Work With Us

ABOUT THE STUDENTS’ UNION

The Students’ Union (SU) is one of Canada’s largest undergraduate student associations. As a not-for-profit organization, we represent and advocate for more than 25,000 undergraduate students at the University of Calgary. We also provide a wide range of services, programs, and businesses that help make campus life better, including a restaurant and bar, two concert venues, a convenience store, a used bookstore and copy centre, and the MacEwan Conference & Event Centre.

Working at the SU is different from a typical office job. We partner closely with our elected student leaders, providing guidance, coaching, and operational support as they lead the organization. Because student leadership changes every year, our team is adaptable, collaborative, and always looking for practical ways to support new ideas and respond to the needs of students.

We offer competitive salaries along with a benefits package that includes:

• Five weeks of vacation starting in your first year
• Unlimited paid sick time
• Six percent RRSP matching
• Extended health and dental coverage, plus a health spending account
• A supportive, collaborative workplace that values work-life balance, respect, and professional growth

Many of our employees stay with the SU for years because they enjoy meaningful work, supportive colleagues, and the opportunity to make a real impact on the student experience. If you’re looking for a role where your work matters and you’re encouraged to grow, we’d love to hear from you.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager, Advocacy and Research, the Communications and Government Relations Specialist leads the Students’ Union’s government relations, advocacy, media relations, and external communications efforts. Working closely with the President and Vice President External, this role advances the SU’s advocacy priorities by building relationships with government, university leaders, sector partners, and the media. The successful candidate develops advocacy campaigns, prepares strategic communications, supports student leaders, and monitors emerging public policy issues affecting students.

SALARY

For this position, the hiring range is $60,000 to $68,000, and the offered salary will be negotiated based on a candidate’s relative experience. As a not-for-profit organization, it is extremely unlikely that we will be able to offer a successful candidate a salary outside of this range.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the development and execution of the Students’ Union’s government relations and advocacy strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with municipal, provincial, and federal government representatives, university leaders, advocacy organizations, and community partners.
• Coordinate meetings between elected student leaders and government officials, including preparing agendas, briefing notes, speaking materials, and meeting summaries.
• Support lobbying efforts and maintain compliance with Alberta’s Lobbyist Registry requirements.
• Plan and coordinate advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement initiatives, and government relations events, including the annual Calgary Leaders Dinner.
• Prepare media releases, briefing notes, fact sheets, advocacy materials, government submissions, and other strategic communications.
• Monitor political, legislative, regulatory, and post-secondary developments to identify emerging issues that may affect students or the Students’ Union.
• Advise student executives on advocacy strategy, external communications, stakeholder engagement, and media relations.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with media while coordinating interview requests, messaging, and spokesperson preparation.
• Create and maintain advocacy-related website and social media content in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team.
• Support student leaders serving on university committees, the Board of Governors, and external advocacy organizations through meeting preparation, coordination, and follow-up.
• Track advocacy activities, stakeholder engagement, media coverage, and campaign outcomes while preparing reports and recommendations.
• Contribute to policy research, strategic initiatives, and other projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate is politically aware, collaborative, highly organized, and comfortable balancing multiple priorities while building relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.

You will bring:

• A university degree in political science, public policy, communications, public relations, journalism, or a related discipline.
• Three or more years of experience in government relations, public affairs, advocacy, strategic communications, media relations, public policy, or a related field.
• Experience working in post-secondary education, government, the public sector, an association, or a non-profit organization is considered an asset.
• Strong written communication skills with experience preparing briefing notes, reports, media releases, advocacy materials, or executive communications.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong research and analytical abilities, including the ability to synthesize complex information into practical recommendations.
• Knowledge of Alberta’s political and public policy environment and an understanding of government decision-making processes.
• Experience coordinating multiple priorities while managing competing deadlines.
• Strong judgment, professionalism, discretion, and the ability to handle confidential information.
• The ability to work effectively in a collaborative, non-partisan environment.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and online research tools. Experience with website content management systems is considered an asset.
• A valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence and the ability to travel locally, provincially, and nationally as required.
• The flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience will also be considered.

For more information, check out the position description.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a resume and cover letter to resumes@su.ucalgary.ca. We are accepting applications until July 31, 2026 or until we find the right person.

