Position

Government Relations Advisor

Department

Policy and Public Affairs

Classification

Level 5

Salary

Our salaries generally range from $73,000 - $82,500 and are based on qualifications and experience

Languages

Bilingualism (English and French) is required

Term

Permanent Full-Time

Location

Hybrid (NCR)

Background

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of municipal governments, representing the interests of cities and communities with the federal government.

With over 2,000 members including Canada's largest cities, small urban and rural communities, and 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations, FCM represents over 90% of Canada’s population. As the national voice of Canadian municipalities, FCM is an organization that strives to make the communities Canadians live in more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable.

FCM aspires to be an organization that is deeply respectful, collaborative, empowering and transparent in our work. As the national voice for Canada’s local governments, FCM is committed to strengthening Canada by achieving results for Canadian communities and cities, and by sharing knowledge and experience on the world’s stage, so that others may improve the quality of life in their communities. All leaders in the organization are expected to lead in a manner that embraces these values, the corporate culture and the passion for FCM’s mission.

Major Purpose

The Government Relations (GR) Advisor works within an integrated unit of experts in government relations, communications, and public policy to represent and advance the interests of cities and communities to the federal government. Key responsibilities include: developing government relations plans and advocacy strategies; taking initiative to plan, coordinate, and execute events related to FCM’s political engagement in collaboration with the Manager, Outreach & Engagement team and senior leadership, including meetings of the Big City Mayors’ Caucus, FCM’s Advocacy Days, and FCM’s Annual Conference; building and maintaining strategic relationships with federal elected officials and their staff; and monitoring and assessing the federal, provincial/territorial and municipal political environments.

The work at FCM includes FCM becoming an even more member-driven organization that balances the realization of its goals with a people-centered approach. The incumbent embodies FCM’s commitment to being a healthy, diverse, inclusive and anti-racist organization. The Advisor, will maintain the highest level of confidentiality, professionalism and exercise good judgment including the ability to escalate to management when help is required and being able to meet deadlines as set out by their direct manager within a fast-paced corporate environment.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute issue-specific and member-focused advocacy plans within FCM’s overall advocacy strategy.
Provide leadership on work related to political events including meetings of the Big City Mayors’ Caucus, FCM’s Advocacy Days and Annual Conference, and other events including federal budgets, FCM national campaigns and media opportunities.
Continually monitor and assess the federal, provincial/territorial and municipal political environments related to FCM’s strategic priorities.
Build and leverage a network of relationships with the federal government, Members of Parliament, external stakeholders & FCM member municipalities.
Provide timely, well-supported and expert advice and recommendations to the Manager, Directors, CEO and National Board of Directors on political events, and emerging political issues or opportunities for municipal governments.
Contribute political guidance for deliverables such as memos, strategic updates, member briefings, key messages on specific files, and other communications products.
Support other key projects as identified by the Manager and Director.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

A combination of professional and lived experience and/or post-secondary education in politics, public administration, economics, political science, urban planning, communications or a related discipline; equivalent advanced education or training may also be considered.
Requires 3-5 years experience designing and leading extensive advocacy and/or public relations activities on a national scale, and/or professional work experience in a political environment.
Proven understanding of federal politics, the functions of government, interest groups, and public decision-making in Canada, as well as an understanding of the interests of municipal governments and intergovernmental issues.
Proven project management skills, including the ability to effectively organize, process, and communicate information in a fast-moving work environment.
Requires a well-developed network of contacts in government, lobbying, and interest groups.
Excellent writing, oral presentation, and organizational ability.
Excellent interpersonal skills and judgment, with a high degree of initiative and versatility; and the ability to exercise tact, discretion, and judgment at all times.
Strong ability to think critically and strategize within a political environment.
Capacity to work in a self-directed manner and demonstrated ability to work well within a team setting.
Excellent knowledge of FCM and current national priorities including infrastructure, housing, transit, etc.
Demonstrated cultural competency in working with a diversity of communities.
Able to manage multiple priorities and adapt in a quickly changing, fast-paced environment.

Language Requirements

Bilingualism (English and French) is required.

The benefits to joining the FCM team include summer hours (Fridays off between July 1st and Labour Day); office facilities located in the ByWard Market, FCM’s commitment to employee development and a competitive range of employee benefits and services. FCM encourages flexible work arrangements to support the wellbeing and productivity of employees.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is committed to fostering an organizational culture that embraces equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, where individuals from diverse racial and ethnic identities, nationalities, social economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and physical and mental abilities can thrive and be fully engaged at their best level.

FCM welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.

The future of work at FCM includes a hybrid work model; therefore, this role will be a combination of virtual and on-site work. The successful candidate is required live in and be authorized to work in Canada. They are also required to be able to work from home/remotely, from within Canada.

For additional information on this posting, or for further information on FCM, access our website at www.fcm.ca. Visit the careers section of our website to apply. The deadline for applications is August 2nd, 2024.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, we will only contact those selected for an interview. All the applications will be kept on file for six months following the hiring.

Federation of Canadian Municipalities

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