Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Certification
Training
Timeline
background-images

AGNES NAKITENDE

Edmonton,Alberta

Summary

Accomplished and results-oriented leader with over 15 years of success in strategic leadership across government, private, and non-profit sectors. Renowned for driving organizational objectives within complex frameworks, particularly in healthcare, communications, and community development. Demonstrates a proven track record in quality assurance, policy development, and cross-jurisdictional collaboration, with expertise in intergovernmental priorities and stakeholder engagement.

Results-driven communications professional prepared for leadership in strategic messaging and public relations. Proven track record in media relations, content creation, and brand management. Strong focus on team collaboration, adaptability, and achieving impactful results. Reliable and flexible with changing needs, valued for strategic thinking and clear communication.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistant Director, Media Relations

Government of Alberta, Communications and Public Engagement (CPE)
12.2022 - Current
  • Strategic Leadership in Government Communications
    Provided executive-level leadership to a team delivering comprehensive communications services for the Premier’s Office, Executive Council, and various ministries. Oversaw media relations, issues management, strategic planning, writing, translation, and targeted outreach to multilingual, multicultural, rural, and ethnic communities.
  • Multicultural and Rural Outreach Expertise
    Directed a $7 million communications program dedicated to ensuring equitable access to government services for non-English-speaking Albertans and underserved rural communities. Oversaw the translation and distribution of government resources in over 25 languages to 250+ media outlets, newcomer centres, schools, and community organizations.
  • Strategic Planning and Policy Alignment
    Led ministry-wide strategic planning processes that aligned with legislative obligations and informed cross-ministry budget and policy decisions. Designed best practice guidelines to streamline planning efforts in collaboration with senior leadership and policy units.
  • Risk Management and Business Continuity Leadership
    Collaborated with ministry subject matter experts to facilitate environmental scans and enterprise risk assessments. Currently leading the development of Business Continuity Plans for two ministries.
  • Cross-Ministry Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
    Worked closely with political staff, press secretaries, and cross-ministry leaders to develop coordinated media relations strategies that support government priorities. Spearheaded multi-stakeholder initiatives, including the Alberta Anti-Racism Action Plan and the Premier’s Summit on Fairness for Newcomers.
  • Media Monitoring and Strategic Intelligence
    Directed the production of daily media monitoring reports (Mirems) and specialty tracking tools such as the Media Relations report. Used insights to inform government messaging and stakeholder engagement.
  • Coaching, Team Development, and Succession Planning
    Built and mentored high-performing communications teams. Implemented coaching strategies to support team growth and succession planning aligned with the government’s leadership values.
  • Advisory Role on Communications Tactics and Cultural Engagement
    Provided strategic advice to ministries on media targeting, timing, and placement of culturally appropriate advertising. Developed tailored engagement strategies for reaching communities without strong media representation.

Communication Advisor

Government of Alberta, Ministry of Indigenous Relations
07.2022 - 11.2022
  • Strategic Advisory in Indigenous Relations
    Oversaw the development of strategic policy options, briefing notes, speaking notes, and recommendations on a broad range of Indigenous Relations activities and issues, supporting government-to-government collaboration and reconciliation efforts.
  • Facilitation of High-Level Indigenous Engagements
    Supported the planning and execution of Indigenous engagement sessions, Protocol Agreement Meetings, and Relationship Agreement Meetings between the Government of Alberta and Indigenous communities, helping to build trust and long-term partnerships.
  • Collaborative Planning and Consultation
    Organized and led collaborative sessions with Indigenous Peoples across Alberta to ensure that communication strategies and policy decisions reflected community voices and respected cultural traditions.
  • Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement
    Worked closely with Indigenous leaders to align policies and programs with community needs, strengthening opportunities for mutual growth, reconciliation, and inclusive governance.
  • Strategic Communications Planning
    Liaised with internal clients to develop and implement targeted communications plans that supported Indigenous engagement, cross-ministry initiatives, and public education efforts.
  • Content Development and Editing
    Researched, wrote, and edited a wide array of communication materials, including public messaging, stakeholder updates, speeches, event collateral, and media responses.
  • Event Planning and Media Coordination
    Planned and coordinated communications events and media availabilities, ensuring respectful representation and accurate storytelling of Indigenous perspectives and partnerships.
  • Cross-Government Collaboration
    Contributed to inter-ministerial communications initiatives to ensure consistency and alignment of Indigenous engagement messaging and outreach across departments.
  • Team Support and Leadership
    Provided assistance to senior branch members and contributed to team efforts through strategic input, project coordination, and content development.