STATEMENT ON EMPLOYMENT EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

The Students’ Union is committed to ensuring that members of equity-deserving groups, from a broad range of communities, feel empowered to apply for positions within the organization. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Black, Indigenous, and/or other racialized communities to apply. Qualified candidates who identify as 2Spirit and/or LGBTQIA+ or are otherwise marginalized on the grounds of gender expression, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation are also strongly encouraged to apply.

The Students’ Union welcomes applications from people with disabilities and believes strongly in accessibility in the work we do. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process—please advise us at any point and we will work with you to meet your needs while respecting your privacy as much as possible.

The Students’ Union is grateful to work on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikuni, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. The University of Calgary is situated on land adjacent to where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, and the traditional Blackfoot name of this place is Moh’kins’tsis, which we now call the City of Calgary. The Students’ Union also recognizes that land acknowledgments are not enough. We need to pursue truth, reconciliation, decolonization, and allyship in an ongoing effort to make right with all our relations.

The Students’ Union is currently looking for applicants to fill appointed positions for three Faculty Representative positions, and one Senate Student-at-Large position. All positions will require a completed SU Faculty Representative Appointment Application.

Brief descriptions are provided below, followed by downloadable Position Description and application form documents.

Applications are due March 31, 2026 at 4:30 pm and sent to Laura Brooks <laura.brooks@ucalgary.ca>.

Faculty Representatives are the main communication link between the SU and the faculty in which they are registered. They are responsible for representing and promoting the interests of the students in their faculty. Successful candidates will be reliable, flexible and have superior interpersonal, organizational and writing skills.

School of Architecture Planning and Landscape Faculty Representative

• Preparing for, attending and participating in Students’ Legislative Council meetings (weekly in the fall/winter)
• Preparing for, attending and participating in General Faculties Council meetings (monthly)
• Serving on SU Committees
• Working with the Faculty of the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL), student clubs, and students-at-large to promote SU events and initiatives and represent student interests
• Attending meetings in the SAPL Faculty, including Faculty Council and its committees

Position Description [PDF] |  Application [DOCX]

Schulich School of Engineering Faculty Representative

• Preparing for, attending and participating in Students’ Legislative Council meetings (weekly in the fall/winter)
• Preparing for, attending and participating in General Faculties Council meetings (monthly)
• Serving on SU Committees
• Working with the Schulich School of Engineering, student clubs, and students-at-large to promote SU events and initiatives and represent student interests
• Attending meetings in the Schulich School of Engineering, including Faculty Council and its committees

Position Description [PDF] |  Application [DOCX]

Social Work Faculty Representative

• Preparing for, attending and participating in Students’ Legislative Council meetings (weekly in the fall/winter)
• Preparing for, attending and participating in General Faculties Council meetings (monthly)
• Serving on SU Committees
• Serving on the City Innovation Students’ Association (CISA) Board
• Working with the Faculty of Social Work, student clubs, and students-at-large to promote SU events and initiatives and represent student interests
• Attending meetings in the Faculty of Social Work, including Faculty Council and its committees

Position Description [PDF] |  Application [DOCX]

Senate Student-at-Large Representative

The Senate’s main goal is to inquire into any matter that might benefit the university and enhance its position in the community.  The Senate also confers honorary degrees to deserving individuals.

Senate Student-at-Large Representatives represent undergraduate students on the University of Calgary’s Senate. Membership on Senate involves a time commitment of approximately one meeting per month.  Regular attendance at meetings is essential.  Senate members may also be asked to serve on sub-committees which also meet approximately once per month.

• Attending Senate and assigned committee meetings.
• Reporting to the Students’ Union on Senate initiatives and activities.
• Report any recommendations that it considers advisable to the Students’ Union.
• Supporting the Chancellor by attending at least one convocation exercise and other ceremonial exercises.
• Participating in campus activities, particularly those related to students.
• Promoting the university and facilitating opportunities for university personnel to speak to community groups.
• Enhancing the university’s and Students’ Union’s position in the community by promoting initiatives and activities, fostering student interests, recognizing excellence, and representing public interest.

Position Description [PDF] |  Application [DOCX]

STATEMENT ON EMPLOYMENT EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

The Students’ Union is committed to ensuring that members of equity-deserving groups, from a broad range of communities, feel empowered to apply for positions within the organization. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Black, Indigenous, and/or other racialized communities to apply. Qualified candidates who identify as 2Spirit and/or LGBTQIA+ or are otherwise marginalized on the grounds of gender expression, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation are also strongly encouraged to apply.

