Communications Specialist - External Relations

Communications Specialist – External Relations

Job Title Communications Specialist – External Relations

At the University of Lethbridge, we speak in perspectives. We are located in the heart of traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory in southern Alberta with campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary. ULethbridge is more than a place to learn — it’s a place to build a career and make a lasting impact. We are one of Canada’s top universities and leading research institutions with more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

We are an inclusive university that values diverse experiences and backgrounds. Our people are our greatest strength, and we are dedicated to fostering growth and success for all of our people. Together, we transform lives and communities.

The Communications Specialist – External Relations plays a central role in connecting alumni, donors and community partners to the University of Lethbridge. Through compelling stories, strategic communications and integrated campaigns, this role helps build lasting relationships, advance philanthropic support and strengthen the University’s brand and reputation. If you are a creative storyteller who thrives on impact and engagement, this is an opportunity to use your creativity and strategic thinking to directly shape the University’s reputation and connections with its audiences.

Reporting to the Director of Alumni and Community Relations, with a dotted‑line to the Director of Communications, the Communications Specialist – External Relations develops and executes communications strategies, materials and content that advance alumni engagement, donor relations and community partnerships. Operating within the University’s network communications model, the role creates dynamic, high‑quality narratives across multiple platforms to highlight achievements, showcase impact and engage audiences in meaningful ways.

• Craft dynamic, engaging stories and communications materials that highlight alumni, donors, research, students and institutional initiatives.
• Write and edit a wide variety of content including feature stories, news releases, marketing copy, newsletters, internal communications and promotional materials.
• Create, manage and optimize digital content for websites, social media channels and other online platforms, including portfolio‑specific websites.
• Develop and execute social media strategies for Alumni Relations channels, monitoring engagement and using analytics to improve performance.
• Plan and implement integrated communications strategies that support institutional goals and align with the University’s strategic plan.
• Collaborate with colleagues across CMGR and campus stakeholders to ensure coordinated messaging and consistent branding.
• Support institutional communications initiatives, including contributing to institutional social media channels and major projects.
• Provide communications planning, content development, and coordination for events and special initiatives.
• Assist with media relations by preparing news releases, responding to inquiries, and facilitating media opportunities.
• Ensure all communications materials align with the University’s brand standards and messaging priorities.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years‑experience in a communication role, preferably with a focus on donor relations, alumni relations, stakeholder engagement or a related field.
• Experience in a post‑secondary environment is preferred.
• Advanced writing and communication skills with the ability to motivate and inspire through impactful storytelling and various written assignments, including editorial/feature writing, writing for the web, proposal writing, case statements, annual fund campaign content.
• Experience with digital storytelling tools (photography, video editing and multimedia), as well as Canadian Press writing standards, would be an asset.
• Experience with social media and media relations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Comfortable interacting with many different individuals in a variety of contexts (alumni, employees, students, donors,…