Communication Consultant

Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Finance Public Employees’ Benefits Agency
12.2021 - 06.2022
  • Advisor to Senior Leadership
    Provided high-level strategic communications counsel to senior ministry officials, ensuring alignment with government priorities, public expectations, and evolving policy directions.
  • Integrated Communications Planning
    Developed and executed comprehensive communications plans to increase public awareness of ministry services, programs, and funding initiatives—driving engagement and transparency.
  • Media Relations and Public Announcements
    Led external communications initiatives, including drafting impactful news releases, coordinating high-profile announcement events, and developing digital, video, and multimedia content for wide distribution.
  • Strategic Campaign Development
    Planned, implemented, and evaluated multi-channel communication strategies independently and in collaboration with cross-functional teams, delivering measurable outcomes and audience reach.
  • Stakeholder Portfolio Management
    Successfully managed the stakeholder communications portfolios for the Pensioners and Municipal Employees' Pension Plan and Public Employees' Pension Plan, building strong relationships, enhancing transparency, and supporting trust in government services.

Strategic Communication & Stakeholder Engagement Officer

Rural Municipality of Edenwold, Emerald Park, Saskatchewan
04.2021 - 11.2021
  • Departmental Leadership & Strategic Planning
    Led the Communications Department for the RM of Edenwold, managing a $2 million budget and working closely with Council and senior staff to develop and implement an audience-focused communications strategy.
  • Indigenous Engagement & Collaboration
    Organized collaborative engagement sessions with Indigenous Peoples within the RM, fostering respectful relationships and supporting inclusive communications and planning practices.
  • Multi-Channel Communications Management
    Created and leveraged both new and existing channels—web, social media, newsletters, and print—to promote municipal initiatives, enhance transparency, and increase community engagement.
  • Content Development & Brand Stewardship
    Wrote, edited, and distributed a wide range of communications materials, including press releases, public notices, sponsorship packages, annual reports, and speeches—while developing brand standards to ensure consistency across platforms.
  • Media Relations & Spokesperson Duties
    Acted as official spokesperson for the RM, responded to media inquiries, arranged interviews, and maintained strong working relationships with journalists through an up-to-date media contact database.
  • Digital Strategy & Analytics
    Oversaw development and management of website content and social media platforms, implementing analytics tools to track engagement and inform data-driven communications strategies.
  • Business Planning & Budget Support
    Supported senior leadership in designing the municipality’s annual Business Plan and Budget submission documents, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements and strategic alignment.

Marketing, Communications & External Relations Coordinator

Northern College
11.2020 - 03.2021
  • Strategic Marketing & Communications Leadership
    Coordinated the planning and execution of all marketing communications and external relations initiatives, ensuring alignment with the College’s business and strategic goals.
  • Brand Management & Content Oversight
    Oversaw the creation and dissemination of promotional materials, maintaining strict adherence to approved brand standards and ensuring consistency across all platforms and campaigns.
  • Alumni, Donor & Fundraising Engagement
    Actively contributed to alumni relations, donor engagement, and fundraising campaigns while identifying and implementing new opportunities to expand community and stakeholder involvement.
  • Project Management & Budget Control
    Successfully managed multiple high-impact projects, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery. Utilized internal project management tools to allocate team resources, coordinate timelines, and track progress.
  • Digital Marketing & Data Analytics
    Worked with third-party digital platforms, including website content management systems, email marketing tools, paid social media advertising, and web analytics, to optimize outreach strategies and improve audience engagement.
  • Indigenous Relations Development
    Promoted strong partnerships between Northern College and Indigenous communities by fostering inclusive communication strategies and supporting culturally respectful engagement initiatives.

Communication Coordinator

Parkdale food Centre
09.2019 - 10.2020
  • Frontline Community Support & Advocacy
    Led initiatives to connect individuals experiencing homelessness—particularly those in shelters—with vital City of Ottawa services. Provided hands-on support for individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges, with a focus on marginalized and newcomer populations.
  • Mental Health Advocacy & Public Engagement
    Spearheaded mental health support initiatives targeting the Black community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participated in a high-profile panel discussion at the University of Ottawa on inclusive strategies to combat homelessness and mental health stigmatization. Featured on CBC Radio Ottawa to discuss the pandemic’s mental health impact on new immigrants.
  • Strategic Communications Leadership
    Provided formal leadership to the organization’s Communications team, overseeing messaging across digital and traditional channels. Collaborated with the Marketing team on joint campaigns, ensuring brand consistency and strategic alignment.
  • Development & Execution of Communications Strategy
    Developed and implemented a comprehensive communications strategic plan to support the organization’s mission, strengthen community relationships, and increase visibility of services and advocacy efforts.
  • Fundraising & Donor Engagement
    Partnered with the fundraising team to craft compelling donor communication and launch awareness campaigns. Contributed to the planning and execution of fundraising events that successfully engaged stakeholders and boosted financial support.
  • Grant & Partnership Development
    Initiated and approved cross-sector projects, securing funding and partnership agreements from the City of Ottawa, private donors, and local organizations to enhance service delivery and advocacy impact.

