Director, Government Relations - Western Canada

Canadian Beverage Association; Canada; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive compensation and benefits package

Flexible work environment

Opportunity for travel

Job summary

A national industry association seeks a Director of Government Relations for Western Canada. The ideal candidate will develop government relations strategies, manage stakeholder relationships, and collaborate closely with senior leadership. Success in this role requires strong communication skills and significant experience in government affairs. The position is hybrid with travel requirements across Western Canada. The organization values diversity and equity in the hiring process.

Qualifications

• 7-8 years of experience in government affairs or public policy.
• Experience writing reports and advocacy materials.
• Knowledge of political landscapes in Western Canada.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute government relations strategies.
• Maintain a strong government and stakeholder network.
• Organize and coordinate with the Public Affairs committee.

Skills

Government and stakeholder management

Communication skills

Strategic and tactical thinking

Problem solving

Relationship building

Education

University degree

Job description

Company Description

CBA is the trusted authority for the non‑alcoholic beverage sector in Canada, enabling members and affiliated industries to operate, innovate, and grow in communities across Canada. We are leaders in promoting and supporting sustainability and the Canadian circular economy, and champion socially responsible industry‑led initiatives.

We unite Canada’s beverage companies and stakeholders to protect, promote, and advocate for responsible public policy to create a business environment that allows the non‑alcoholic beverage sector to be successful and sustainable.

This is an excellent opportunity to work with a dynamic, collaborative, evidence‑based, and innovative team. We offer a cooperative and flexible work environment with competitive salary and benefits.

Job Description

The duties of the Director, Government Relations - Western Canada would include:

• Developing and executing government relations strategies and programs for the CBA, at all levels of government, consistent with industry and association objectives.
• Working in conjunction with the President on ongoing government relations files and issues to achieve successful outcomes for the industry and the association.
• Developing, implementing and managing on an ongoing basis a grassroots mobilization strategy, leveraging member companies and their employees, to increase the visibility of the sector with targeted provincial governments and the federal government.
• Maintaining and building a strong government and stakeholder network across Western Canada, a duty which can include significant travel.
• Organizing, coordinating and building consensuses with the CBA Public Affairs and Regulatory committee.

Qualifications - Experience and Skills

Candidates must have:

• A minimum of 7‑8 years of professional government and stakeholder affairs experience in an association, think tank, Minister’s office, company, crown corporation, government department or public affairs agency.
• Significant government and stakeholder management experience, including the ability to build coalitions and to address complex issues in a multi‑stakeholder environment.
• Writing and editing experience of substantial reports, government submissions and/or legislation. Experience writing advocacy materials and communicating with government/stakeholder/educated public audience is particularly useful.
• Knowledge of provincial and municipal governments and political landscapes in Western Canada; comfortable engaging with senior political and bureaucratic officials.
• Ability to be hands‑on as well as strategic.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and highly developed report/briefing note writer.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with members, co‑workers, and volunteers in a professional manner.
• Ability to assess, prioritize and resolve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to employ innovative or out of the box thinking.
• Tact, discretion, and the ability to use sound judgment when dealing with sensitive and confidential matters.
• Ability to maintain high accuracy and thoroughness when executing tasks.
• Must be able to work independently and efficiently, detail oriented, and have ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently.

It would be a strong asset for candidates to have:

• Ability to convey ideas clearly and concisely, both in written and spoken forms.
• Prior lobbying or public affairs experience.
• Experience working on specific files in Western Canada, including within sustainability.

Qualifications - Education

Relevant educational credentials preferably with a university degree.

Qualifications - Personal Qualities / Style

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a driven, best‑in‑class performer who is productive, organized, action oriented and an independent self‑starter.
• Have the ability to cope in a demanding environment (e.g. juggling multiple priorities in pressure situations under tight deadlines).
• Adapt and be flexible in situations that are highly collaborative and have shifting priorities.
• Have a high level of maturity and a broad governmental and public affairs sensibility.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

As an employer committed to the principles of employment equity, we encourage applications from women, Aboriginal peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free experience to applicants with accessibility needs in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (2015) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). To request accommodation during the recruitment process, please indicate this in your email.

This is a hybrid role with the expectation of travel throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba with occasional travel to Ontario. We thank all applicants and advise that only those candidates who meet the job requirements will be considered.

The Canadian Beverage Association provides a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

Qualified candidates may submit a resume and cover letter to: