This position is a leave coverage and has a term length of one year from the hire date.
Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person - based at Enterprise Square, with North Campus and others as needed.
About External Relations
The External Relations portfolio brings to light the value that the U of A provides to our community and to society as a whole. Our Communications and Marketing team shines a light on the stories of our students, researchers, faculty and staff, connecting the university with partners, industry, alumni, funders, and the broader public. By leading the strategy for both internal and external initiatives, we build reputation, foster pride, and advance our mission of uplifting the whole people.
Position Summary
The Social Media Team Lead helps shape the voice of one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities. In this leadership role, you will oversee a talented and agile team, guide institution-wide strategy, and bring compelling stories to life for audiences across Alberta and beyond. You’ll collaborate with partners across the university, lead high-impact campaigns, and support reputation-building initiatives. This is an opportunity for an experienced professional to combine strategic thinking, people leadership, and creative storytelling to drive meaningful engagement and showcase the impact of the University’s research, people, and programs.
The Vice-President - External Relations leads the University of Alberta’s efforts to enhance and protect its reputation locally, nationally, and globally. This role oversees the development and execution of strategic initiatives that shape how internal and external audiences perceive the university.
With a focus on communication, engagement, and relationship-building, the Vice-President provides leadership for Communications and Marketing, Alumni Relations, Advancement, and Government and Community Relations. These teams collaborate to support the university’s brand, foster donor and alumni engagement, and establish strong connections with public and community partners.
Through these coordinated efforts, the Vice-President - External Relations ensures the university’s image, influence, and impact are advanced in alignment with its mission, values, and long-term goals.
- Lead the development and execution of the University’s institutional social media strategy, ensuring alignment with brand, communications, and engagement objectives.
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Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for the social media team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
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Oversee institutional social media channels, including content planning, community engagement, account governance, and performance measurement.
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Develop and implement social media campaigns, storytelling initiatives, and strategic communications plans in support of organizational strategies and priorities.
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Serve as a key advisor on social media issues management and crisis communications, providing guidance and support during emerging situations.
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Manage relationships with external partners and oversee social media budgets, tools, processes, and reporting to support institutional goals.
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Bachelor’s Degree in marketing, communication, business or related field
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10+ years of experience growing and managing cross-platform social media programs with a large follower and subscriber base, including content strategy and design, strategic audience engagement and growth, budget management, etc.
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5+ years in a leadership role within a social team. Working for a large, complex organization is an asset.
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Strong understanding of social media as a paid advertising platform.
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Strong expertise in a range of social media platforms and channels, with a proven history of adapting tactics, metrics, innovation and outcomes in line with social trends and platform-specific nuances.
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Excellent understanding of social media KPIs, including how to prioritize them and communicate them clearly with key partners.
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Strong understanding of and experience in how social media is used to provide customer service and handle issues on a large and targeted scale.
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral and the ability to work with all levels of staff and management
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Consistent record of staying on top of marketing trends and developing high-impact campaigns
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Experience using social media management tools (Hootsuite, Sprinklr, Sprout Social, etc.) would be considered an asset
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Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver audience-focused content and storytelling that effectively communicates key messages, builds engagement, and connects with diverse audiences across multiple channels.
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter and resume in ONE PDF document.
This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.
In accordance with the Handbook of Employment for Management and Professional Staff (Excluded), this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary which will be commensurate with qualifications.
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
