Communications Manager - Pembina Institute

Join us in shaping Canada’s sustainable energy future

The Pembina Institute is seeking two Communications Managers to join our team in any of our five offices (Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, or Ottawa)

Each role provides communications leadership within a distinct policy sub-unit, guiding a small team to deliver integrated media, digital, government relations and stakeholder engagement strategies that advance the Pembina Institute’s objectives. The roles involve helping policy experts, senior leaders and communications staff translate complex issues into clear, compelling messaging, and devise and execute communications campaigns that maximize the Institute’s policy impact. The positions are aligned with the following sub-units:

• Communities and Decarbonization: Buildings, Sustainable Workforce, Transportation, and Customer Energy Solutions
• Industrial Decarbonization: Oil and Gas, Business Renewables Centre, CDR Centre, Renewables in Remote Communities, and Electricity

These hybrid roles are open to internal and external candidates.

Who we are

At the Pembina Institute, it’s all hands on deck and it has been for the last 40+years.

Our 50+ person team, distributed across the country, are passionate and dedicated, but we don't sweat the small stuff. We’re too busy tackling one of the most important issues of our time: Canada’s clean energy transition.

In that transition, we don’t leave anyone behind and believe each member of our team plays a critical role in achieving our goals. We ensure equity but promote individuality. We lead with curiosity — challenging our own ideas and limiting beliefs, being open to diversity of thought and opinion. We use evidence-based thinking to inform our recommendations to decision-makers and understand that to make long-lasting changes, we need to take a practical approach when collaborating with others.

Our commitment to responsible development, and our “tough, but fair” approach, using research, consulting and convening, gives us credibility with decision makers whose actions today are setting the direction for the planet. Are you ready to join us?

Meet the team

The Communications team drives strategy and messaging to advance the Pembina Institute’s policy priorities and organizational objectives. Each sub-unit has a communications manager who leads a small team of communications staff and guides their work across program-specific and cross-cutting priorities. Communications staff work closely with policy experts, while collaborating with the central communications team to deliver clear, aligned, and impactful messaging across all channels. Together, the team supports all parts of the organization in producing compelling communications.

The opportunity

Reporting to the sub-unit senior director, the Manager, Communications provides leadership and guidance to communications staff executing organizational strategies across their policy sub-unit. You will lead integrated communications initiatives, support cross-functional coordination with government relations and strategic partnerships teams, and design and implement communications campaigns on both program-specific and cross-cutting priorities that advance the Institute's mission.

Your key responsibilities

Leadership and team management

• Lead and provide guidance to communications staff, including coaching, mentorship, performance management, and succession planning.
• Oversee the work of communications staff to ensure high-quality, aligned, and timely delivery of strategies, projects, and messaging.
• Provide direction, support, and hands-on guidance to the team during peak periods or complex initiatives.
• Ensure continuity of communications support through effective delegation, back-up coverage, and support for leadership communications and media readiness.

Communications strategy and execution

• In collaboration with the relevant policy director and communications staff member, devise communications strategies for each policy team within the assigned sub-unit, taking into consideration that team’s annual policy objectives, the external media environment and public opinion, as well as the current policy direction of relevant governments.
• Execute these strategies by assisting communications and policy staff in the framing of reports and other public-facing materials and suggesting additional communications tactics.
• Provide strategic communications oversight across all policy areas within the group, looking to maximize opportunities for joined-up communications opportunities, such as op-eds or media releases that touch on multiple policy objectives.
• Proactively seek out media opportunities, capitalizing on external events and confidently leading reactive communications for the group.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key reporters, influencers, and communications staff at peer organizations.
• Collaborate with central communications team to ensure messaging is consistent, strategic, and impactful across all channels.
• Provide timely guidance and support for strategic and reactive communications, media materials, and digital engagement across web, email, and social platforms.
• Produce, review, and promote high-quality communications materials that meet the Institute’s brand and quality standards, including media releases, statements, op-eds, reports, and multimedia content.

Cross-functional collaboration and organizational alignment

• Lead cross-functional communications planning to align messaging, framing, and outreach for priority audiences and initiatives.
• Partner with leadership, government relations, strategic partnerships, and program teams to support policy influence, external engagement, and fundraising priorities.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of communications practices, tools and systems.

What we’re looking for

You are a proactive, collaborative communicator who builds strong relationships across teams and with a wide range of stakeholders. You can translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages across formats and audiences, exercise sound judgment in high-profile, time-sensitive situations, and think strategically to advance both immediate priorities and long-term organizational goals. You are highly organized, adaptable, and results-oriented, with hands-on experience in media relations, digital and social platforms, and a variety of communications tools

and strategies.

What you bring

• Post‑secondary education in communications, marketing, media relations, journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum five years of progressive professional experience in communications, marketing, media relations, journalism, or a related field.
• Experience leading and guiding communications staff, including coaching, mentorship, performance management, and development of direct reports.
• Proven ability to develop and execute communications strategies while collaborating across teams in a matrix environment to deliver aligned, high-impact outcomes.
• Broad expertise across communications functions, including media relations, digital engagement, copy editing, social media, and online publishing.
• Strong understanding of the Canadian media landscape, with experience building and maintaining media relationships.
• Proficient in leveraging digital and social media to drive awareness, engagement, or advocacy campaigns; familiarity with multimedia content production is an asset.
• Ability to communicate complex public policy issues clearly, with knowledge of Canadian policy development; experience in energy, environmental, or public-interest sectors is an asset.
• Working knowledge of communications best practices and emerging trends; proficient with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and online publishing tools; familiarity with CP style is an asset.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental sustainability, social change, or the political space through professional, educational, or volunteer experience.

Compensation and benefits

The hiring range for the position is $83,250 to $95,250 annually based on a 37.5-hour work week, with a range maximum of $107,250. Within this range, individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, related experience, education and/or training, and internal equity.

We know that to meet these ambitious goals, our people are the core. We also know that one size does not fit all, therefore we offer employees a flexible office and home schedule that allows individuals to find an optimal balance. Our employees receive a generous paid time-off package starting with four weeks of vacation, time to cover health and wellness, professional development and offices closed annually from December 25 to January 1. In addition, we offer RRSP matching, parental top-ups, extended health and dental benefits, and yearly professional development funds.

Note: the incentive programs have certain eligibility requirements and may be subject to employment type.

The Pembina Institute is committed to an inclusive and accessible hiring process that values diversity and respect. We aim to create a work environment where everyone can contribute their best and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. These positions are open to internal and external candidates who will follow the same recruitment process. If you require an accommodation during the hiring process, please email and we will work to meet your needs while ensuring equal opportunity.

Applications at Pembina are reviewed by our hiring team with each recruitment process following similar steps. These typically including a screening call, interview, short assessment or samples of work and a reference check. Candidates selected to advance through the recruitment process will be contacted directly through our applicant tracking system.