digital communications tools; experience with CRM or…