Why AUArts?
Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is situated on the ancestral land of the Siksikaitsitapi - Blackfoot Confederacy which includes the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani Nations and the shared territories of the Tsuut’ina Nation as well as the Iyarhe Nakoda-Stoney which includes Bearspaw, Chiniki, Good Stoney Nations and also the home of the Métis Nation of District 5 and 6. The City of Calgary has long been called Moh’kins’tsis by the Siksikaitsitapi, Guts’ists’i by the Tsuut’ina, and Wîchîspa by the Nakoda.
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.
Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility, and in building community? 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 compels us to see the world differently.
The Opportunity
Competition #2627-JL-MP-21
Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is looking for a Manager, Communications and Marketing to provide broad oversight and leadership in the development, management and delivery of strategic and comprehensive institutional communications and marketing efforts.
Reporting to the Executive Director, External Relations, the Manager upholds, drives and supports strategies and tactics that contribute to the University’s reputation and relevance and align with the University’s mission, vision, and values. Working collaboratively and consultatively, the Manager is responsible for leading the strategies and tactics employed, using a metrics-based approach and relationship driven practices.
As a member of the leadership team this role is responsible for championing and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion, strategic partnerships, and enrollment management principles. Key leadership initiatives include program and curriculum innovation, diversification of revenue and Work-Integrated-Learning.
This is a full-time permanent management position starting as soon as possible. Hours of work are 35 hours per week, 7 hours per day.
The deadline to apply is August 3, 2026.
Key Responsibilities:
Communications
- Act as the University’s storyteller, shepherding the content and editorial strategy across institutional priority areas and its overall institutional voice and presence in the general public and with specific audience segments.
- Oversee and develop communications, including internal and external newsletters, articles/stories, social media, event registrations, advertisements, recruitment and promotions, philanthropic materials, government briefings and materials and other assets, tactics and strategies.
- Steward effective and repeatable internal communications and engagement practices to support academic, research and teaching and learning priorities.
- Oversee and administer effective governance, user experience, processes and management of the external website, including shepherding the content, practices and processes in collaboration with other departments.
- Oversee an institutional practice around swag and manage the appropriate use of brand and related materials in merchandise in collaboration with other departments.
Marketing, Brand and Media
- Lead the AUArts brand internally and externally. Continuously oversee standards for marketing and communications activities to ensure brand consistency throughout the organization.
- Institutional lead for all marketing, coordinating across departments and managing digital and print activities in accordance with AUArts strategic priorities and brand.
- Manage relationships, strategy, tactics, reporting and results for marketing efforts, including SEO, digital, ad-buys, socials and other activities.
- Effectively manage practices in media relations proactively, as appropriate, responsive practices, including relationship management, content appropriateness and preparedness, and proactive scanning for risks.
- Lead and steward the AUArts’ brand, including the overall usage and guidelines, templates and standards, internal familiarity and usage, and public presence and engagement.
Event and Community Engagement
- Act as a representative on behalf of AUArts at external events, developing, maintaining and deepening relationships with other institutions, civic, organizations, and government.
- Support the success of internal events and engagement with efficient communications and event practices, and support with event logistics, planning and experience as necessary.
- Support the President and CEO, Executive Director, other leaders and colleagues with speaking remarks and preparedness for internal and external initiatives as needed.
- Collaboratively develop and manage practices for community sponsorships
- Support the planning, delivery and on-site needs for institutional and other events and engagement
Management and Administration
- Leads or collaborates on responses to emerging issues and crises and acts as the media contact and spokesperson if appropriate.
- Provides counsel and support to the Executive Director, leadership team and President and CEO as relevant on issues, crisis and emergent areas, representing on behalf of AUArts and effectively advising on best practices and recommendations.
- Provide support to institutional initiatives and strategic priorities, such as annual reports, strategic plans, and other institutional priorities, including visual and communications experience, consultations and contributions.
- Manage marketing and communications staff, contractors and vendors effectively, ensuring deliverables are met, promoting a culture of growth and engagement, and effectively supporting administrative needs.
