Manager of Communications and Media Relations - UCP Caucus

Manager of Communications and Media Relations  

The United Conservative Caucus consists of 47 Members of the Legislative Assembly  (MLAs) who support and promote the work of government in constituencies across Alberta.  As a pipeline of talent for Ministers’ Offices, Caucus serves as a vital training ground for  individuals pursuing a career in politics. 

The Manager of Communications and Media Relations reports to the Director of  Communications and plays a key leadership role in advancing the United Conservative  Caucus’s communications priorities, shaping public narrative, and strengthening  relationships with media, stakeholders, and Albertans.  

This role leads strategic communications planning, issues management, media  engagement, and content development that supports MLAs, Caucus leadership, and the  broader communications objectives of government.  

The role also helps oversee and coordinate the work of Communications Officers, ensuring  message discipline, high-quality output, and alignment across all Caucus communications  channels.  

Working closely with the Director of Communications, this position ensures all  communications activities are cohesive, timely, and strategically effective. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Communications 

  • In collaboration with the Director of Communications, develop and execute integrated  communications strategies that support Caucus priorities, legislative initiatives, and  political objectives. 
  • Provide strategic counsel to MLAs and Caucus leadership on messaging, media  positioning, public perception, and reputational considerations. 
  • Identify emerging issues, anticipate risks, and prepare proactive communication  responses and mitigation plans. 
  • Prepare MLAs for Question Period during legislative sessions.  
  • Coordinate with the Premier’s Office, Ministers’ Offices, and other stakeholder offices  on cross-government messaging alignment.

Media Relations 

  • Serve as the primary media contact for the United Conservative Caucus. • Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, columnists, and broadcast  media across Alberta and nationally. 
  • Draft and distribute media advisories, news releases, and public statements. • Coordinate press conferences, scrums, and media availabilities for MLAs.  • Prepare and brief MLAs for media interviews, including messaging, Q&A prep, risk flags,  and narrative framing.  

Content Leadership 

  • Oversee the creation of high-quality written and digital content, including speeches,  op-eds, social media content, newsletters, and key messages. 
  • Ensure message discipline and consistency across all communications channels. • Provide editorial oversight, ensuring accuracy, clarity, tone, and strategic alignment. • Support rapid-response content development during high-profile or time-sensitive  issues. 

Issue and Reputation Management 

  • Monitor media coverage, online sentiment, and emerging public issues impacting  Caucus members. 
  • Lead rapid-response efforts during legislative sessions or crises.  
  • Advise staff and MLAs on reputational risks and communication strategies for complex  or sensitive political files. 

Team Leadership and Collaboration 

  • Help oversee, support, and coordinate Communications Officers, providing guidance  on priorities, workflow, content quality, and messaging alignment. 
  • Mentor junior staff and MLAs on messaging, media literacy and relations, writing, and  communications best practices. 
  • Collaborate closely with legislative, stakeholder relations, digital communications, and  research teams to integrate communications strategies across Caucus operations. 

Qualifications 

  • At least five years’ experience in political communications, government, media  relations, journalism, crisis communications, or campaign environments. • Proven experience working with media, crafting strategic messaging, and navigating  high-stakes public issues.
  • Experience leading staff or managing project teams in a fast-paced, politically sensitive  environment. 

Skills and Competencies 

  • Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple formats. • Strong political judgement and a solid understanding of Alberta’s media landscape and  political environment. 
  • Ability to thrive under pressure, juggle tight deadlines, and pivot quickly in response to  developing issues. 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the confidence to interact with senior political  leaders and media. 
  • Familiarity with digital platforms, analytics, and content tools is an asset. • Post-secondary studies in a relevant field is an asset. 

Work Environment 

  • Fast-paced and politically dynamic environment. 
  • Requires availability during legislative sessions, major announcements, and emergent  issues. 
  • Occasional evening and weekend work. 
  • Based in Edmonton, with some travel required. 

Salary: 

  • Annual salary starts at $85,000 depending on relevant experience • Benefits, including pension plan 

This position is central to shaping how Albertans understand the work of the United  Conservative Caucus. By guiding Communications Officers, managing strategy, and  supporting MLAs, the Manager of Communications and Media Relations helps deliver a  disciplined, compelling, and effective public narrative on behalf of the United Conservative  Caucus.

 

To Apply:

Interested applicants can send their resumes directly to [email protected]. Along with their resume, interested applicants are asked to send a sample of their writing (e.g. column, news release, media statement).

Deadline: February 27