Specialist, Indigenous & External Relations


Salary: Authority Band 8 ($88,354.50 - $91,903.50)

Status: Full-Time, Permanent, Unionized

Number of positions available: 1

Closing Date: July 10, 2025

 

WHO WE ARE

The Calgary Airport Authority (also known as Calgary Airports) manages and operates both YYC Calgary International Airport and YBW Springbank Airport as well as collaborates with the many vibrant community partners who impact our guest experiences. If you are interested in an exciting career in the airport industry then this is the place to be!

WHAT WILL YOU DO

Do you believe that inclusive dialogue, Indigenous engagement, and meaningful partnerships should shape the role of airports as gateways to both connection and community? If your values are rooted in collaboration, reconciliation, and meaningful engagement, we invite you to help us strengthen the connection between Calgary Airports and the Indigenous and external communities we serve.

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Specialist, Indigenous and External Relations to drive transformational partnerships with Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and industry allies. Reporting to the Manager, Government & External Relations, you will take the lead in advancing our Reconciliation Strategy, shaping an Indigenous Community Engagement Framework, and ensuring Calgary Airports engages with key industry groups to advance the positions of the organization.

WHATS THE TEAM LIKE

If you’re seeking an opportunity to excel while shaping impactful relationships that enhance the travel experience for millions each year, we could be a great fit. Our Government and External Relations team plays a pivotal role in developing strategic initiatives that align with our business objectives and elevate the overall experience at Calgary Airports. Through proactive engagement with government bodies, industry partners, community groups, and other key stakeholders, we influence decisions that drive progress and innovation. We’re passionate about what we do, work hard, and always find time to enjoy the journey.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Indigenous Engagement & Program Leading
    • Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations, including Treaty 7 First Nations and regional Métis governments.
    • Serve as the primary liaison between Calgary Airports and Indigenous communities, fostering open, transparent, and respectful dialogue.
    • Coordinate the implementation of Calgary Airports’ Reconciliation Strategy in partnership with internal teams.
    • Design and lead the development of an Indigenous Community Engagement Framework to guide consistent and meaningful outreach.
    • Provide culturally appropriate guidance to internal departments on Indigenous engagement strategies and communication.
    • Collaborate on enhancing Indigenous cultural representation through art, exhibits, and other initiatives across airport spaces.
    • Contribute to the “Supporting Indigenous Communities” segment of the organization’s community investment program.
    • Track reconciliation progress and stay current on Indigenous-related policies and issues.
  • Internal Collaboration & DEI Support
    • Coordinate with People, Corporate Communications, and Digital Communications teams to recognize and honor culturally significant dates (e.g., Red Dress Day, National Indigenous History Month, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation).
    • Promote Crew participation in Indigenous cultural awareness training in collaboration with the Indigenous Cultural Advisor.
    • Support Indigenous supplier diversity and procurement initiatives.
    • Advise internal project teams to ensure Indigenous engagement and cultural inclusion are meaningfully integrated.
  • External Partners Alignment and Relationship Management
    • Develop and execute stakeholder engagement strategies to build trust, promote transparency, and address community concerns.
    • Monitor policy positions of key partners (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Industry Association of Alberta) and support strategic alignment with government relations priorities.
    • Collaborate with local tourism partners to position the airport as a hub for travel and business.
    • Represent Calgary Airports at public consultations, community forums, and industry events, ensuring its priorities and values are clearly communicated.
    • Plan and execute engagement activities for external partners, including meetings, workshops, and public forums.
    • Strengthen relationships with community organizations, business associations, and industry partners.
    • Coordinate visits and airport tours for external partners to showcase Calgary Airports’ initiatives and infrastructure.
  • Act as a member of the Communications & External Relations emergency response call-out team, assume role of writer and / or government and external relations manager, as assigned and as appropriate to the situation.

 

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BRING

  • The ability to gain and maintain a RAIC (RAIC Program and Application Information)
  • Minimum post-secondary education in Indigenous Studies, Communications, Public Affairs, Political Science, or a related field of study.
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in Indigenous relations, public affairs, stakeholder engagement or a relevant role.
  • Experience working with Indigenous communities, governments, or organizations.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Knowledge and experience working with Treaty 7 Nations and Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
  • Preference will be given to individuals who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).
  • Keen attention to detail with the ability to participate in complex projects and priorities with a calm, focused and flexible attitude.
  • Ability to host forums and manage dialogue between multiple parties.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages and repurpose content to suit a variety of stakeholders.
  • In-depth technical knowledge of stakeholder communication best practices and understanding of change management principles.
  • Knowledge of municipal, provincial and federal political systems and the ability to analyze complex legislation or regulation.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to interact effectively and build relationships with multiple internal and external stakeholders (management, executive level, etc.) in a timely manner and within a short timeframe.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement innovative solutions that support goals and strategies of those in the Government & Stakeholder Relations team, but also those who are external to this department.

WHAT OPTIONAL ELEMENTS SUPPORT YOUR APPLICATION (all are assets)

  • Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies, Communications, Public Affairs, Political Science, or a related field of study is considered an asset.
  • Working knowledge of French in a business environment is considered an asset.
  • Experience in the aviation, transportation or infrastructure sector is an asset.

WHAT DOES DIVERSITY MEAN TO US

We are committed to building a team where exceptional leadership shines and our crew thrives both at work and at home. We believe that deliberate steps such as creating a workplace that is physically and psychologically safe, equitable to all, and actively and diligently taking steps along the path to reconciliation are the keys to making this a reality.

OUR VALUES:

We prioritize genuine concern and compassion for everyone we engage with, from our team members to our partners and guests, always striving to help and support one another.

We actively seek diverse perspectives in our decision-making and collaboratively tackle challenges.

We work together with trust and transparency, supporting one another to achieve the collective goals of our organization.

We grow, evolve, and adapt with purpose, continually aligning our actions with our vision.

We embrace curiosity and boldly challenge the status quo, exploring new opportunities and taking thoughtful, responsible risks that drive purposeful innovation.




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