Senior Communications Lead (Hybrid)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Communications Lead (Hybrid)

🔹 Company: The Pembina Institute

🔹 Location: Calgary, Edmonton

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Think Tanks

🔹 Date Posted: April 11, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Providing strategic communications support to the assigned portfolio(s) and associated policy teams.
• Overseeing media relations and digital communications, engaging with stakeholders, and tracking political and policy developments.
• Managing the creation and publication of content on the Business Renewables Centre social media channels and maintaining an engaged community of stakeholders.
• Supporting policy teams with the editorial process involved in publishing research reports and initiating strategic communications deliverables.
• Serving as the primary media contact for the assigned portfolio(s) and assisting in event planning and execution.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of media relations, digital engagement, and stakeholder management. The ideal candidate will have experience working with policy teams and managing communications initiatives.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Act as the key strategic communications adviser to the assigned portfolio(s) and associated policy teams.

✅ Monitor traditional and social media, tracking political and policy developments relevant to the file’s government relations and stakeholder engagement work.

✅ Maintain an engaged community of stakeholders interested in renewable energy development in Canada via periodic targeted newsletters.

✅ Manage the creation and publication of content on the Business Renewables Centre social media channels, including promotion of events, highlighting of media stories, or other policy/regulatory developments of interest to the community.

✅ Support policy teams with the editorial process involved in publishing research reports.

✅ Initiate and lead the production of strategic communications deliverables, such as media releases, op-eds, and blogs.

✅ Serve as the primary media contact for the assigned portfolio(s), building and maintaining relationships with key journalists, responding to inquiries, working with the policy team to develop key messages, and coordinating interviews.

✅ Assist in the planning and execution of in-person and virtual events.

✅ Serve as the primary contact for the team’s external graphic designer and work with them to plan, produce, and edit multimedia content. On occasion, do basic design work for the team in-house.

✅ Manage the Business Renewables Centre and CDR centre websites and update as needed, in conjunction with the website administrator.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while aligning with team goals.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Post-secondary education in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field (master's degree is a bonus).

Experience: At least three years of experience in journalism, communications, or marketing (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in media relations, digital engagement, social media, and online publishing.
• Strong writing and editing skills in CP style and academic conventions.
• Strong project management abilities.
• Familiarity with Canadian policy, politics, and environmental issues; French proficiency is an asset.
• Strong media relations experience with familiarity in local and national Canadian media markets.
• Knowledge of CP style, academic grammar, and style conventions.
• Experience using CRM tools like Salesforce or Pardot.
• Ability to develop, edit, and produce multimedia content (e.g., podcasts, videos, slideshows).

Preferred Skills:

• Interest or familiarity with corporate ESG and sustainability issues.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to sustainability and social change, reflected in both their professional and volunteer experience.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $73,542 to $84,048 annually based on a 37.5-hour work week, with a range maximum of $94,554.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time-off package starting with four weeks of vacation, time to cover health and wellness, professional development, and offices closed annually from December 25 to January 1.
• Health and Dental Benefits: Extended health and dental benefits.
• RRSP Matching: RRSP matching program.
• Professional Development Funds: Yearly development funds.

Working Hours: 38 hours per week.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the information given in the job description. However, the actual salary may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and internal equity.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The Pembina Institute operates in the Think Tanks industry, focusing on energy and environment, non-profit management, policy research, analysis, and advocacy.

Company Size: The company has 11-50 employees, which means applicants can expect a mid-sized organization structure with opportunities for close collaboration and impact.

Founded: The Pembina Institute was founded in 1986, providing a rich history and established reputation in the clean energy transition space.

Company Description:

• The Pembina Institute is a donor-supported charity and think-tank that advocates for strong, effective policies to support Canada's clean energy transition.
• The organization is committed to an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming hiring process that provides reasonable accommodation to all applicants.

Company Specialties:

• Energy and environment
• Non-profit management
• Policy research, analysis, and advocacy
• Clean Energy
• Renewables
• Climate Policy
• and Energy policy

Company Website: http://www.pembina.org/

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should expect a work environment that aligns with the company's commitment to sustainability, social change, and clean energy transition.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring a combination of relevant experience and education in communications, journalism, or a related field.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Communications Lead reports directly to the Communications Manager, Industrial Decarbonization, and works closely with the director and policy teams for their assigned portfolio(s).

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role based out of one of the Pembina Institute’s Alberta offices (Calgary or Edmonton).

Growth Opportunities:

• Working closely with the director and policy teams for their assigned portfolio(s) provides opportunities to gain experience in policy analysis and advocacy.
• The role's focus on strategic communications and stakeholder engagement offers opportunities to develop skills in these areas.
• The organization's commitment to professional development and yearly development funds supports career growth within the company.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be proactive in seeking out growth opportunities and taking on new challenges to advance their career.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Pembina Institute has offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, and online, providing flexible work arrangements for employees.

