Executive Director, External Relations

Executive Director, External Relations

Alberta University of the Arts, 1407 14 Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Req #370 Friday, March 28, 2025

Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility, and in building community?

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is looking for a Executive Director, External Relations to provide oversight for the University’s strategic community engagement.

The Alberta University of the Arts is one of only four major art, craft and design focused Universities in Canada. Our internationally recognized programs and state-of-the-art facilities offer our 1,100 students a hands-on, studio-based education that leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Design, and an MFA in Craft Media. AUArts has deep roots in Calgary’s creative community and our alumni have had an impact on creativity around the world. Alberta University of the Arts will be celebrating its centennial in 2026.

This is a full-time permanent position. Hours of work are 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day.

Why AUArts?

AUArts is a community of thinkers, shapers, makers, and risk takers. We are students, faculty, staff, and alumni rich in diversity of culture and thought, challenged to fearlessly explore what moves us, drives us, and implores us to see the world differently.

The Opportunity

Competition #2425-MR-MP-20

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Executive Director, External Relations strengthens relationships with government, community stakeholders, alumni, donors, and the public to enhance the university’s reputation, secure funding, and advance institutional priorities. This role oversees all philanthropic activities for the University and leads a team of communications, marketing, and donor relations professionals.

As a member of the senior leadership team, this role is responsible for championing and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion, strategic partnerships, and enrollment management principles. Key leadership initiatives include the vision and direction for government relations, community and alumni engagement, fundraising, and public relations, ensuring alignment with the university’s strategic plan.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an innovative and visionary leader and strategic thinker with demonstrated accomplishments in building relationships with broad audiences and constituents, as well as an ability to inspire change and develop new initiatives to the betterment of the organization that focuses on people as an essential component of success. They are able to cultivate effective communication and have had success working and collaborating with others within a complex, multi-constituency group organization. The ideal candidate has an ability to engage people, inside and outside of the university, and can work collaboratively, effectively and successfully to advance AUArts, while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, and inspiring organizational proficiency in physical and mental health, safety, and wellness. They bring a proven track record of achievement in advancing Indigenous strategies, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles throughout an organization.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Degree in public relations, public policy, political science, communications, business, or a related field (a master’s degree is preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in government relations, external affairs, fundraising, and/or public relations.
• Proven ability to develop high-impact advocacy, engagement, and fundraising strategies.
• Experience building relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, donors, alumni, and media.
• Proven ability to collaborate with all levels of stakeholders internally and externally.
• Knowledge of public-sector legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of provincial politics and government operations with an ability to cultivate key contacts in relevant government ministries and external organizations across Alberta preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of government protocol, legislative process, and policy development preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in lobbying and stakeholder engagement preferred.
• Experience working in a post-secondary or non-profit environment preferred.

Competencies:

AUArts has established five common competencies to promote unity of vision and action in the organization. Responsibilities of senior leaders include the following:

• Healthy Spaces: Govern by example fostering respectful workplace principles. Inspire organization proficiency in physical and mental health, safety, and wellness.
• Active Inclusion: Govern by example advancing Indigenous strategies, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles throughout the organization. Inspire organizational proficiency in Indigenous, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility programs, policies, and communications.
• Creative Innovation: Govern by example advancing innovation and change mandates. Inspire change and develop new initiatives to the betterment of the organization that focuses on people as an essential component of success.
• Collaborative Practice: Govern by example cultivating effective communication throughout the organization. Champion, lead, and promote strategic external partnerships.
• Strategic Leadership: Govern by example developing vision and strategic plans. Inspire, lead, and promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

How to Apply

AUArts has partnered with KBRS Executive Search. To learn more about this opportunity, contact Katherine Frank (kfrank@kbrs.ca) or Beth McLennan (bmclennan@kbrs.ca). Completed applications can be submitted online at https://www.kbrs.ca/Career/17430906835070000008nke.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. AUArts hires on the basis of merit and is committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and persons with minority sexual orientation or gender identities.

KBRS and AUArts will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca.

Other details:

• Pay Type: Salary

Apply Now