This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.
This position has an END DATE of September 2, 2027.
Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton and Enterprise Square.
Position Summary
At the University of Alberta, our alumni are at the heart of our vibrant global community. As the Faculty Engagement Program Lead, you will serve as the strategic conductor, connecting the central Office of Alumni Relations with deans, faculties, and development teams across campus. If you thrive on building high-value relationships and delivering high-impact alumni programming, this is your opportunity to redefine how thousands of graduates stay connected to their alma mater.
In this dynamic role, you will lead the design and execution of custom alumni strategies that directly boost alumni affinity and support faculty development goals. You'll act as a trusted partner to senior leadership, leveraging faculty research, notable speakers, and data-driven insights to curate compelling programs and events. Join us to bridge campus-wide initiatives, scale impact, and spark lifelong passion and investment across our alumni network!
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.
- Strategic Alignment: Liaise directly with Deans, Faculty Development, and academic leadership to inform and support alumni relations strategies that align with overarching faculty development goals.
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Program Delivery & Execution: Lead and implement actionable engagement initiatives designed for high impact and to build meaningful ties between alumni and their faculty, and to achieve measurable outcomes. Support volunteer alumni chapter(s) affiliated with the faculty to amplify activities and connections.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the primary liaison between faculty-based programs and central Alumni Relations teams to ensure seamless alignment across the university. Provide support within the team cluster to support shared delivery and multi-faculty initiatives.
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Network & Content Building: Develop strong internal networks to stay informed on cutting-edge faculty research, notable alumni, and engaging speakers to elevate programming content.
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Relationship & Partnership Management: Cultivate and sustain strong collaborative relationships with faculty leadership, communications partners, and development staff.
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University degree preferred (e.g. business, social sciences, or humanities); preferably from the University of Alberta.
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Five years of experience working in alumni relations, fundraising, public relations (constituent relations), communications, or special events/programming.
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Well-developed communication skills, both written and oral.
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Proven ability to work effectively with volunteers and clear demonstration of volunteer management skills.
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Excellent computer skills (Advanced Excel, Word, Google Suite, experience with Zoom and webinars).
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Ability to meet deadlines and skillfully manage multiple priorities.
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Experience working at a large post-secondary institution or non-profit organization. Experience within the University of Alberta faculty environment is an asset.
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Ability to adapt and work effectively within an academic culture.
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Experience providing strategic advice to administrators, volunteer boards and senior administration teams with a proven record of achieving consensus among stakeholders.
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Experience in planning/strategic planning.
High degree of self-motivation and initiative - - ability to implement a high volume of projects, meetings, events and activities.
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Proven ability to interact effectively with varied audiences.
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Working knowledge of managing budgets
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Working knowledge of data analysis and applying data to strategic decision-making
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter and resume.
This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.
The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
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.