Principal Communication Officer

Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Uganda
05.2016 - 03.2019
  • Public Relations Leadership for National and International Events
    Chaired the Public Relations Subcommittee on Uganda’s National Organizing Committee for major national and international events, overseeing a $5 million annual budget and leading a 10-member communications team. Provided high-level strategic direction on messaging, branding, media relations, and stakeholder coordination across ministries and development partners.
  • Major International Event Coordination
    Spearheaded communication strategies for high-profile global and regional events, including:
    9th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (2017), attended by the Commonwealth Secretary-General and senior government officials.
    JAMAFEST 2017, the 3rd East African Arts and Culture Festival uniting five EAC member states.
    4th Global Health Security Agenda Ministerial Meeting, co-chaired with the U.S. Embassy.
  • Strategic Intergovernmental Communications
    Provided expert advice on intergovernmental and pan-African issues, supporting Uganda’s diplomatic, economic, and public health positioning within the region. Aligned messaging with continental priorities and government interests.
  • Policy Development and Legislative Alignment
    Directed the creation and review of policy and legislative proposals to address systemic gaps, enhance governance, and align operations with Uganda’s national development strategy.
  • Crisis Communications & Disaster Preparedness
    Headed the 30-person Communications Desk in the Department of Disaster Preparedness and Management. Delivered timely information and psychosocial support to disaster-affected populations, coordinating public messaging and counseling interventions across Uganda.
  • Multi-Ministry Strategic Communication
    Provided high-level communications support to the Office of the President and ministries including Health, Labour, Gender and Social Development, and Disaster Preparedness. Ensured message consistency, public engagement, and media responsiveness in critical national initiatives.
  • Audit Strategy & Public Accountability
    Designed and executed inter-ministerial audit strategies to evaluate the effectiveness of governance processes across Uganda’s public sector, with an emphasis on transparency, systems integrity, and performance measurement.
  • Stakeholder & Community Engagement
    Led stakeholder outreach across ministries, government agencies, and Crown Corporations to promote trust and accountability. Championed transparency and public dialogue to reinforce confidence in government systems and services.
  • Project & Talent Management
    Led cross-government projects and developed recruitment and human resource policies aligned with legislative requirements and public service modernization goals.

Assistant Principal Communication Officer

Office of the Prime Minister, Uganda
01.2011 - 04.2016
  • Strategic Intergovernmental Coordination
    Supported the Office of the President in managing intergovernmental priorities through policy development, cross-jurisdictional collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. Represented Uganda in high-level forums such as the East African Community Council and official state visits, ensuring Uganda’s policies and strategic objectives were effectively communicated.
  • Leadership During Crisis Response
    Designed and executed Uganda’s crisis communication strategy during the 2016 East Africa drought, earning international recognition from the United Nations. Successfully mobilized support and created public awareness to address severe food insecurity, with a budget of $5 million annually between 2013–2016.
  • Major National & International Event Leadership
    Chaired public relations subcommittees and led communications for globally significant events, including:
    Pope Francis’ Visit to Uganda (2015)
    24th World Scouts Jamboree (2016)
    United Nations & Uganda Solidarity Summit on Refugees (2016)
    Provided end-to-end oversight of logistics, messaging, media relations, and interagency coordination for these events.
  • National Policy Alignment & Talent Strategy
    Coordinated recruitment policy across ministries, offering strategic advice and developing performance-based training frameworks. Streamlined HR operations to support effective staffing aligned with Uganda’s national development plan.
  • Stakeholder & Diplomatic Engagement
    Built and maintained strong networks across government, NGOs, development partners, and the private sector to align national programs with international best practices and funding priorities. Served as a key liaison in advancing Uganda’s economic and social interests.
  • Public Sector Modernization
    Led the successful transition and integration of multiple government functions into a centralized Ministry of Information and Communication, improving operational efficiency and coordination.
  • Operational Leadership & Team Development
    Mentored and guided teams of consultants and communications professionals to deliver high-quality results on complex, high-stakes initiatives. Managed workload distribution, performance evaluations, and succession planning to cultivate a high-performing and resilient team culture.
  • Recognition for Excellence
    Recognized by the United Nations for implementing one of East Africa’s most effective crisis engagement strategies—positioning Uganda as a case study in proactive government communications during humanitarian emergencies.

