Communications Manager - Edmonton Public Library Job Listing at City of Edmonton in Edmonton, AB (Job ID 54957)

Description

Strategic communicator. Exceptional writer. Trusted advisor. If this sounds like you, keep reading.

We are looking for a talented communications leader with exceptional writing skills, a passion for storytelling, and the ability to develop thoughtful, user-focused approaches. In this role, you will lead communications that connect staff, our customers, and the community to the programs, services, and impact of the Edmonton Public Library (EPL).

You will be part of a high-performing, collaborative team that thrives on big ideas and creative problem-solving. Working closely with internal teams and senior leadership, the Manager, Communications develops and delivers integrated communications that support organizational priorities and strengthens public understanding of the Library's role.

This role oversees media relations, internal communications, and multi-channel content, shaping how EPL engages with the public, staff, media, and community partners.

Key responsibilities include:  

Communications Strategy & Leadership

• Lead a team of marketing & communications professionals, setting direction, providing support, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing work environment.
• Develop, execute, and evaluate integrated communications strategies that support organizational and departmental priorities. 
• Provide strategic communications advice to senior leadership on complex issues, emerging priorities, and major initiatives. 
• Lead communications for key initiatives and campaigns, including messaging, content direction, and channel strategy. 
• Ensure communications consistently reflect EPL's brand and clearly articulate the Library's value to the community.

Internal Communications

• Lead a cohesive internal communications approach that keeps staff informed, engaged, and connected to EPL's work and priorities. 
• Partner with senior leaders to communicate key updates, decisions, and organizational changes clearly and in a timely way. 
• Identify and advance opportunities to strengthen two-way communication.
• Support project teams in communicating about major initiatives and system-wide projects.

Media Relations & Issues Management

• Evaluate and respond to issues and emergencies, providing communications support and media response.
• Provide strategic counsel and training on issues management and crisis communication.
• Implement media strategies that increase awareness and understanding of EPL's role, including story development, media inquiries, monitoring, and media events, such as press conferences and media briefings.
• Oversee after-hours monitoring of communications channels, working with a team to ensure timely response and coordination of evening and weekend coverage.

Content & Storytelling

• Lead the planning and development of content across communications channels, including stories, web content, newsletters, and corporate publications, such as EPL's annual report.
• Lead the creation and review of high-quality content that engages internal and external audiences. 
• Identify and amplify stories that demonstrate EPL's impact and community value. 
• Lead EPL's social media strategy and execution, working closely with the social media specialist and other collaborators to plan content, monitor performance, and strengthen engagement.
   

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field, with a minimum of seven years of progressive experience in strategic communications and media relations.
• Strong leadership and team development skills, with experience fostering collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messaging across a range of channels, including media materials, web and social content, newsletters, and corporate publications.
• Proven experience advising senior leaders and supporting communications for high-profile initiatives, emerging issues, and sensitive situations.
• Strong media relations expertise, including developing key messages, preparing spokespeople, and managing media inquiries.
• Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work on time.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented approach, with the initiative to anticipate needs and follow through.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams and with external partners.
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Membership in a professional association such as the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) or the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) is considered an asset.

Note: Satisfactory background screening is required for this position, which includes a Criminal Record Check/Police Information Check.

Who we are: 
The secret ingredient for making EPL a magical place is no secret at all; in fact, it's very simple: We share. We share stories, ideas and experiences. We share with our customers, our communities, and ourselves. We are Edmonton's largest lender of all manner of information and entertainment.  

Pay Band: $112,782 - $140,974 (Annually)

Classification Title: Manager 2
Posting Date: Mar 31, 2026
Closing Date: Apr 21, 2026, 11:59:00 PM (MDT)
Number of Openings (up to): 1 - Permanent Full-time
Union: Management
Department: Edmonton Public Library
Work Location(s): Stanley Milner Library, 5th Floor, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square Edmonton T5J 2V4

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