Organizational Context
The Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence (CoRE) is a trailblazing Crown corporation backed by the Government of Alberta, dedicated to transforming the recovery journey for individuals facing mental illness and addiction. By providing decision-makers with cutting-edge data, evidence, and actionable insights, CoRE paves the way for impactful recovery solutions.
Through groundbreaking research, world-class data and analytics, expert guidance, and strong collaborations, CoRE is driving meaningful change at every level of the system. With an unwavering commitment to real-world results, CoRE is not just supporting recovery — it’s shaping a brighter future for all Albertans.
As a trusted advisor to governments, healthcare professionals, and global leaders, CoRE empowers communities to deliver recovery-focused mental health and addiction services that truly make a difference.
Position Summary
The Executive Director of Communications and Engagement reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and is accountable for overseeing the strategic and technical management of the organization's communications, public relations, and engagement functions. The incumbent provides expert, high-level communications advice to the CEO’s office and executive team to advance CoRE’s priorities while mitigating risk. This role leads the provision of comprehensive communications services including developing communications material, issue management, brand building, media relations, public relations, social media content, and stakeholder engagement. This position also oversees the management of CoRE’s social media channels.
The Executive Director is tasked with formulating and implementing strategies to cultivate relationships within the sector, enhancing awareness of the organization, promoting research and recovery-oriented care systems, and ensuring that evidence-based information is readily accessible to government entities, healthcare professionals, global stakeholders, media, and public.
The role requires in-depth knowledge of best practices and can shape public and enterprise-wide communications and advise leadership on all related matters. As a member of the executive team, this position contributes to the overall planning and strategic direction of CoRE, providing an organizational wide view on communications and engagement and leading multiple projects and strategies to ensure the success of the organization. This position is also responsible for managing a small team of people and contracted services.
Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Communication Planning
Develop and implement a strategic communications plan
Provide leadership and development through planning sessions and regular direction and guidance on communications and its priorities, strategies, and initiatives.
Provide strategic communications counsel and professional communications support to senior management and CoRE program areas.
Monitor communications trends, evidenced based information, and global best practices (as informed by the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)) related to mental health and addiction to continually refine communication strategies for maximum impact.
Oversee the development and maintenance of organizational policies and procedures relevant to internal communications, external communications, and public engagement.
Develop social media content and maintain social media channels.
When relevant, align communications plan across the Department of Mental Health and Addiction, Recovery Alberta, and other ministries.
2. Lead External Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
Develop internal or external communications materials for executives (e.g. speaking notes, key messages, speeches, media responses, QAs, etc).
Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, stakeholders, and community organizations, including collaborating with government and government agencies to align messaging on relevant topics.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with media, journalists, and public figures and proactively engage via story pitches, press releases, and op-eds to secure positive media coverage, to inform Albertans of CoRE’s activities and findings.
Act as the main point of contact for media and communications partners (Government of Alberta and Recovery Alberta), using media relations effectively and strategically to support major communication activities by engaging with key leaders from across CoRE and partner organizations, as required.
Manage communications across digital and physical media, in line with CoRE policies and procedures, including leading the development of content and communication material development across all relevant platforms (e.g., web content, social media, speaking notes, email outreach, cabinet communication strategies, and media).
Lead the maintenance and management of CoRE’s website including developing and updating content in consultation with the CEO and CSO. Coordinate the development, review, and publication of website content and materials. Ensure website content is refreshed regularly to improve visibility, relevance, user engagement, and alignment with organizational priorities.
Develop and maintain a monthly calendar of upcoming communications items.
Lead the planning and execution of public relations campaigns to enhance the organization's reputation for transparency, credibility, and objectivity; build brand awareness; and drive public engagement with CoRE.
Provide strategic writing or review support for complex and/or sensitive information for internal and external audiences.
Support public consultation initiatives using, where relevant, culturally sensitive, and appropriate strategies.
Identify speaking opportunities, conferences, and events to showcase the organization's expertise and thought leadership. Maintain a calendar of events (including conferences across the country and world) where the organization should have representation and represent the organization at such events (if requested/approved by CEO).
Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and processes related to communications and engagement.
Lead CoRE’s issues management, providing timely and transparent communication to internal and external stakeholders while coordinating with executive leadership and legal counsel (as directed by CEO) to develop appropriate responses and messaging.
3. Lead Internal Communications and Engagement
Establish and oversee internal communication processes to ensure consistent messaging across all departments, particularly with regards to external communications (e.g. research publications) and provide guidance to staff engaging with the public or media.
Collaborate with the CEO to develop internal communication strategies to keep employees engaged and informed, which may include developing and distributing internal and external newsletters, announcements, and updates.
