Creative Niche has been exclusively retained by the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo to lead the search for a Director, Brand & Public Relations, a pivotal leadership role shaping the voice, brand, and global reputation of one of Canada's leading conservation organizations.

About the Opportunity

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is a recognized global leader in wildlife conservation, inspiring action to sustain wildlife and wild places. As Director, Brand & Public Relations, you will lead the strategy and execution of brand, marketing, communications, and public engagement initiatives that elevate the organization's profile locally and globally.

This is a high-impact role responsible for driving audience growth, deepening

community connection, and delivering a cohesive, compelling brand experience across every touchpoint, from on-site visitor experiences to global conservation storytelling.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Development & External Relations Officer, you will:

• Lead brand and marketing strategy, ensuring a clear, consistent voice and visual identity across all platforms
• Drive integrated campaigns that increase attendance, engagement, and awareness across diverse audiences
• Shape the organization's narrative, translating conservation impact into powerful, mission-driven storytelling
• Oversee public relations, including media strategy, spokesperson alignment, and crisis communications
• Own digital strategy, optimizing performance across social, web, email, and paid channels
• Enhance the visitor experience, contributing to interpretive planning, signage, and on-site storytelling
• Build strategic partnerships across community, tourism, and industry stakeholders
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align internal teams around brand and communications priorities

Leadership Impact

As a member of the Leadership Team, you will:

• Lead and develop a high-performing marketing, communications, and PR team
• Set and execute a long-term vision aligned with the organization's strategic plan
• Oversee budgets, resources, and external partners
• Champion collaboration and strengthen internal alignment around brand and voice

What You Bring

• 15+ years of progressive experience in marketing and communications, including leadership at the Director level
• Proven success building and evolving brands in complex, high-profile organizations
• Deep expertise in integrated marketing, media relations, and communications strategy
• Strong storytelling instincts with the ability to translate purpose into compelling content
• Experience managing crisis communications and high-visibility public narratives
• Digital fluency across social, web, and performance marketing
• Exceptional leadership, stakeholder management, and influencing skills
• A collaborative, strategic mindset with strong business and operational acumen

Why This Role

This is a rare opportunity to shape the brand and voice of an organization with global impact. You'll play a critical role in connecting people to conservation, driving

meaningful engagement, and elevating a mission that matters.

Additional Details

• Full-time, leadership role
• Oversight of significant operating and revenue-driving initiatives
• Location: Calgary, AB (on-park position, with occasional travel)
• RRSP matching contribution
• Relocation package offered

If you're interested in leading brand and communications for a purpose-driven organization at scale, we'd love to connect.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, they respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization's mission and vision. They recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.