Specialist, Community & Government Relations

Salary: Authority Band 8 ($88,354.50 - $91,903.50)

Status: Full-Time, Permanent, Unionized

Number of positions available: 1

Closing Date: April 28, 2025

WHO WE ARE

The Calgary Airport Authority manages and operates both YYC Calgary International Airport and YBW Springbank Airport as well as collaborates with the many vibrant community partners who impact our guest experiences. If you are interested in an exciting career in the airport industry then this is the place to be!

WHAT WILL YOU DO

Reporting to the Manager, Government & External Relations, the Specialist, Community and Government Relations is responsible for leading community investment, noise management initiatives, fostering collaboration and addressing community concerns, and supporting government relations activities under the guidance of the Manager, Government & External Relations. This position involves monitoring, research, and briefing material preparation to support advocacy, leading noise reduction efforts, and administering the Authority’s community investment program through community giving and recognitions, donations, and volunteer programs.

WHATS THE TEAM LIKE

If you’re seeking an opportunity to excel while shaping impactful relationships that enhance the travel experience for millions each year, we could be a great fit. Our Government and External Relations team plays a pivotal role in developing strategic initiatives that align with our business objectives and elevate the overall experience at YYC. Through proactive engagement with government bodies, industry partners, community groups, and other key stakeholders, we influence decisions that drive progress and innovation. We’re passionate about what we do, work hard, and always find time to enjoy the journey.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Community Investment Program Leading
  • Develop and implement processes for receiving and evaluating community giving and recognition requests.
  • Coordinate community giving and recognition application and evaluation periods, ensuring alignment with the Authority’s community investment strategy.
  • Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to assess and select community giving and recognition opportunities that maximize impact.
  • Ensure the Authority’s contributions are appropriately recognized by supported organizations.
  • Develop and manage processes for publicizing partnerships, community giving and recognitions, and charitable support.
  • Coordinate volunteer opportunities between employees and external non-profits and charities. Track participation and collect feedback to enhance employee engagement in volunteer efforts.
  • Assist with compiling reports and metrics to evaluate the impact of community investment programs for an annual impact report.
  • Work closely with other internal departments to align community investment efforts with organizational goals.
• Government Relations Monitoring and Briefing
  • Research policy and develop recommendations for advancing YYC’s corporate and legislative interests by promoting and maintaining vigorous participation in aviation policy.
  • Write and edit materials to support the ongoing government relations activities of the Authority, policy papers, government correspondence, pre-budget submissions.
  • Prepare briefing notes and backgrounders about regulatory, policy and/or legislative changes or elected officials for review by senior managers.
  • Develop key messages for various political or corporate initiatives or events, in support of the corporate strategy and corporate events.
  • Organize tours and engagements of elected officials, either at the Authority or off-site.
  • Maintain the Authority’s lobby registrations and stay appraised of changes to lobbying rules and best practices.
• Community Engagement & Noise Management
  • Manage the intake, investigation, and resolution of noise complaints from the community in electronic and phone conversations with community members.
  • Maintain accurate records and generate regular reports on noise complaints and trends for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Develop and implement communication strategies to keep communities informed about noise management initiatives.
  • Coordinate community outreach and consultation efforts for projects that may impact Calgary, Airdrie, Rocky View County, and surrounding municipalities.
  • Organize and participate in meetings, workshops, and consultations with community groups, municipalities, and other stakeholders.
• Act as a member of the Communications & Stakeholder Relations emergency response call-out team, assume role of writer and / or government and external relations manager, as assigned and as appropriate to the situation.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING

• The ability to gain and maintain a RAIC (RAIC Program and Application Information)
• Minimum post-secondary education in communications, public relations, political science, business administration, journalism, or a related field of study.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, political science, business administration, journalism, or a related field of study is considered an asset.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in government relations, public affairs, community investment and/or community engagement or a related role.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Keen attention to detail with the ability to participate in complex projects and priorities with a calm, focused and flexible attitude.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages and repurpose content to suit a variety of stakeholders.
• In-depth technical knowledge of stakeholder communication best practices and understanding of change management principles.
• Knowledge of municipal, provincial and federal political systems and the ability to analyze complex legislation or regulation.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to interact effectively and build relationships with multiple internal and external stakeholders (management, executive level, etc.) in a timely manner and within a short timeframe.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement innovative solutions that support goals and strategies of those in the Government & Stakeholder Relations team, but also those who are external to this department.

WHAT OPTIONAL ELEMENTS SUPPORT YOUR APPLICATION (all are assets)

• Working knowledge of French in a business environment is considered an asset.
• Experience in the aviation, transportation or infrastructure sector is an asset.

WHAT DOES DIVERSITY MEAN TO US

We are committed to building a team where exceptional leadership shines and our crew thrives both at work and at home. We believe that deliberate steps such as creating a workplace that is physically and psychologically safe, equitable to all, and actively and diligently taking steps along the path to reconciliation are the keys to making this a reality.

OUR VALUES:

We prioritize genuine concern and compassion for everyone we engage with, from our team members to our partners and guests, always striving to help and support one another.

We actively seek diverse perspectives in our decision-making and collaboratively tackle challenges.

We work together with trust and transparency, supporting one another to achieve the collective goals of our organization.

We grow, evolve, and adapt with purpose, continually aligning our actions with our vision.

We embrace curiosity and boldly challenge the status quo, exploring new opportunities and taking thoughtful, responsible risks that drive purposeful innovation.