Vice President of Public Affairs

The Transition Accelerator / L’Accélérateur de transition; Windsor; Remote; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Transition Accelerator is seeking a VP of Public Affairs to lead communications and engagement strategies. The role involves managing a high-performing team and collaborating with stakeholders to advance the organization's goals. Candidates should have significant experience in public affairs and a strong ability to inspire teamwork.

Benefits

Attractive compensation package

Remote-first work environment

Opportunity for professional growth

Qualifications

• 15+ years in communications or public affairs.
• 8+ years in senior management roles overseeing diverse teams.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of communication and engagement professionals.
• Develop and implement communications strategies.
• Manage media relations and external communications.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Team Management

Interpersonal Skills

Job description

The Transition Accelerator is a charity staffed with 50 go-getters that are dedicated to solving Canada’s business and social challenges. Our mandate is to help make sure that Canada is on a pathway to an economically competitive future in a world that is trying to dramatically reduce its GHG emissions.

We work with partners from government, industry, indigenous communities, academia, and civil society to co-create practical visions of what we think the future could look like, then build pathways to these new futures. For us, the future Canada is economically strong, with healthy people and communities across the country, in a world that is carbon neutral. Moreover, the Accelerator understands that only by working together will we be successful in attaining these ambitious objectives.

About the Role

Reporting to the CEO, as VP of Public Affairs you'll lead the development and implementation of an integrated communications, knowledge mobilization, engagement, and government relations strategy that advances the Transition Accelerator’s mandate.

You’ll lead a team of seven professionals and work closely with the rest of the Accelerator staff to ensure coalitions of consistent, effective, and timely communications through media, briefings, events, courses, and other activities.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead within a remote-first organization where your ideas will drive real-world solutions, your leadership will shape the future, and your work will directly support a more prosperous Canada. As part of our innovative, forward-thinking team, you’ll collaborate with experts in strategy, technical analyses, and knowledge mobilization on high-impact initiatives that matter. This role is more than just a job—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger and make a lasting difference.

As an ideal candidate you’re a dynamic and strategic leader with a proven ability to manage high-performing teams in fast-paced, results-oriented environments. You bring the discipline and agility of private-sector experience, paired with a deep understanding of how to lead people, build trust, and deliver on complex projects with multiple partners. Your strength lies in empowering others, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that goals are met with excellence and integrity.

Key Responsibilities

Communications and Knowledge Mobilization

• Lead and manage a team of communication, engagement, and knowledge mobilization professionals.
• Develop and implement an integrated communications and engagement strategy.
• Collaborate with technical staff to develop key messaging.
• Manage media relations and evaluate communications activities.
• Oversee all external communications, courses, and webinars and strategic engagements.
• Write and proof a wide array of materials and monitor Public Affairs outcomes.

Administration and Finance

• Develop and manage the communications department’s budget.
• Handle hiring, onboarding, and development of team members.
• Manage external vendors and contractors.

Key Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in communications, public affairs, or related fields, with demonstrated strategic insight and execution.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in progressively senior management roles, including direct supervision of multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to inspire, develop, and lead high-performing teams, foster professional growth, and build a collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal, problem solving, and mentorship skills with a track record of managing diverse personalities and cross-functional teams effectively.
• Extensive experience building and maintaining relationships with media.
• Demonstrated capability in budget planning, performance management and reporting, and resource allocation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to craft compelling narratives and deliver strategic messaging.
• Familiarity with climate, energy, and economic transition issues in Canada is highly desirable.

Compensation

This position has an attractive compensation and benefits package benchmarked to private sector standards.

Location and Travel

This is a fully remote position, available to candidates residing in Canada. Occasional in-person meetings across Canada are required. Work hours are 9 : 00 am to 5 : 00 pm in the incumbent's time zone.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Transition Accelerator is an equal opportunity employer. We hire based on merit.

Application Process

Please submit a resume with a short cover letter built in. Note that LinkedIn will not allow a separate cover letter.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.