Strategic Communications Lead

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. We provide open and non-discriminatory access to Alberta’s interconnected power grid and also facilitate Alberta’s competitive wholesale electricity market. The AESO strives to foster an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where people feel respected and welcomed for who they are, together we deliver high performance and innovative results.

Job Description

If you are a current AESO employee or contractor, please view openings and apply through our internal site at

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We are seeking an experienced Strategic Communications Lead to join our External Relations team. You will develop complex and comprehensive communications strategies, tools, and tactics. This critical role will influence public perception, foster stakeholder trust, and safeguard the AESO’s reputation.

Reporting to the Manager, External Relations, you will drive strategic communications initiatives related to Alberta’s energy transition, new market design, transmission policy updates, integration of large loads, grid reliability initiatives, and relevant public policy discussions. As a trusted advisor, you will counsel and support senior AESO subject matter experts and leaders, manage reputational risk, and create impactful communications for the public, policymakers, media, and stakeholders.

This full-time opportunity offers a competitive salary and a variable pay program. We also have paid vacation and flex time, health and dental benefits, mental health support, a defined contribution pension plan, and learning and development opportunities as part of your overall compensation package. We support a hybrid work environment, where the team is in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Mondays and Fridays are flexible for where you work best.

You will enjoy working with us if:

- You are a seasoned communications professional with stakeholder and government relations experience, understanding the policy and regulatory landscape.

- You leverage your exceptional writing and editing skills to translate technical content into engaging, plain-language communications for diverse audiences.

- You have a proven track record of providing strategic advice to executives and senior leaders, influencing public policy and operational direction.

- You thrive under high-pressure, managing complex and politically sensitive communications in challenging environments.

- You demonstrate strong public policy acumen, with a deep understanding of legislative, regulatory, and policy-making processes from the electricity sector (or similar industry).

- You value flexibility to support life and personal needs. We offer a flexible work practice where some weeks may require more onsite presence during key business or operations events.

- You enjoy working in a team of bright professionals, and work and learn in a diverse atmosphere - our team and colleagues have varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Key accountabilities:

Strategic Communications & Risk Management

- Design and execute proactive communications strategies for high-profile, sensitive initiatives.

- Advise senior leadership on communications risk, stakeholder perceptions, and strategic narratives to inform decision-making.

- Navigate complex, high-stake issues involving political, industry, public and media scrutiny.

- Lead crisis and emergency communications, providing strategic counsel, directing the AESO’s response, and leading issue briefings.

Government & Sector-Specific Communications

- Craft content, strategy and tone aligned with the AESO’s strategic objectives.

- Prepare high-impact briefing notes, correspondence, speaking points, and public updates.

- Collaborate with external relations, regulatory, and legal teams to align messaging with complex legislative and policy frameworks that govern the AESO.

- Communicate effectively with elected officials, ministry staff, regulators, market participants and other external stakeholders, ensuring strategic alignment and clarity.

Media Relations & Issues Management

- Develop and execute media relations strategies, including timely statements, Q&As, op-eds, and media kits.

- Serve as a media spokesperson and support executive and subject matter experts with messaging coaching and scenario planning.

- Participate in the AESO’s on-call media rotation, providing timely responses for emergent issues.

- Lead emergency preparedness and crisis communications planning with multiple organizations (emergency and first-responder agencies, transmission and distribution utilities).

Advanced Writing, Content Development & Digital Content Strategy

- Create clear and compelling content from complex electricity sector regulatory, market, or technical information.

- Produce and edit a wide range of content—including technical and detailed reports, executive speeches, website copy, digital posts, external presentations, and briefings.

- Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive social and digital content-delivery strategy, ensuring strategic alignment and performance monitoring through analytics.

- Track and report on key performance indicators, media coverage, and public sentiment to inform messaging adjustments and measure impact.

Executive Communications, Thought Leadership & Mentorship

- Craft high-level, audience-specific communications for executives and board members that support strategic priorities and public engagement.

- Position AESO leaders as credible and trusted thought leaders through speeches, articles, podcasts, and earned media.

- Shape the AESO’s public voice, aligning messaging with corporate values, long-term strategy, and external expectations.

- Lead by fostering collaboration within the team and other departments within the AESO.

- Guide strategic planning efforts for significant initiatives, balancing technical, legal and operational priorities.

- Coach and mentor team members and promote a culture of clarity, customer service, and professionalism across all communications efforts.

What you’ll bring to us:

- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related discipline.

- 10+ years of progressive experience in external communications, media relations, or public affairs, ideally within a highly regulated, complex industry. - 7+ years of experience directly influencing and working with senior executive teams, industry leaders, public policy makers, and elected officials to achieve strategic business outcomes, preferably in the electricity sector.

- Experience as a media spokesperson and leading crisis communications planning and emergency preparedness exercises.

- Strong digital fluency with tools such as Meltwater, LinkedIn analytics, or equivalent platforms for media monitoring and performance analysis.

- Prior supervisory or team lead experience is an asset.

Application deadline: September 4, 2025

#LI-Hybrid

If you are contacted for a pre-screening and/or interview, please advise of any accommodation measures required to enable you to fully participate. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

The Alberta Electric System Operator is unable to accept unsolicited agency resumes.

The Alberta Electric System Operator, and its members, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the "AESO") is committed to protecting personal information provided to it. When you submit your personal information to the AESO for the purpose of pursuing employment with the AESO, the collection, use and disclosure of personal information is in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act) of Alberta.

As noted, the AESO is mandated to maintain the safe and reliable operations of the provincial power grid. As part of meeting its obligations, the AESO may require the successful candidate to undergo a criminal background check for the position. This collection of personal information for the purposes of a check will be conducted in accordance with Section 33 of the FOIP Act.