Government Relations Specialist

Vancouver Airport Authority; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 85,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous vacation days

Extensive health benefits

Retirement savings matching

Wellness programs

Community engagement

Commuting support

Continuous learning and development

Hybrid schedule

Job summary

Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) is seeking a Government Relations Specialist to provide counsel on government relations, conduct research, and develop strategies in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Reporting to the Manager, Government Relations, you will help shape provincial and municipal advocacy plans, build relationships with officials, monitor policy developments, and support crisis response efforts to protect YVR's interests and the region's economy.

Qualifications

• Seven years of government relations or political experience.
• Strong analytical and research skills to write complex reports.
• Knowledge of Canadian provincial and federal legislative frameworks, including local government and Indigenous governance.
• Expert in developing policies and programs, identifying stakeholder concerns, and creating effective engagement strategies.
• Ability to represent YVR positively at external meetings with diplomacy and strategic insight.
• Fluency in French is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver an annual provincial and municipal advocacy plan, collaborating with cross-functional teams to influence public policy in alignment with YVR’s strategic plan objectives, and to achieve YVR’s goals and priorities.
• Oversee and conduct quantitative and qualitative research on public policy issues, develop advocacy plans, and prepare written communications, including letters, briefs, reports, and presentations.
• Track, report and identify issues and opportunities that may impact YVR’s advocacy agenda; monitor government and business trends, identify policy or issues, and develop approaches or roadmaps to address risks/opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with provincial and local elected officials and staff, representing YVR at local events and key meetings with external stakeholders and partners.
• Proactively manage emerging issues by liaising with government counterparts, supporting External Relations leaders, and guiding the organization on the benefits of strategic partnerships and government relations.
• Develop briefing materials for advocacy meetings; organize committee, speaking, or event appearances; and develop leave-behind materials and key messaging.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in political science / communications / public relations or related field

Job description

YVR’s industry-leading strategic plan is focused on advancing our mission and delivering results that benefit our organization, the local community and the economy. In our ever-changing environment, the Government Relations Department is accountable for the development and execution the organization’s integrated government relations strategy to advance YVR’s brand and ability to carry out its purpose of serving the community and the economy that supports it.

Position Overview

Are you a trusted advisor with a strong foundation in government relations and a deep understanding of the political and legislative landscape? Do you have excel at building relationships, developing strategic approaches and influencing outcomes that advances organizational priorities? Are you a proactive self-starter and effective self-manager who thrives in a collaborative environment with cross-functional colleagues?

We are seeking a proactive, collaborative, and strategic thinker to join us a Government Relations Specialist. Reporting to the Manager, Government Relations, the Government Relations Specialist is a key contributor to YVR’s External Relations team. In collaboration with the Manager and Director of Government Relations, this role will provide counsel on government relations matters, spearhead research and analysis, and develop strategies to address government and regulatory challenges. Responsibilities also include supporting crisis response efforts related to government relations, ensuring effective communication and resolution.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Develop and deliver an annual provincial and municipal advocacy plan, collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement both ad hoc and long-term government relations plans to influence public policy in alignment with YVR’s strategic plan objectives, and to achieve YVR’s goals and priorities
• Oversee and conduct quantitative and qualitative research on public policy issues, develop advocacy plans, and prepare written communications, including letters, briefs, reports, and presentations.
• Track, report and identify issues and opportunities that may impact YVR’s advocacy agenda. Monitor government and business trends, identify policy or issues, and develop approaches or roadmaps to address risks/opportunities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with provincial and local elected officials and staff, representing YVR at local events and key meetings with external stakeholders and partners.
• Proactively manage emerging issues by liaising with government counterparts, supporting External Relations leaders, and guiding the organization on the benefits of strategic partnerships and government relations.
• Develop briefing materials for advocacy meetings; organize committee, speaking, or event appearances; and develop leave-behind materials and key messaging.

Key Qualifications Include

• Minimum seven years of relevant government relations or political experience, supplemented by a post-secondary degree in political science, communications, public relations or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven strong analytical and research skills to write complex reports and understand the aviation sector's role in the Canadian economy.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian provincial and federal legislative frameworks, including local government and Indigenous governance.
• Expert in developing policies and programs, identifying stakeholder concerns, and creating effective engagement strategies while maintaining accuracy and thoroughness
• Ability to represent YVR positively at external meetings, demonstrating diplomacy and strategic insight into issues impacting the organization.
• Fluency in French is an asset.

Although not required, French language skills are an asset as we are committed to providing bilingual services to our visitors and passengers. Candidates who do not speak French are still strongly encouraged to apply.

This position is open to both Vancouver Airport Authority employees and external applicants.

Previous job performance will be taken into consideration for all internal candidates that apply for this position. As part of our recruitment process, short-listed candidates may be required to participate in an assessment process.

Salary Range

$85,156 to $111,294 per annum, based on 37.5-hour work week. This is individually tailored to reflect your unique experience, qualifications and internal equity.

At YVR, your work experience goes beyond the paycheck. We support your personal and professional development, well-being, and a thriving work culture with generous vacation days, extensive health benefits, retirement savings matching, wellness programs, community engagement, commuting support, and continuous learning and development opportunities.

This role allows for flexible working and a hybrid schedule, requiring on-site presence 3-4 days per week. Learn more at https://careers.yvr.ca/benefits

• generous vacation days
• extensive health benefits
• retirement savings matching
• wellness programs
• community engagement
• commuting support
• continuous learning and development opportunities
• flexible working and a hybrid schedule, requiring on-site presence 3-4 days per week

Who We Are

YVR is more than just an airport. We connect our beautiful province and all it has to offer to the world. We are all leaders and trailblazers for change and innovation, so no matter the department or team you’re a part of, the work you do matters.

At YVR, we are flexible in everything we do. We will work together to find ways to deliver customer excellence that helps us all thrive.

Whatever your background and wherever you’re from, you belong at YVR. If you have any questions about accessibility or require any assistance applying, please reach out at [e-mail].