Community Relations Lead

St. Francis Hospital Nsambya
04.2007 - 12.2010
  • HIV/AIDS Community Support & Mental Health Advocacy
    Spearheaded psychosocial support initiatives for HIV-positive individuals, families, and communities, using a holistic approach that integrated counseling, mental health support, and expressive arts (music, dance, and drama) to manage depression, trauma, and stigma.
  • Project Management – Global Fund/CRS ABC Program
    Served as Project Manager for the ABC (Abstinence, Be Faithful, and Celibacy) initiative funded by the Global Fund through Catholic Relief Services. Oversaw project planning, budgeting, implementation, and monitoring in alignment with donor requirements and public health goals.
  • Community Outreach & Satellite Centre Development
    Identified underserved areas and led the expansion of outreach and home care services through the establishment of satellite centers—ensuring increased access to care for vulnerable populations.
  • Public Relations & Stakeholder Engagement
    Led the organization of special events, health campaigns, and press conferences to promote hospital services and public health awareness. Prepared media briefs and served as a key point of contact for the public and stakeholders.
  • Youth Engagement Through Creative Expression
    Founded and led the Post-Test Drama Club, using performance arts to empower youth and create awareness about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment adherence.
  • Leadership in Advocacy & Communication
    Headed the hospital’s Advocacy Desk, where I provided strategic communication guidance, mobilized community support, and promoted health rights and policy change through targeted advocacy campaigns.
  • Program Planning & Financial Stewardship
    Developed detailed work plans, training schedules, and budget requisitions for community-based health programs, ensuring accountability and alignment with organizational and donor priorities.

Education

Master's in business administration -

Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University
01.2019

Bachelor's in mass communication - undefined

Makerere University
01.2008

Skills

  • Human and financial management
  • Media relations
  • Branding and Advocacy
  • Research and Reporting
  • Strategic Planning and Management
  • Stakeholder –Client Engagement
  • Communication
  • Quality Assurance and Improvement
  • Policy, Standards & regulatory compliance
  • Multi-media marketing
  • Advertising
  • Performance and Project Management
  • Relationships & Partnerships
  • Strategic Leadership & Team Building
  • Strategic and systems thinking
  • Community engagement
  • Crisis management
  • Internal communications
  • Multicultural communication
  • Stakeholder management
  • Marketing communications
  • Corporate communications
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Organizational skills
  • Relationship building
  • Public relations
  • Client relationship management
  • Project management
  • Public and media relations
  • Social media platforms
  • Negotiation
  • Vendor relations
  • Political acumen
  • Press releases
  • Speech writing
  • Social media strategy

Languages

English
Full Professional
French
Limited Working
Swahili
Limited Working
luganda
Native or Bilingual

Certification

  • Professional member of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) ID NO: 6205880
  • I am a professional member of the Project Management Institute. ID NO: 6194903
  • PMP – certified

Training

  • Leadership Program Manager Cohort- Alberta Public Service
  • Foundations of Management - Management Competency Development - Alberta Public Service
  • Indigenous Introductory and Cultural Protocol Training- Alberta Public Service
  • Supporting Employee Performance - Management Competency Development- Alberta Public Service
  • Diverse & Inclusive Recruitment Practices – Management Competency Development- Alberta Public Service
  • Public Relations and Communications for Municipalities-Municipal Leadership Development Program
  • Foundations for Supervisors Program -Alberta Public Service
  • Certificate in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion from Canada Diversity Initiative
  • MSOffice Suite
  • Certificate in Customer Care Excellence (Pinecrest-Queensway Employment Services,Ottawa)
  • Emergency Preparedness Course for Resilience builders - Alberta Emergency Management Agency

Timeline

Assistant Director, Media Relations

Government of Alberta, Communications and Public Engagement (CPE)
12.2022 - Current

Communication Advisor

Government of Alberta, Ministry of Indigenous Relations
07.2022 - 11.2022

Communication Consultant

Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Finance Public Employees’ Benefits Agency
12.2021 - 06.2022

Strategic Communication & Stakeholder Engagement Officer

Rural Municipality of Edenwold, Emerald Park, Saskatchewan
04.2021 - 11.2021

Marketing, Communications & External Relations Coordinator

Northern College
11.2020 - 03.2021

Communication Coordinator

Parkdale food Centre
09.2019 - 10.2020

Principal Communication Officer

Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Uganda
05.2016 - 03.2019

Assistant Principal Communication Officer

Office of the Prime Minister, Uganda
01.2011 - 04.2016

Community Relations Lead

St. Francis Hospital Nsambya
04.2007 - 12.2010

Bachelor's in mass communication - undefined

Makerere University

Master's in business administration -

Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
AGNES NAKITENDE