Role Responsibilities

Help Albertans make informed decisions and protect their consumer rights

Join our team and play a key role in developing innovative education, communication and outreach initiatives that empower consumers, enhance public awareness and support consumer protection across Alberta.

Reporting to the Manager, Engagement and Education, the Consumer Education Specialist supports communication, education and engagement initiatives that advance consumer protection objectives and increase public awareness of consumer rights and protections. The role develops and delivers consumer-facing communications and educational resources, conducts research and stakeholder engagement, and supports policy, program and legislative initiatives. The position also leverages data, digital tools and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance service delivery, public outreach and access to information.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communication, education and outreach initiatives that support consumer protection objectives and branch priorities.
• Research, write, edit and coordinate consumer-facing content, including web content, publications, presentations, educational resources and other communication materials.
• Ensure communications products are accurate, accessible, written in plain language and aligned with government standards and priorities.
• Coordinate and support stakeholder engagement activities, outreach initiatives and public education events across Alberta.
• Monitor and evaluate communication, outreach and engagement activities using data and feedback to measure effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare reports, briefing notes, presentations, correspondence and other materials for management and senior leadership.
• Conduct research, environmental scans and analysis of consumer protection issues, stakeholder feedback and emerging trends to inform program development and communications planning.
• Collaborate with program areas, subject matter experts and external stakeholders to support the implementation of policy, program and legislative initiatives.
• Support the adoption and use of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies to improve public outreach, service delivery and access to information.
• Respond to public, stakeholder and management inquiries by researching issues and providing clear, accurate and timely information.
• Represent the branch at meetings, presentations, stakeholder engagements and outreach events, as required.

The is provided for Further details on this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an indepth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

Creative Problem Solving - Researches and analyzes consumer protection issues, identifies communication and education needs, evaluates options and recommends practical approaches for developing consumer education materials and outreach activities.

System Thinking - Requires an understanding of how various teams and business areas across the ministry work together, as many projects involve collaboration and cross-functional input. The role needs to recognize approval requirements, project dependencies and organizational processes to ensure education initiatives are coordinated appropriately and align with ministry objectives.

Agility- This position must remain current with emerging trends, tools and best practices to ensure consumer education materials and engagement activities remain effective and accessible. The role requires flexibility to adjust priorities, approaches and products in response to changing stakeholder needs, ministry priorities and advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence and digital communications.

Build Collaborative Environments - Work closely with program and subject matter experts, the ADMO and DMO, as legislative and policy initiatives often affect multiple areas of the ministry. This position collaborates with internal partners and subject matter experts to gather information, coordinate activities and support project delivery.

Develop Self and Others - Seeks opportunities to enhance knowledge of consumer protection issues, communications practices and stakeholder engagement techniques. Shares information, resources and expertise with colleagues to support team learning and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

University graduation in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Education, Marketing, Public Administration or a related field, supplemented by a minimum of three years in related experience (communications, outreach, stakeholder engagement, consumer education or digital communications, facilitation, consumer services legislation and regulations).

Equivalency Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Required

Applicants must include a detailed cover letter explaining how their experience aligns with the qualifications; applications submitted without one will not be accepted.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Experience developing and delivering communications, education, engagement or outreach initiatives.
• Strong project management, organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.
• Excellent research, analytical, writing and editing skills, including the ability to communicate complex information in plain language.
• Experience developing reports, briefing materials, web content, educational resources and other communication products.
• Knowledge of digital communication tools and platforms, including social media
• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders to design and implement impactful education strategies.

Asset

• Experience working in a program area or operational environment guided by legislation, regulations, policies or compliance requirements.
• Knowledge and practical experience of Consumer Services legislation and regulations.
• Knowledge and experience of emerging technologies, with a focus on developing strategic approaches to artificial intelligence (AI).
• Experience and awareness of strategic policy development methodologies and practices.

Minimum Recruitment Standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

Location Commerce Place Building, 10155 102 Street NW, Edmonton, AB

Hours of Work Monday to Friday (8:15 AM – 4:30 PM)

This is a full time, on-site position

Final candidates will be required to undergo a criminal records check (CRC).

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what we have to offer:

Working for the Alberta Public Service

Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)

Alberta Public Service Benefit Information

Professional learning and development

Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool.

Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.