Big ideas. Real impact. A region with a story worth telling.
We’re looking for a creative strategist who can turn insight into action and ideas into campaigns that elevate Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo as a place to live, work, and explore.
The Strategist, Marketing and Communications plays a pivotal role in positioning and promoting Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo—driving awareness, engagement, and growth across economic development and tourism initiatives. Reporting to the Director, Corporate and Strategic Initiative, this role works across the organization and with external partners to lead integrated marketing and communications strategies that elevate the region’s profile and support key priorities.
Blending strategic insight with hands-on execution, the Strategist develops and delivers integrated plans, provides expert communications advice, and leads compelling content development across multiple platforms. From managing the organization’s website, social media, and digital presence to overseeing media relations and campaign delivery, this role ensures a consistent, impactful voice. The position also manages marketing and communications contracts and provides project management across a range of initiatives, collaborating closely with internal teams, partners, and service providers to bring ideas to life.
Why Work With Us
At Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism, your work directly influences how our region is represented locally, nationally, and internationally. You will help tell the story of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo through authentic, strategic, and impactful communications that support business attraction, economic development, and tourism growth.
You will work within a collaborative, professional environment that values creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to high-profile initiatives, work across diverse portfolios, and play a meaningful role in shaping the organization’s public voice and brand presence.
If you are passionate about strategic communications, digital storytelling, and making a tangible impact through your work, this role offers both challenge and purpose.
Please Note: This is a full-time 2-year temporary position with the expectation of continuation.
Key Responsibilities
Marketing & Communications Strategy
· Lead the development and execution of integrated marketing and communications strategies aligned with organizational priorities and economic development objectives.
· Provide strategic marketing and communications advice across the organization, including support to senior leadership on corporate and external communications.
· Plan and execute multi-channel marketing campaigns, including defining target audiences, messaging, tactics, timelines, and budgets.
Content Creation & Storytelling
· Research, write, edit, and oversee high-quality internal and external communications, including news releases, briefing notes, key messages, newsletters, social media content, presentations, and marketing materials.
· Lead strategic storytelling that highlights the region’s opportunities, strengths, and long-term vision.
· Develop a wide range of communications materials to support organizational initiatives, engagement, and promotion.
Digital Platforms & Brand Management
· Manage and continuously enhance the organization’s digital presence, including the website, social media platforms, and overall digital ecosystem.
· Oversee the adoption and consistent use of the FMWB Place Brand internally and externally, ensuring alignment with brand standards.
· Lead email marketing initiatives, including management of the subscription database and campaign execution.
Social Media & Digital Marketing
· Manage the organization’s social media presence, including content planning, publishing, engagement, and moderation to maintain a strong and professional voice.
· Collect and analyze digital metrics and insights to identify trends and optimize performance across platforms and campaigns.
· Lead the execution of digital and traditional marketing campaigns to drive awareness, engagement, and growth.
Media Relations & External Partnerships
· Manage media relations, including responding to inquiries, building relationships, and preparing and distributing media releases.
· Work with external agencies, partners, and service providers to manage deliverables, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and brand standards.
· Oversee marketing and communications contracts and vendor relationships.
Project Coordination & Stakeholder Support
· Lead and coordinate multiple marketing and communications projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met.
· Support creative production, including layouts, graphics, photography, videography, and promotional materials.
· Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to bring integrated campaigns and initiatives to life.
· Attend and support business, economic development, and tourism events to capture content and enhance organizational presence.
· Perform other related duties as required.
Skills & Qualifications
· Broad, well-rounded experience in marketing and communications, including brand management, websites, social media, digital platforms, and traditional media.
· Skilled at collaborating with internal teams, senior leadership, and external partners to align strategies, manage expectations, and deliver integrated communications initiatives.
· Expertise in developing cohesive brand positioning, value propositions, and messaging frameworks across multiple channels.
· Proficiency in using analytics, KPIs, and reporting tools to evaluate campaign performance, optimize strategies, and demonstrate measurable impact.
· Strong ability to present strategic recommendations, insights, and results clearly and confidently to senior leaders, translating complex information into concise, actionable messaging.
· Knowledge of emerging trends, best practices, and modern tools in marketing and corporate communications, including digital and AI-enabled technologies.
· Demonstrated experience managing social media platforms, including content planning, execution, and performance analysis.
· Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliverables in a fast-paced environment.
· Ability to handle confidential and politically sensitive information with a high degree of judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative approach and demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships.
· Commitment to service excellence, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.
· Willingness and ability to travel occasionally, as required.
Education & Experience
· Degree in Communications, Digital Marketing, Public Relations, Commerce, or a related field.
· Minimum five (5) years of related work experience in marketing and communications, including digital media, graphic design, social media management, analytics, and content development is required.
· Designation(s) from a recognized professional communications or marketing association are an asset (e.g., Certified Marketing Management Professional, Accredited Business Communicator, Accreditation in Public Relations, Communications and Advertising Accredited Professional, Communications Management Professional, Strategic Communication Management Professional or Certified Campaign Planning Program).
· Visual design certification or other relevant digital communications and marketing programs certifications and micro-credentials are considered assets.
· An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Working Conditions
· This position operated in a fast-paced office environment with frequent interruptions.
· A high level of discretion is required due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the work.
· The role requires must sustain accuracy and focus despite frequent interruptions.
· The physical demands are consistent with standard office work, requiring prolonged periods of sitting and regular use of a computer keyboard, monitor, and other office equipment.
· Valid Class 5 Operators Licence or equivalent with the ability to provide a clean abstract.
· The ability to travel within and outside the region may be required, including the use of a personal vehicle.
· The position may require working outside standard business hours to attend meetings, events, or support program delivery, including occasional extended hours.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter through Indeed or directly by email to [email protected]. To ensure a fair and consistent hiring process, we kindly ask that all applications be submitted electronically.
We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism organization. While we appreciate the time and effort taken to apply, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted at this stage.
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 24 months
Pay: From $90,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Are you local to Fort McMurray, AB?
Experience:
- marketing and communications: 5 years (preferred)
- digital media: 5 years (preferred)
- content development: 5 years (preferred)
- social media management: 5 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Class 5 Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