The Students’ Union welcomes applications from people with disabilities and believes strongly in accessibility in the work we do. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process – please advise us at any point and we will work with you to meet your needs while respecting your privacy as much as possible.

The Students’ Union is grateful to work on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikuni, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. The University of Calgary is situated on land adjacent to where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, and the traditional Blackfoot name of this place is Moh’kins’tsis, which we now call the City of Calgary. The Students’ Union also recognizes that land acknowledgments are not enough. We need to pursue truth, reconciliation, decolonization, and allyship in an ongoing effort to make right with all our relations.

We are looking to fill up a student vacancy for the SU Review Board position.

The Review Board is an independent, arms-length committee of the Students’ Legislative Council, charged with the judicial functions of the Students’ Union. Students can apply to the Review Board to appeal SU decisions that they believe were unfair or in violation of the SU’s Union Bylaw or Union Policy.

Read the full POSITION DESCRIPTION (DOCX) here.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit applications to Jonathan Ezeumeh <ifeanyichukwu.ezeume@ucalgary.ca> by 4:00PM, January 16, 2026.

Applicants are required to use the Review Board and Tribunal Application Form (DOCX) included here:

Statement on Employment Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Students’ Union is committed to ensuring that members of equity-deserving groups, from a broad range of communities, feel empowered to apply for positions within the organization. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Black, Indigenous, and/or other racialized communities to apply. Qualified candidates who identify as 2Spirit and/or LGBTQIA+ or are otherwise marginalized on the grounds of gender expression, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation are also strongly encouraged to apply.

The Students’ Union welcomes applications from people with disabilities and believes strongly in accessibility in the work we do. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process – please advise us at any point and we will work with you to meet your needs while respecting your privacy as much as possible.

The Students’ Union is grateful to work on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika), Piikuni, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. The University of Calgary is situated on land adjacent to where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, and the traditional Blackfoot name of this place is Moh’kins’tsis, which we now call the City of Calgary. The Students’ Union also recognizes that land acknowledgments are not enough. We need to pursue truth, reconciliation, decolonization, and allyship in an ongoing effort to make right with all our relations.

The Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) is primarily responsible for assisting the Chief Returning Officer (CRO) with the administrative requirements of the Students’ Union (SU) General and By-Election.  The DRO is a resource provided to students by the SU. As such, the incumbent is responsible for promotional and administrative tasks, ensuring the SU Elections are supported according to the direction of the SU. Required working days will be between January 19, 2026 and March 6, 2026.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in ensuring Election Candidates adhere to campaigning rules via poster patrol
• Assist in the set-up, take down and staffing of polling stations and addressing students’ election-related queries.
• Assist the CRO in distributing promotional materials related to voting days.
• Assist the Manager, Student Services and CRO in executing and promoting the election forums and candidate fair.

Applicants must:

• be current University of Calgary undergraduate students; and
• not be involved in the SU’s elections in any other capacity (i.e., as a candidate, campaign manager, or volunteer).

For more information, please check out the position description. Pay for this position is $15.00/hour. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a resume, cover letter, and your class schedule to elections@su.ucalgary.ca.

Application deadline is January 6, 2026 at 4:30pm.

Only those applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

STATEMENT ON EMPLOYMENT EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

The Students’ Union is committed to ensuring that members of equity-deserving groups, from a broad range of communities, feel empowered to apply for positions within the organization. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Black, Indigenous, and/or other racialized communities to apply. Qualified candidates who identify as 2Spirit and/or LGBTQIA+ or are otherwise marginalized on the grounds of gender expression, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation are also strongly encouraged to apply.

The Students’ Union welcomes applications from people with disabilities and believes strongly in accessibility in the work we do. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process – please advise us at any point and we will work with you to meet your needs while respecting your privacy as much as possible.

The Students’ Union is grateful to work on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikuni, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. The University of Calgary is situated on land adjacent to where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, and the traditional Blackfoot name of this place is Moh’kins’tsis, which we now call the City of Calgary. The Students’ Union also recognizes that land acknowledgments are not enough. We need to pursue truth, reconciliation, decolonization, and allyship in an ongoing effort to make right with all our relations.