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Lead Strategist, Communications & Engagement

Job in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Listing for: City of Edmonton
Full Time position
Listed on 2026-06-23
Job specializations:
  • Management
  • Marketing / Advertising / PR
    Branding Specialist / Ambassador
Salary/Wage Range or Industry Benchmark: 50689 CAD Yearly CAD 50689.00 YEAR
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Position: Lead Strategist, Communications & Engagement (ID: 55356)
Are you an exceptional communications and marketing leader who can turn high-level business goals into captivating strategic narratives and compelling campaigns? Can you navigate a complex political landscape while inspiring a multi-disciplinary team to do the best work of their careers? The City of Edmonton has an incredible opportunity for a seasoned professional to step into the role of Lead Strategist, Communications & Engagement within our Community Services team.

The Lead Strategist, Communications & Engagement is responsible for leading a portfolio of communications, marketing and engagement strategies within the Community Services Department, specifically supporting the Sport and Recreation branch, the Attractions, Culture and Nature branch, and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services. This role manages the overall design and delivery of integrated services, ensuring seamless collaboration across teams and projects. As a leader, you will provide strategic counsel, manage a team of 10-14 professionals, and translate high-level strategies into actionable plans.

You will manage and mentor a dedicated team of professionals, providing leadership and strategic oversight to the development and implementation of innovative communications, marketing and engagement strategies. From driving the narrative behind world‑class sports and cultural events to supporting life‑safety public awareness programs, your work will drive participation, shape Edmonton’s place brand, build public trust, and ensure meaningful resident participation in civic decision‑making.

You will serve as a trusted partner to department leaders, steering them and your team toward high‑value strategic opportunities.

What will you do?

Lead the design, implementation and evaluation of comprehensive integrated marketing, communications and public engagement strategies rooted in data and industry best practices

Lead the communications and engagement planning process, developing strategies that are aligned with corporate priorities and department goals

Build strong relationships with program leaders to understand their business needs

Analyze business priorities to identify and prioritize high‑value communications and marketing opportunities to ensure optimal resource allocation

Navigate politically sensitive or emergent issues, providing strategic counsel, mitigation plans, and support to senior leadership

Identify issues, opportunities, trends, and gaps, and provide strategic advice and proposed solutions to leadership

Provide leadership and direct supervision, coaching, and mentorship to a team of communications, marketing and engagement professionals

Nurture a supportive, relationship‑driven team environment centered on growth and continuous development

Serve as the conduit between the leadership team and staff, balancing direction from leadership with feedback from staff

Quality Assurance & Performance Stewardship

Utilize market research, public opinion methodologies, and historical evaluation data to build highly targeted, results‑focused campaigns

Establish and track transparent performance metrics to demonstrate the tangible impact of your portfolio’s work

Perform quality management and oversight on deliverables to ensure they meet the City’s standards and guides

Contribute to the design and continuous improvement of section and unit‑level processes and practices

Ensure the prudent use of human and financial resources, and effectively oversee external agency or vendor contracts

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Relations, Business, Communications, Public Engagement or a related field, with 6 years of progressively responsible experience OR a related diploma from a recognized post‑secondary institution with 8 years of progressively responsible experience

6 or more years of experience leading and providing strategic consulting and advising services in communications, marketing and public engagement

Assets:

A Master’s Degree in a related field

Certification in Change Management or Project Management

International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) certificate or similar professional training

Skills required for success:

Strate…
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