Communications Manager
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: Commensurate with experience + benefits
Language Required: English (other languages such as Nakoda, Blackfoot, Tsuut’ina, Michif, French considered an asset)
Application Deadline: August 9, 2021
Start Date: September 2021, with some flexibility
About Fort Calgary
Situated where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet in Treaty 7 territory, the place that we now call Fort Calgary National Historic Site has played a central role in both the long and more recent histories of this region. The site is rooted in place-stories and memory practices of the Blackfoot Nations, Îyarhe-Nakoda Nations, Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
The land was a natural gathering place to hunt, trade, and hold ceremony. Later, due to the land’s natural topography and social significance, it was where the North West Mounted Police built Fort Calgary in 1875, operating until 1914. Recognized as a National Historic Site in 1925, it served as a train yard until 1975 when the lands were bought by the City of Calgary. Today it is at the heart of the city. We recognize that Fort Calgary is a layered place. It has multiple histories.
We seek to demonstrate our commitment to reconciliation through the adoption of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s guiding principles. As caretakers of this unique National Historic Site, we aim to present these histories in an honest way to connect people by deepening their understanding, enhancing their curiosity, and informing their context for contemporary life.
Fort Calgary is at a key pivot point. A new strategic plan was unanimously adopted by the board in March 2020, and COVID has provided the organization an ideal runway to focus on the work of enacting this plan. This plan puts programs first—it is by working with community and in community that we create value for the people in our city. We are building a new team committed to working in new ways together to achieve the renewal of a National Historic Site.
About the Role
Reporting to the chief development officer, the communications manager is responsible for designing, executing, and assessing multi-year and annual marketing and communications strategies for Fort Calgary as the team works to realize the goals presented in the strategic plan.
The communications manager will design and execute all email, social and earned media campaigns, designed to engage the community and target audiences with the vision and activity of Fort Calgary, and support the raising of philanthropic dollars. This includes promoting public programs and exhibitions, managing the web and digital offering, operating social media accounts, supporting fund development through storytelling, and earned media relations projects.
This role also is expected to monitor, update, and report on audiences reached and develop ways to reach new groups. The ideal candidate is a curious, creative, self-starter who maintains a good knowledge of all activities and program areas at Fort Calgary and has a superb instinct for connecting and engaging community with this work.
Personal Characteristics and Experience:
- Fort Calgary seeks a dynamic and inspiring professional who is keen to lead and execute on communications strategy to join our passionate team.
- Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience, preferably in a cultural institution.
- Strong writing and public speaking skills, able to write for diverse audiences.
- Experience managing a website and social media accounts.
- High level of attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Familiarity with not-for-profit sector.
- Design skills considered an asset (design can be outsourced).
- Proactive approach to seeking communications and marketing opportunities inside or outside Fort Calgary to support strategic goals.
- Highly motivated and can work independently when needed.
- Familiarity with the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report of 2015.
Background
Advanced degree or equivalent accreditation in relevant subjects (communications, marketing, public relations). However, we recognize the value of candidates who have developed relevant skills through lived experience rather than formal education and welcome such candidates to apply.
For more information, visit fortcalgary.com.
How to Apply
Additional considerations include a flexible work environment, benefits package, and the opportunity to be part of renewing a national historic site as part of a values-driven team.
Qualified applicants should send resume and cover letter on or before August 9, 2021, to hr@fortcalgary.com.
The Fort Calgary team is guided by a shared commitment to community, reconciliation, integrity, sustainability, inclusiveness, and respect. People with diverse experience and backgrounds are welcome.
