We are looking for a Portfolio Manager, Storytelling and Event Experiences who has experience in leading the development and delivery of executive communications, strategic storytelling, and impactful events that advance United Way of the Alberta Capital Region’s brand, engagement, and revenue objectives.
You will work closely with executives, staff, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners in creating compelling speeches, presentations, messaging, and event experiences that strengthen relationships, inspire action, and showcase community impact.
The Manager, will serve as a strategic advisor on storytelling and audience engagement, ensuring communications and experiences consistently reflect United Way’s values, priorities, and purpose.
This position will report to the Director, Brand, Marketing and Product and two direct reports:
- Portfolio Lead, Email Marketing and Events
- Portfolio Lead, Events and Sponsorship
The Day to Day:
Executive Speechwriting & Communications
- Collaborates regularly with the Office of the President & CEO, providing communications advice and support that reflects an understanding of leadership priorities, organizational culture, and United Way’s brand.
- Writes speeches, presentations, speaking notes, messages, and other communications for executive leaders.
- Prepares leaders for public speaking engagements, interviews, media opportunities, and events.
- Translates complex ideas and organizational priorities into clear, engaging, audience-focused messaging.
- Maintains a consistent organizational voice, tone, and brand across executive communications.
Event Experiences and Sponsorship Development
- Leads the development and delivery of event concepts, themes, and experiences that align with organizational goals and brand standards.
- Oversees all aspects of event execution, including permits and insurance, event logistics, production requirements, vendor coordination, event timelines, troubleshooting, and post-event activities.
- Develops and manages critical paths and workback schedules, collaborating with event team members to ensure successful execution.
- Collaborates with the internal team to develop sponsorship strategies for events and programs that support revenue generation and organizational priorities that are tailored to customer interests and needs.
Storytelling Strategy and Narrative Development
- Identifies and develops impactful stories that highlight United Way’s strategic priorities, and the experiences of the people and communities it serves.
- Works collaboratively with staff, partners, volunteers, and community members to gather authentic stories and perspectives.
- Supports integrated storytelling initiatives across campaigns, fundraising initiatives, reports, media, events, and internal communications.
- Strengthens storytelling capacity across the organization by providing tools, guidance, and support to staff and leaders.
Internal Communications
- Develops internal communications content that supports executive communications, organizational priorities, and employee engagement.
- Integrates United Way’s culture model and values into communications strategies and messaging to strengthen organizational culture and connection.
Media Relations Support
- Supports media relations initiatives and outreach planning by preparing leaders for media opportunities, developing key messages, and coordinating communications support for interviews and public appearances.
- Assists in increasing United Way’s reach and relevance by supporting the CEO and Executive Leadership Team with media-related communications activities.
Coaching and Advisory Support
- Coaches leaders, staff, and volunteers on storytelling, messaging, presentation skills, and public speaking.
- Provides strategic communications advice and messaging support to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
About you:
It is important to us that you understand the importance of relationships and how it impacts all our work. You demonstrate the ability to lead others and build strong teams. You possess strong interpersonal and relationship management skills and the ability to build engaging relationships through trust, teamwork, and direct communication. Self-driven, you demonstrate accountability and strive for operational excellence.
Along with strong verbal and written communication skills, you possess knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Teams, SharePoint and Asana, Salesforce, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and WordPress.
You have strong knowledge and abilities to produce results in PowerPoint, Canva, and Adobe products.
Your background includes a post-secondary degree Communications, Public Relations, Business, Marketing, or related fields plus a minimum of six (6) to seven (7) years related experience. A minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of supervisory experience.
A graphic design portfolio is considered a significant asset.
Membership with the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) or International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is considered an asset.
A valid driver’s license and vehicle are required as some travel will be involved within Edmonton and surrounding area.
The successful candidate for this position will be someone who shares our purpose to ensure no one in our community is left behind, is a difference maker in our community, and wants to connect to a bigger purpose.
You align with and integrate our core values throughout all organizational and business practices, and you consistently act with personal, professional, and behavioral integrity and confidentiality.
You see yourself in our Values.
We value and operate with a commitment to:
Creating solutions.
Continuous learning.
Being courageous in our work.
Capturing our customers’ hearts and minds.
Being insights driven and utilizing real data.
Applying a lens of equity and inclusion to all that we do.
Why work with us?
We are people who love what we do and are passionate about our work. We offer rewarding work, a positive workplace culture, and a total rewards package. Our work environment is a hybrid - with time spent both collaborating in the office as well as remotely.
United Way of the Alberta Capital Region takes a systems-wide approach to collaborate and deliver local programs and services that address multiple facets of community well-being.
At United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, we value the contributions our employees make in supporting and advancing our purpose and values and have a workplace culture where actions are aligned and focused on achieving our envisioned future. We believe that a balanced Total Rewards Program helps foster a culture and workplace experience where our colleagues will flourish to the benefit of those served through our United Way.
Fundamental to this is our commitment to pay equity and a living wage. As part of our Total Rewards Program, this position is also eligible for:
- 4 Day Work Week Program (January – August)
- Flexible hours (Hybrid work environment)
- Birthday off
- Professional Coaching
- LinkedIn Learning
- Extended Health & Dental
- Health Spending Account & Wellness Spending Account
- Employee & Family Assistance Program
- People Connect (virtual psychological support)
- RRSP matching
- 12 days of Personal Illness and Family Responsibility Leave
- 4 weeks’ vacation
- The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $85,000
- (Starting salary based on experience and budgetary considerations)
All Benefits are subject to applicable eligibility requirements.
United Way of the Alberta Capital Region is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects our diverse community that we serve. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and those who may need accommodation to apply to join our team. By incorporating a variety of experiences and perspectives, we create opportunities for innovative solutions and maximize the impact of our work.
To learn more about United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, please visit myunitedway.ca
United Way of the Alberta Capital Region has once again been recognized as one of the 2025 Best Workplaces™ in Government and Social Services.