- Oversee the reporting and evaluation practices of communications and marketing, in collaboration with the Executive Director, consistently employing data-informed practices in the day to day and strategic efforts of the portfolio.
- Manage and oversee department budgets alongside the Executive Director, including project and operating funds, external contracts, forecasting and project/initiative budgets.
- Act as the institutional lead developing and managing a coordinated service model for communications and marketing with other portfolios.
Qualifications:
The following qualifications have been determined to promote the likelihood of
success in the role. In alignment with the principles of inclusion, individuals with an alternative equivalent qualification may be considered.
Mandatory
- A four-year diploma or bachelor’s degree in related field (Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Social Sciences, or equivalent)
- 6 years of progressive experience in communications and/or marketing or related areas of work, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or people management capacity
- Demonstrated experience planning and executing complex communications and marketing projects
- Demonstrated experience and knowledge in using and overseeing communications and marketing tools and platforms, including emails systems, design tools, online file sharing, Microsoft suite of products, and other systems.
- Demonstrated ability to problem solve, collaborate and build relationships with internal and external groups.
- Advanced writing, storytelling, editing skills and marketing skills
Preferential
- Demonstrated experience working in and supervising staff in post-secondary, public sector and/or a unionized environment.
- Knowledge and experience of communications needs in higher education, including executives, external groups, internal groups, government, donors, alumni, and students.
- Knowledge and experience in marketing and design, including asset creation, ad-buying, digital and print media.
- Experience in non-profits and/or charities
Competencies:
AUArts has established five common competencies to promote unity of vision and action in the organization. Responsibilities of leaders include the following:
Healthy Spaces
- Create and maintain a respectful working environment.
- Lead by example creating respectful dialogue standards.
- Champion expectations related to physical and mental health, safety, and wellness.
Active Inclusion
- Create and maintain an environment of active inclusion.
- Lead by example implementing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility principles.
- Champion Indigenous strategies, equity, diversity and inclusion programs, policies, and communications.
Creative Innovation
- Evaluate current practices and propose innovative solutions.
- Lead implementation of projects with a change management focus.
- Champion change and actively support new initiatives.
Collaborative Practice
- Create and maintain active collaboration within and between teams.
- Lead by example cultivating effective communication throughout the organization.
- Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders.
Strategic Leadership
- Create and implement operational plans, reviews, and projects.
- Ensure policy, budgetary and legislative compliance within department.
- Champion employee engagement by establishing and expanding best practices, employee development and continuous learning.
What We Offer
- Comprehensive benefits package including pension and health spending account
- Annual vacation accrual starting at 24 days, 9 Flex days, Personal days, and other types of leave
- Paid time off over the University closure from December 24 – 31
- Flexible / hybrid work arrangements
The starting annual salary will be dependent upon skills, education and experience.
How to Apply
The deadline to apply is August 3, 2026.
Applications must include a Cover Letter and Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV). It is preferred that your application package be submitted as a single PDF document.
Please visit our Application FAQ's page to ensure your application is complete prior to submission. Upload your single PDF to the “Resume” section of the application portal. If you are unable to combine your documents into one file, you may upload them separately under the “Additional Documents” section.
If you are an active AUArts employee, please submit your application through your Dayforce account. From the menu, select Careers > Search Jobs to view open positions.
While we thank all candidates for their interest, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Further information about AUArts is available on our website at www.auarts.ca.
AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering inclusion and belonging within our community.
We welcome applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
We recognize the legitimate and potential impact that career interruptions (maternity leaves, leave due to illness) can have on a candidate’s record of research achievement. Applicants are encouraged to identify in their application the impact that career interruptions may have had on their record of practice and achievement; this will be taken into consideration during the assessment process.
We are committed to making our recruitment, assessment, and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact
[email protected]. All requests for accommodation will be treated confidentially.
Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. All successful candidates must demonstrate that they are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The personal information collected through this website will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and suitability for employment, as well as immigration requirements and reporting. This collection is authorized by section 4 (c) of the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) and will be protected by section 10. For questions about the collection of personal information, contact
[email protected], or the University Secretary at
[email protected] or 403.284.7647.
