Communications Specialist, Alberta Bureau for International Education

Please note: This job posting is for the Alberta Bureau for International Education and is not a SAIT opportunity.

The Alberta Bureau for International Education (ABIE) is an incorporated organization that provides a central voice for participating post-secondary institutions across Alberta, one that acts on their behalf to advance the international education sector in the province. In today’s interconnected world, Alberta’s post-secondary sector plays a vital role in equipping students for their future as global citizens. ABIE supports building and expanding the capacity of Alberta post-secondary institutions to advance Alberta’s global brand and support increased global engagement, through partnerships and international learning opportunities for Albertans. ABIE will support the positioning of Alberta as a top education destination developing and attracting world-class talent!

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Director through the Director, the Communications Specialist (CS) plays a pivotal role in advancing the overall brand of international education in Alberta, specific to the mission, vision and operational priorities of the Alberta Bureau for International Education’s (ABIE). As ABIE is a start-up organization, the incumbent’s accountabilities are broad and comprehensive and require strong collaboration with the ABIE team members.

This role requires effective results-oriented outcomes supported by data, associated with communications, marketing and event/mission management, critical to advancing priorities. ABIE’s role is to demonstrate system-wide impact in support of post-secondary organizations. The breadth of international education priorities may include expansion of global partnership, capacity building, mobility, offshore education and student recruitment, to demonstrate that Alberta is a destination and partner of choice having recognized colleges, polytechnics, and universities.

The role’s focus is on showcasing through communications, marketing and events, Alberta’s value proposition including its rigorous post-secondary education system to stakeholders locally and globally. The CS is responsible for social media, web content creation, and traditional media, critical to growing ABIE and Alberta's brand. Additionally, the CS will lead proactive media outreach and support social media activities in partnership with ABIE’s international, national, and provincial partners – post-secondary, industry, government, associations, not-for-profit organizations and more as required.

The CS will have a significant impact on ABIE brand and require a high level of visibility, leadership, and a service-oriented approach. This role is demanding and fast-paced, as the CS is expected to take initiative, work fluidly and independently, under the guidance of the Director with little direction, and with a high degree of relationship building, professionalism, accuracy, strong sound judgment, and team-oriented mindset.

The Role

• Communications (50%)
• Establishes a Communications Plan for execution in support of ABIE’s priority activities as determined by the Executive Director, and approved by the Director.
• Working with the Director, leads the establishment of key performance indicators and targets for ABIE’s communications activities and provides analytic reports to the team.
• Advises Executive Director on brand risk of interest and concern to the Board, the ABIE, and Alberta’s post-secondary institutions.
• Grow ABIE’s reputation within the field of international education by amplifying current initiatives, telling ABIE and Alberta’s story, and profiling through communications.
• Project manage scheduled social media requirements to enhance and expand the brand and identity of ABIE and the Executive Director.
• Collaborate with international, national, provincial, municipal government, and non-government organizations or agencies to identify and execute communication needs, including post-secondary contacts.
• Adhere to and maintain brand guidelines and approve application of visual identity for communication activities.
• Contribute to board and contract reporting requirements associated with communications.
• Promote and model strong employee engagement through inspiring leadership and value-based actions.

• Marketing (30%)
• Establishes a Marketing Plan for execution in support of ABIE’s priority activities as determined by the Executive Director, and approved by the Director.
• Working with the Director, leads the establishment of key performance indicators and targets for ABIE’s marketing activities and provides analytic reports to the team.
• Project manage scheduled media requirements to enhance and expand the brand and identity of ABIE and the Executive Director.
• Develop and maintain media materials, including content population – branded materials for events, PPTs, report templates etc.
• Grow ABIE’s reputation within the field of international education by amplifying current initiatives, telling ABIE and Alberta’s story, and profiling through marketing.
• Develop ABIE’s standing member communications including newsletters for consistent member engagement.
• Strategically pitch news to media to garner proactive and positive stories.
• Create effective media releases for ABIE and when required in partnership with international partners or the Government of Alberta.
• Represent as the media liaison for ABIE events or announcements.
• Adhere to and maintain brand guidelines and approve application of visual identity for marketing activities.
• Respond to general media inquiries in consultation with the Executive Director (and Director when ED is unavailable due to travel).
• Work in partnership with ABIE’s creative agencies to advance key activities and maintain media inventory including website and LinkedIn account.
• Participate in the development/recommendation of operational budget for communications and marketing, and support budget control through optimal use of resources.
• Contribute to board and contract reporting requirements associated with marketing.

• Event Management (20%)
• Lead all aspects of event coordination of activities for signature events abroad (EAIE, APAIE, NAFSA etc.) and other activities hosted by ABIE, including member engagement and capacity building sessions – virtually and in person.
• Lead the coordination of international delegation missions and other activities hosted by ABIE, including member engagement.
• Support the implementation of the Community Engagement strategy.
• Initiate, coordinate and interpret market research relevant to community engagement to position ABIE locally, nationally and internationally.
• Support promotion of events through strategies, tactics, and resources (including promotional materials).

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education, preferably a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in communications with a focus on media engagement/social media/content creation and delivery.
• Must have valid Alberta Driver’s License and valid Canadian Passport.
• This role will have limited travel domestically within Alberta, potentially internationally.
• Political judgment and sensitivity with an understanding of education and the political landscape as it impacts ABIE.
• Understanding of specific needs that can be met through increased visibility among policy makers and members.
• Able to work in a team, and cooperatively with a broad range of individuals with tact and diplomacy at all times.
• Ability to recognize and maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when disseminating information to others.
• Able to work independently with limited direction.
• Results and action-oriented.
• Flexible, adaptable and able to promote innovative approaches in supporting the Director.
• Experience in international education is an asset.

Skills

• In-depth working knowledge and experience with platforms and tools including Sprout Social, Google Analytics, and Canva.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and media creation software.
• Excellent business writing skills to ensure well-formatted, concise and accurate meeting records and correspondence.

Job Classification: P2105 - Internal Comm Specialist

Salary Range: $75,000 - $98,000

Posting End Date: January 5, 2025