Senior Government Relations Consultant -Temp Full-Time (15 months)

Company: CGL
Department: Government Relations
Employment Type: Temporary Full-Time (15 months)
Work Model: Remote
Language: English is required, French is an asset

The Opportunity:

We are a leading Canadian financial services co-operative committed to being a catalyst for a sustainable and resilient society and our team is essential to deliver on this strategy. That’s why we prioritize our people, to ensure we provide a strong culture and development opportunities which enables our team to thrive and to live our purpose. The best part is that you will work with people that care passionately about you, our clients, and our communities.

The Sr Government Relations Consultant (Sr. GR Consultant) serves as a strategist, planner and subject area expert on issues related to government relations, advocacy and public policy development and is responsible for raising the profile of Co-operators Group of Companies (Co-operators) with elected and non-elected decision-makers at both provincial and federal levels. This role provides timely research and analysis of public policy and regulatory changes of importance to the organization, monitors government policy initiatives to identify threats and opportunities, and identifies internal issues that require legislative and/or regulatory intervention. This role reports to the Associate Vice-President (AVP) of Government Relations and works closely with internal stakeholders to recommend and lead strategies to address these issues.

How you will create impact:

• A strategic advisor who supports the AVP in ensuring leaders at Co-operators effectively build and steward key relationships with officials at all three levels of government.
• Monitors and provides appropriate counsel on impacts from key parliamentary activities, including but not limited to: Speech from the Throne; Budgets; House, Senate and Legislature Committees; etc.
• Works collaboratively with the AVP to develop comprehensive government relations plan (e.g., vision, key initiatives, targeted relationships, framework, priorities, resources, work plans, outcomes, and indicators) in alignment with the organizational strategic plan.
• Provides expertise, leadership, analysis, and counsel to AVP on matters of government affairs, and public policy; supports coordination and alignment for all government relations activities across Co-operators (i.e., monitors government interactions across the institution and ensures alignment, coordination, and compliance with federal and provincial lobbying legislation).
• Leads the development of written responses to government consultations, Quarterly Reports, and End-of-Year Report for Senior Management and the Board of Directors.

How you will succeed:

• You have an innovative mindset to improve operational efficiencies and ability to influence change, with a primary focus on client needs.  
• You use critical thinking skills to recognize assumptions, evaluate arguments, draw conclusions and proactively propose solutions.
• You have strong communication skills to clearly convey messages and explore diverse points of view. 
• You build trusting relationships and provide guidance to support the development of colleagues.

To join our team:

• You have 7-10 years experience in a role that involves advocacy and/or lobbying.

• You have completed post-secondary education in Political Science, Communications, or a related discipline.

• You have experience working in the public sector in a political context, with personal knowledge and experience working at the intersection of the public service and political decision making.

• Must be willing and able to register as a lobbyist, in compliance with lobbying rules in each jurisdiction.

What you need to know:

• You will travel occasionally.
• You will be subject to a Background check as a condition of employment, in the event you are the successful candidate.

What’s in it for you?

• Training and development opportunities to grow your career.
• Flexible work options and paid time off to support your personal and family needs.
• A holistic approach to your well-being, with physical and mental health programs and a supportive workplace culture.
• Volunteer opportunities to give back to your community.