NET ZERO, ENERGY TRANSITION

Position: Vice President of Public Affairs
Organization: The Transition Accelerator
Location: remote anywhere in Canada, or hybrid in Montreal or Calgary

The Transition Accelerator is a pan-Canadian organization that works with others to identify and advance pathways to a prosperous, competitive, net-zero emissions Canada in 2050. We are seeking a motivated individual to help the Accelerator play a pivotal role in leading Canada into the future.

We work with government, industry, Indigenous, and civil society leaders to co-create practical visions of what the future could be, then build stepwise pathways to get there. We see a future where Canada is internationally competitive, with great, permanent jobs in all regions. We see a Canada that has a prosperous, net-zero emissions economy, and healthy people and communities.

About the Role

Reporting to The Transition Accelerator’s CEO, the Vice President of Public Affairs will be tasked with developing and implementing a government relations strategy focused on provincial governments. They will lead a team to develop and implement an integrated communications, engagement and knowledge mobilization strategy that helps ensure the Transition Accelerator achieves its strategic objectives and delivers on its priorities.

The position leads a team of communications, engagement and knowledge mobilization professionals, working closely with the Accelerator’s leadership, staff, and consortia to:

• Ensure effective, and timely strategic positioning with governments
• Embed the Accelerator’s unique methodology to change management and work products

Government Relations (50% time)

• Develop and implement government relations (GR) strategy aligned with the organization’s objectives and priorities. Strategy elements could include:
  • Definition of the type of GR activities the Accelerator will engage in, and what type it will not engage in
  • Creation of a map of prioritized elected officials and civil servants (by jurisdiction) that are crucial for the organization’s engagement
  • Analyses of interactions within and among governments to identify common themes, synergies, opportunities, and pitfalls to avoid
  • Tactics for embedding this strategy into the Accelerator’s internal thinking and approach
• Support communications and advocacy for the Accelerator’s work to advance net-zero solutions in electrification, clean fuels, industrial policy, building decarbonization, and regionality among government stakeholders
• Cultivate and manage constructive relationships between government partners and Accelerator leadership
• Build the Accelerator’s brand and reputation among partners as a trusted, apolitical, technology-agnostic organization focused on practical solutions
• Monitor the political landscape to identify openings or opportunities relevant to the organization’s objectives
• Represent the organization in interactions with government (as appropriate)

Communications and Knowledge Mobilization (50% time)

• Lead the development of an integrated communication and knowledge mobilization strategy to increase the organization’s pan-Canadian presence and stakeholder awareness. Ensure our unique pathway methodology and insights are understood and applied by key target audiences
• Lead and manage a team of communication, engagement, knowledge mobilization and graphic design professionals and provide mentorship, work planning and delivery support to team members
• Collaboratively develop key messaging with technical staff across the Accelerator’s four verticals: electrification, regional pathways, industrial policy, and net zero fuels.
• Manage proactive and reactive media relations with top-tier media
• Manage content, approvals, and production of external communications outputs
• Oversee the development of The Accelerator’s suite of courses, webinars and other knowledge mobilization activities aimed at target audiences
• When a senior touch is needed, draft or proof presentations, briefing notes, news releases, brochures, backgrounders, newsletters, profiles, social media or website content
• Monitor, evaluate and report on communication and knowledge mobilization activities to the Accelerator’s leadership and board of directors

Administration and Finance

• Lead the development and ensure financial integrity of the division’s operating budget
• Manage and oversee the hiring and training of divisional staff
• Manage, or oversee the management of, external vendors such as website developers
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including TA consortia to ensure that communications and knowledge mobilization objectives are met

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in a similar role
• Very well-developed network of government contacts, especially in province(s) with higher absolute emissions
• Degree in communications, journalism, political science or equivalent is highly preferred
• 8+ years experience in leading and managing a team of direct reports
• Experience in developing and implementing communications strategies in fast-paced environments
• Experience in managing and building relationships with regional and national media
• Strong oral, writing, editing, and presentation skills
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and execute multiple projects with internal and external stakeholders, develop collaborative relationships, and meet tight deadlines
• Knowledge of strategic communication and knowledge mobilization concepts, principles, and tactics
• Knowledge of the emission reduction political landscape in Canada and abroad
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including the Transition Accelerator’s senior leadership, staff, media outlets, and consortia partners

Additional Information

• This is a full-time role, with duties that may adapt as the organization grows
• This is a fully remote position, but the selected applicant should be able to participate in in-person meetings across Canada as needed
• The position will operate on the time zone of the residence of the successful applicant, but must be reasonably available to work during business hours in other time zones
• This position has an attractive compensation package benchmarked to sector standards

Application

Applicants interested in this position are invited to apply with a cover letter and resume using this submission form. We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until the right candidate is found. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted.

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The Accelerator recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, disability, and other protected status.