Vice President, Public Affairs

Prince Rupert Port Authority; Prince Rupert; On-site; CAD 210,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

A major port authority in British Columbia is seeking a Vice President of Public Affairs. This integral leadership role focuses on developing strategies for stakeholder engagement and communication, while advancing organizational priorities. Key qualifications include over 10 years of senior leadership experience and a post-graduate degree in a relevant field. The role requires strategic thinking, exceptional communication skills, and experience working with diverse communities to enhance public trust and engagement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in public affairs or community engagement.
• Proven success in strategic planning and stakeholder relationship management.
• Extensive experience with diverse communities and complex relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead PRPA’s public affairs strategy aligned with corporate priorities.
• Develop and implement communication strategies for stakeholders.
• Champion community engagement and build trusted relationships.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Exceptional communication skills

Negotiation skills

Relationship-building

Leadership abilities

Education

Post-graduate degree in Public Affairs, Communications, Business, or Commerce

Master’s degree or professional designation

Job description

Position Summary

The Vice President, Public Affairs leads the development and implementation of PRPA’s strategies related to external and internal communication and community engagement. Focused on ensuring PRPA can grow the Port of Prince Rupert as a world-class gateway, this senior leadership role is dedicated to building trust, support, and approval for PRPA’s plans, operations, and projects with its most important public audiences.

This role is integral to advancing PRPA’s strategic priorities by fostering collaborative relationships, advocating for policies that align with organizational objectives, and ensuring the Port’s contributions to trade, economic growth, and community development are widely recognized and supported. Guided by PRPA’s core values of integrity, sustainability, teamwork, diversity and innovation, the Vice President will drive meaningful engagement and deliver strategic leadership in public affairs.

Position Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and lead PRPA’s public affairs strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and values.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Executive Team on reputation, communications, and stakeholder expectations.
• Anticipate and manage reputational risks, leading issues and crisis communication planning and response.
• Collaborate with PRPA’s Government Affairs team to ensure consistency and alignment across stakeholder strategies.

Communication and Brand Stewardship

• Develop and implement communication strategies for both external and internal audiences, ensuring messages are effectively conveyed to stakeholders, employees, the media, and the public.
• Oversee PRPA’s communications, including press releases, memos, statements, newsletters, and social media, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, while managing media relationships to secure positive coverage and maintain a strong public reputation.
• Ensure that all external and internal communications efforts reinforce PRPA’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives while fostering a culture of trust, openness, and accountability.

Community Engagement and Stakeholder Relations

• Develop and lead PRPA’s community engagement strategy, building trusted, long-term relationships with local communities, Indigenous partners, and regional stakeholders through meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
• Building and maintaining the organization’s social license across diverse stakeholders both locally and regionally.
• Champion PRPA’s corporate social responsibility and community investment initiatives, aligning them with community priorities and organizational values.
• Actively represent PRPA in public forums, partnerships, and events to strengthen mutual understanding and support for Port activities.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing public affairs team with expertise in communications, engagement, and reputation management.
• Set clear expectations, foster accountability, and build a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the function is strategically aligned with PRPA’s corporate plan and positioned to support long-term growth.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based, with frequent travel exceeding 25% of the time required.
• Regular, full-time position (37.5 hours per week). Regular working hours are Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm with 1 hour lunch break (unpaid).

Job Specifications

Formal Education

• Preference for a post-graduate degree in Public Affairs, Communications, Business, or Commerce. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with a breadth and depth of relevant experience will be considered.
• Master’s degree or professional designation is an asset.

Related Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience in public affairs or community engagement, ideally within the transportation, logistics, or infrastructure sectors.
• Proven success in strategic planning, advocacy, and stakeholder relationship management, with a demonstrated ability to build trust and secure support for organizational objectives.
• Comprehensive understanding of regulatory environments and public affairs strategies, with a focus on enhancing reputation and driving positive legislative outcomes.
• Extensive experience working with diverse communities, including Indigenous groups, and managing complex stakeholder relationships to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• A track record of leading effective communications strategies and fostering partnerships with industry stakeholders, and the public to support organizational growth and public trust.

Other Requirements

• Strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to develop and implement complex public affairs and government relations strategies.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team-building abilities, with a focus on fostering inclusivity and collaboration across departments and with external partners.
• Proven ability to manage multifaceted projects and work effectively in a dynamic, multi stakeholder environment.
• Knowledge of federal and provincial regulations impacting public affairs is an asset.
• Ability to obtain security clearance under Transport Canada’s Security Clearance Program.
• Valid BC driver’s license.

The base salary range for this role is $210,000.00 - $240,000.00

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging are at the heart of PRPA’s culture and play a vital role in our growth strategy. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging and can contribute to their maximum potential. Our differences are the reason great things happen here. If you are an applicant in need of accommodations or special assistance throughout the interview process, please submit a request by email to [e-mail].

Individuals of Indigenous descent are strongly encouraged to apply.