Senior Advisor, Media Relations & Issues

About Pathways Alliance

Pathways Alliance (Pathways) is made up of Canadian Natural Resources, Cenovus Energy, ConocoPhillips Canada, Imperial, MEG Energy and Suncor Energy.

The oil sands industry is a key economic driver for Alberta and Canada contributing billions to the economy annually. Our country has long benefitted from a strong energy sector that supports Canada’s high standard of living by creating thousands of jobs and generating significant revenue to governments that helps fund essential services, including health care, education, and roads.

To ensure our industry can continue providing these benefits for decades to come, we’re also focused on advancing environmental innovation and projects, including carbon capture and storage.

About the Opportunity

The Senior Advisor, Media Relations and Issues plays a key role within the Pathways Alliance communications team, contributing to the development and execution of strategic communications that advance the organization’s mandate and objectives. As part of the broader External Relations function, led by the Vice President, External Relations, the communications team collaborates closely with the External Relations Committee to ensure alignment with member company priorities.

Reporting to the Manager, Media and Issues, and working alongside the Director of Communications, this role is embedded in a dynamic team that includes the Senior Advisor, Content, and a network of specialized contractors. The individual will work collaboratively across the communications team and the wider organization, helping shape and deliver impactful messaging that supports Pathways’ leadership in Canada’s energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

- Support the development and execution of Pathways Alliance’s media relations and issues management strategy, in collaboration with the Manager, Media and Issues.

- Provide strategic communications support on emerging issues, including crafting responses and materials that inform and influence public policy and perspectives.

- Provide media training to internal subject matter experts to ensure consistent and confident public engagement.

- Lead proactive and reactive media outreach to shape narratives around oil sands topics and issues while building strong relationships with key media contacts.

- Support internal communications initiatives as needed, ensuring alignment with Pathways’ broader messaging and organizational goals.

- Partner with the Pathway’s innovation arm, COSIA, to develop key messages, backgrounders, and media briefs that ensure consistent and effective public-facing communications.

- Collaborate with the Senior Advisor, Content to produce high-quality materials—written, digital, and video—for external audiences.

- Contribute to strategic deliverables and special projects as assigned by the Manager, Media and Issues and the Director, Communications.

Qualifications and Experience

- University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

- Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in communications roles, ideally with exposure to energy, environmental, or government sectors.

- Proven expertise in media relations, issues management, and crisis communications, with a strong portfolio of writing and public engagement.

- Experience serving as a spokesperson and providing media coaching or training to internal teams,

- Exceptional communication skills, written, verbal, and interpersonal, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.

- Strong business acumen and ability to navigate a fast-paced, evolving environment with competing priorities.

- Collaborative team player with a flexible mindset and a track record of building effective working relationships.

- Strong understanding of digital media trends and social amplification techniques, with the ability to analyze coverage and adapt messaging to maximize impact.

- Demonstrated experience using media monitoring platforms such as Meltwater or Cision to track coverage, assess sentiment, and inform strategy.

- Bilingual fluency in French and English is a strong asset.

- Familiarity with web content management systems (e.g., WordPress) and graphic design tools is considered an asset.

Compensation:

Competitive compensation based on skills and experience.

Location:

Calgary, AB

Deadline for Application:

This posting will remain open until

, or until a suitable candidate is identified.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their

to recruitment@pathwaysalliance.ca noting the position title.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those invited for an interview will be contacted.

Pathways is an equal opportunity employer.