Office Location(s): The Senior Communications Lead will be based out of one of the Pembina Institute’s Alberta offices (Calgary or Edmonton).

Geographic Context:

• Calgary: A major city in Alberta, Canada, with a population of over 1.2 million, offering a mix of urban and outdoor lifestyle opportunities.
• Edmonton: The capital city of Alberta, Canada, with a population of over 1 million, known for its cultural attractions and festivals.

Work Schedule: The role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with employees expected to work from the office two to three days per week and remotely for the remainder of the time.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should expect a work environment that balances independent work with regular team collaboration and communication.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. MDT on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
• Applications to the Pembina Institute are reviewed by their hiring team.
• Candidates selected to advance through the recruitment process will be contacted directly through their applicant tracking system.
• The recruitment process typically includes a screening call, interview, short assessment or samples of work, and a reference check.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and editing skills in CP style and academic conventions.
• Project management abilities and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with Canadian policy, politics, and environmental issues.
• Media relations experience with familiarity in local and national Canadian media markets.
• Ability to work independently while aligning with team goals.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this specific role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the company's mission and values in your application materials.
• Prepare for interview questions that assess your communication skills, project management abilities, and familiarity with Canadian policy and environmental issues.

ATS Keywords: Media Relations, Digital Engagement, Social Media, Online Publishing, Writing, Editing, Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Content Development, Graphic Design, Multimedia Production, HTML Editing, CRM Tools, Policy Analysis, Renewable Energy, Corporate ESG, Sustainability Issues

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their relevant skills and experience in their application materials and be prepared to discuss their fit with the company's mission and values during the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office
• Adobe Creative Suite
• HTML editing and online publishing tools
• CRM tools like Salesforce or Pardot
• Multimedia production tools (e.g., podcasting, video editing, slideshow creation)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with the listed tools and be comfortable learning new technologies as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Excellence: Pursuing the highest standards in all aspects of our work.
• Integrity: Acting with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all our interactions.
• Inclusivity: Fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment that values diversity of thought and experience.
• Collaboration: Working together to achieve our shared goals.
• Adaptability: Embracing change and continuous learning.

Work Style:

• Results-driven: Focusing on delivering high-quality outcomes and achieving organizational goals.
• Curious: Actively seeking out new information and perspectives to inform decision-making.
• Adaptable: Embracing change and continuous learning.
• Collaborative: Working effectively with team members and stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
• Inclusive: Valuing diversity of thought and experience, and fostering a respectful work environment.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your personal values align with the company's values, particularly in the context of this role?
• Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment. How did you approach this change, and what was the outcome?
• How do you ensure that your communication style is inclusive and respectful, especially when working with diverse stakeholders?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should reflect on their personal values, work style, and experiences to ensure a strong fit with the company's culture and the specific requirements of this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
• Balancing independent work with regular team collaboration and communication in a hybrid work arrangement.
• Adapting to changes in policy, political landscape, or stakeholder needs, which may require quick shifts in communication strategies.
• Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, each with their own communication preferences and expectations.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be proactive in identifying and addressing potential challenges, and have a strong problem-solving mindset.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from related positions in its focus on renewable energy and corporate ESG and sustainability issues, as well as its requirement for strong media relations experience in local and national Canadian media markets.
• Compared to other communications roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of policy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications in the clean energy transition space.
• Career paths for this role may include advancing to senior communications management positions within the organization or transitioning to related roles in government, non-profit, or private sector organizations focused on energy and environment.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider their long-term career goals and how this role can contribute to their professional development and growth.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy for a major policy report launch, including media outreach, stakeholder engagement, and digital promotion.
• Managing a successful event, such as a conference or webinar, that brings together key stakeholders in the renewable energy and corporate sustainability sectors.
• Creating and implementing a targeted social media campaign to raise awareness about a specific policy issue or initiative, and measuring its impact using relevant metrics.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and skills in relation to these sample projects during the interview process.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role, and how it collaborates with other departments within the organization?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in this role?
• Can you provide examples of how the company has adapted its communications strategies to respond to changes in policy, political landscape, or stakeholder needs?
• How does the company ensure that its communications efforts are inclusive and accessible to a diverse range of stakeholders?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how can I best prepare to address them?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should use the interview process to gain a deeper understanding of the role, the team, and the company's culture, and to assess their fit with the organization's mission and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the provided link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this specific role.
• Prepare for interview questions that assess your communication skills, project management abilities, and familiarity with Canadian policy and environmental issues.
• Follow up with the hiring team two weeks after submitting your application to inquire about your application status, if you have not heard back.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.