Community Engagement Planner

Business Link Alberta (“BLA”) is a government-funded, not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners across Alberta. For over 30 years, BLA has helped thousands of prospective and existing small business owners and entrepreneurs through webinars, events, conferences, and personalized one-on-one consultation. In addition to providing advice on how and where to get help, BLA has administered grant funding programs on behalf of government.  BLA collaborates with and partners with a number of other service providers, funding providers, and small business supports across the province of Alberta. BLA serves over 5,000 clients a year, drawn from all reaches of the province: rural, urban, small and large cities and suburbs.

Our Mission

Business Link Alberta helps Alberta’s small businesses start and succeed.

Our Values

• Inclusive


• Impactful


• Non-Judgmental

Our Culture

• Innovative


• Transparent


• Open-Minded


• Collaborative


• Respectful


• Belonging

JOB STATEMENT 

The Community Engagement Planner is responsible for researching, sourcing, planning, and coordinating all BLA’s external engagement and participation in third-party events across the province. The Community Engagement Planner will essentially identify, book, and manage logistics for “podium” opportunities for Client Services team Members and BLA Leadership across the province.

The Community Engagement Planner identifies and evaluates opportunities for BLA to participate in conferences, conventions, municipal and community events, and industry gatherings. Through a strategic marketing lens, the Community Engagement Planner ensures each engagement strengthens brand awareness and creates meaningful connections with entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners.

Reporting to the Manager, Marketing & Communications, the Community Engagement Planner collaborates with Client Services and internal stakeholders to maximize the impact of Business Link Alberta’s presence at events across Alberta.

Reporting – The Event Planner reports to the Manager, Marketing & Communications and is a member of the Marketing & Communications Team

Linkages

• Directors – Operations & Client Services, and Administration


• All members of the Client Services Team


• Event Planner


• Eco-system partner organizations


• Community Centers, Economic Development Centers, and Community Colleges, etc.

LOCATION

Offices in Edmonton or Calgary.

BLA is a hybrid work employer, requiring employees to work either in the office or face-to-face at other locations outside the home office 3 days per week.

ROLE COMPONENTS

External Engagement & Opportunity Identification

• Research and identify conferences, conventions, municipal, and community events aligned with Business Link Alberta’s strategic goals.


• Evaluate and pursue sponsorship opportunities that align with marketing and engagement objectives.


• Build and maintain relationships with event organizers, municipalities, and ecosystem partners across Alberta.

Event Participation Planning & Coordination

• Coordinate Business Link Alberta’s participation in third-party events and external engagements.


• Manage registrations, scheduling, and sponsorship deliverables.


• Maintain an internal third-party events calendar and coordinate staff participation.


• Prepare engagement briefs outlining audience insights, objectives, and key messaging.

Internal Collaboration & Representation

• Work closely with Client Services and the Leadership Team to support speaking opportunities and event participation.


• Prepare key messages, speaking notes, and logistical documentation for staff attending events.


• Ensure presenters and representatives have the required marketing materials and presentation support.


• Represent Business Link Alberta at events across the province as required.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Track engagement outcomes, participation metrics, and key insights from external events.


• Provide post-event reporting and recommendations.


• Support the continuous improvement of the outreach and community engagement strategy.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work with Marketing & Communications to support event promotion and highlight engagement outcomes


• Work closely with Client Services Managers and team to ensure outreach efforts support program targets and client needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business, or a related field. Equivalent experience will be considered.


• 3–5 years of experience in marketing, event coordination, partnerships, or community engagement.


• Demonstrated experience researching and coordinating external engagement opportunities.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare speaking notes and key messages.


• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.


• Professional presence and confidence representing an organization in public-facing environments.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams. Experience with Eventbrite, CRM systems, and marketing tools is considered an asset.


• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within Alberta.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary aligned with comparable roles in other not-for-profit and government-funded organizations in large City centers.


• Comprehensive Employee Benefit Package including:
  
  
  
  • 100% Employer-paid extended health and dental benefits.
  
  
  • STD, LTD, Life and Critical Illness insurance.
  
  
  • Employee assistance program.
  
  
  
  


• 15 Vacation Days


• 6 Sick Days


• 4 Personal Days


• Paid holiday closure (Dec. 24 – Jan. 1)


• Annual Professional Development allowance.

As an equal opportunity employer, Business Link Alberta values diversity and is committed to fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, transparency, and innovation.

This is a contract position ending on March 31, 2027.

Application deadline: March 20, 2026

Anticipated start: April 27 - May 1, 2026

*Position is cross-posted in both Edmonton and Calgary.