Divisional Manager of Public Affairs

The Salvation Army; Toronto; On-site; CAD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization seeks a Divisional Manager of Public Affairs in Toronto to enhance government relations. This role requires strategic planning, relationship management, and advocacy to align The Salvation Army's services with governmental priorities to foster positive community impacts. Candidates should possess strong political acumen and relevant qualifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of government relations experience.
• Three years leading a team.
• Ability to analyze legislation and policy.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements government relations strategy.
• Cultivates relationships with government officials.
• Monitors legislative changes and media trends.

Skills

Negotiation

Strategic Influence

Legislative Advocacy

Critical Thinking

Creative Problem-Solving

Education

Formal post-secondary program in Political Science/Public Policy/Public Affairs/Canadian studies

Tools

MS Office

Digital tools for communication and reporting

Job description

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Job Summary

The Divisional Manager, Public Affairs reports to the THQ-Assistant Director of Public Affairs. Their role involves monitoring provincial and municipal government actions that affect the organization and those we serve, as well as seeking and/or participating in government processes to represent The Salvation Army and our clients to government. This necessitates developing relations with government and sectoral partners and the Manager will collaborate with internal departments on matters relating to government relations for the ON Division. In consultation with the DSPR, Social Mission, and Divisional Leadership, the Divisional Manager, is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing strategic government partnerships for The Salvation Army in each of the ON.

This role works with PA leaders across the organization and with Divisional leadership to plan and evaluate strategic decisions, goals, and metrics for the portfolio, informed by an organization-wide government relations (GR) strategy (federal, provincial, and municipal).

The role involves increasing awareness of our services in communities and government, building and maintaining the expert brand of the Army, highlighting alignment of The Salvation Army and government priorities to influence policy, legislative change and to seek funding through grants for the benefit of those we serve.

Key Accountabilities

• Develops and implements an aligned and mission-driven GR strategy for Ontario, ensuring compliance and integration with The Salvation Army's vision.
• Cultivates and manages relationships with government officials and supports connections between divisional leadership, public relations, and frontline leaders.
• Collaborates with internal teams to design and execute communications and events involving government stakeholders.
• Monitors legislative changes and media trends, providing timely insights to inform GR strategies and responses.
• Identifies and pursues government funding opportunities in partnership with divisional and territorial teams.
• Manages government partnerships throughout the engagement cycle and secures governmental presence at divisional and local events.
• Provides strategic recommendations on emerging issues, risks, and opportunities; presents relevant updates to leadership.
• Monitors public and governmental perception, enhances brand visibility, and develops responses to potential reputational risks.
• Prepares or supports officers and leaders for interactions with government, including public speaking and crisis communication.
• Collaborates with cross-divisional teams to ensure alignment across systems and supports internal procedures, advocacy, and public affairs initiatives.

Education and Experience Qualifications

• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college/University program in in Political Science/Public Policy/Public Affairs/Canadian studies is required.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• A minimum of five years of government relations experience and
• A minimum of three years leading a team.
• Build and maintain relationships with public officials; engage in legislative advocacy, negotiation, and strategic influence.
• Analyze legislation and policy; effectively communicate complex ideas to diverse internal and external audiences, both verbally and in writing.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, manage special events and projects (e.g., Lobby Days, government receptions), and respond to evolving priorities.
• Work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and collaborate across various organizational levels.
• Utilize MS Office and digital tools for communication and reporting; demonstrate understanding and support for The Salvation Army’s mission and values.
• Demonstrates attention to detail, creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and the ability to prioritize and make strategic decisions under pressure.
• Upholds high standards of integrity, judgment, discretion, and represents The Salvation Army's values in a professional and engaging manner.
• Thrives in fast-paced environments, meets tight deadlines, and works effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $81,170.48 to $101,463.10 with a maximum of $121,755.72.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [e-mail] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.