Manage all internal staff communications on new or updated policies, procedures, and processes.
Lead staff engagement activities (including annual surveys, performance management processes, internal communications, annual recognition events, among others)
Maintain list of awareness days that the organization should recognize and prepare material for same.
4. Operational and Financial Oversight
Direct the division’s operational budget, resource planning, and third-party vendor contract management.
Manage staff and project positions including all aspects of recruitment, scheduling, priorities, performance, and coverage.
Advise the CEO on recruitment for approved positions and the performance management of communications staff, ensuring performance agreements are aligned with CoRE’s strategic priorities and business plan.
Oversee any remaining activities required to ensure effective operation of the communications and engagement function including ensuring adherence to budget, coaching team members, and providing regular status reports to the CEO.
Mentor, coach, and manage division team members to foster an agile and collaborative environment.
Co-ordinates graphic design and promotional material production as required ensuring CoRE’s guidelines and standards are met.
Responsible for event management for both internal and external events. This may include:
Manages project, timelines, strategy, budget and evaluation
Organizes logistics, including venue, presentation materials, multimedia, collateral materials, catering services and media relations
Acts as a resource for junior communications staff involved in event management
Prepare responses to correspondence (including action requests, emails, phone calls, etc.) and submit to CEO for review/approval before released.
Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, political science, or a related field.
10+ years’ experience in senior leadership roles in related areas (e.g., engagement, communications, public relations, issues management, branding and marketing).
Extensive experience working with a provincial or territorial government, government agencies, or health services providers.
Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholder groups, including cross-sectoral governmental partners and agencies, media, researchers, academic institutions, industry, data providers, healthcare organizations, community groups, vendors and/or suppliers, and other key stakeholders.
Proven track record of developing and executing successful communication and engagement strategies.
Extensive experience working with C-Suite officials.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Political sensitivity and understanding of Alberta’s political system, processes, and government structure.
Depth of knowledge of different communication tools and products such as media relations, social media, print and graphic design, advertising.
Extensive related leadership experience with strategic communications planning, issues management and stakeholder consultation, preferably in a public sector environment.
Understanding of the stakeholder landscape in Alberta, including the provincial government, government agencies, municipalities, and communities and familiarity with mental health and addiction issues, trends, and directions.
Knowledge of the Health Information Act, Access to Information Act , and Protection of Privacy Act , , policies, and procedures and how it would relate to CoRE as a public body regarding information management and media disclosure.
In-depth knowledge of different communication tools and products such as media relations, social media, print and graphic design, public consultation, and advertising.
Ability to create impactful and meaningful engagement and communications strategies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop compelling narratives and messages for different audiences.
Demonstrated strengths in developing and maintaining collaborative relationships and working effectively with multiple clients and stakeholders in a dynamic environment.
Recognized team building skills with demonstrated commitment to create, support and sustain a culture that enables staff to achieve results and build organizational capacity for the future.
Consultative and systems-thinking approach to identifying challenges and opportunities and influencing complex communications planning decisions.
Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate team members.
Demonstrated proficiency in the effective use of digital and social media platforms, content development, graphic design, and brand management, with an understanding of how these disciplines contribute to effective corporate communications initiatives.
Resourceful and proactive leader with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
Strong ability to think long-term and recognize upcoming issues.
Excellent project management skills.
Technologically fluent.
Contract management, budgeting and financial reporting skills.
Pension and Benefits
CoRE offers a pension plan with LAPP which provides a retirement income, survivor benefits, and early retirement options. Explore more at www.lapp.ca .
As part of our commitment to our employees’ well-being, CoRE is pleased to provide a group benefits plan and health spending account. This comprehensive plan includes extended health care coverage, travel insurance, dental care, specialized medical coverage, and more.
Pre-employment Conditions
Prior to an offer of employment, candidates are required to complete and maintain satisfactory Criminal Record, Education Verification, and Canadian Work Authorization checks as well as Conflict of Interest disclosure, as applicable.
Candidates who have completed post-secondary studies outside of Canada may be required to provide an evaluation of their credentials from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) or from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator; please visit the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada for more information.
How To Apply
Applicants should provide a resume and cover letter that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.
Closing Date: July 17, 2026
We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements. Additional screening information may be requested. Candidates chosen to move forward to interview will be contacted.
An eligibility list may be established to fill similar positions. The results of this recruitment process may also be used to fill current or future vacancies at the same or a lower classification level within the organization.
CoRE is committed to inclusiveness, equity, and accessibility and encourage all qualified candidates to apply. If you require accommodation during any portion of the selection process, please let our team know at [email protected]
