The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation’s leading not-for-profit, private land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962 NCC and its supporters have protected more than 2.6 million acres (1 million hectares) of ecologically significant land across Canada. NCC takes a collaborative, science-based approach to achieve conservation success for the sake of nature and Canadians. With a national office in Toronto and seven regional offices across the country, NCC delivers results you can walk on.

Purpose and General Description:

The past decade has been marked by significant growth and success for NCC, including increased support from all levels of government. We are seeking an energetic and experienced Government Relations Coordinator. 

Role
Primary activities will focus on supporting work to foster public sector relationships across Canada, coordinating outreach and assisting the CEO and senior management team. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future growth of Canada’s conservation leader.

Reporting Relationships
Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the incumbent will work cooperatively to support senior National and Regional staff in the development and maintenance of excellent relations with the Government of Canada and provincial governments.  S/he will have close and frequent contact with senior managers including members of the Executive Management Group and Regional Vice Presidents.  There are no positions reporting to the Government Relations Coordinator.

External Relationships
S/he will help NCC to build strong and productive relationships with key stakeholders including senior levels of government.  S/he will have contact with: 

• Federal and provincial ministerial staff;
• Support staff for other elected officials;
• Support staff to senior bureaucrats.

S/he will maintain contact with colleagues in like-minded organizations in the conservation/environmental sector, including representing NCC on the Green Budget Coalition – a group of 14 of Canada’s largest environmental NGOs.

S/he will occasionally manage relationships with external contractors/suppliers (designers, printers, consultants).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in efforts to expand and positively build upon NCC’s relationships with the public sector;
• Prepare, including all aspects of research, writing and production,  position papers and backgrounders on relevant issues for use of senior management;
• Prepare, for signature by senior management, correspondence to elected representatives, political staff and non-elected officials;
• Develop briefing notes for senior executives based on political and policy research;
• Develop speaking materials/presentations for senior management;
• Develop outreach materials to support NCC’s government relations efforts as directed;
• Maintain and further develop the Natural Areas Conservation Program section of NCC’s website;
• Liaison between NCC and government departments, for coordination of events to promote the Natural Areas Conservation Program;
• Plan and coordinate government meetings, media conferences, other events and trips;
• Support NCC senior management to foster strong relationships in order to advance conservation issues on federal and provincial government agendas and to mitigate risks to NCC’s reputation and programs;
• Coordinate government engagement strategies within NCC;
• Foster exchange of tactics to ensure that NCC’s  regions have effective and productive government relations programs/partnerships;
• From time to time, represent NCC with government departments, political offices and other relevant stakeholders, including coalitions, councils and task forces, as appropriate;
• Maintain a database of Members of Parliament and their key political advisors, and collect input regarding issues of concern;
• Coordinate with colleagues throughout the organization to both gain a clear understanding of issues and also to develop and execute approaches that will deliver a solution;
• Track and research government policies and political trends so as to provide timely context and counsel to decision makers within the organization; 

Required Skills and Attributes:

• Quick study; ability to grasp complicated public policy issues related to the conservation/environment and resource sectors, in order to advise senior management on the point of view of government;
• Strong planning and coordination skills;
• Strategic thinker; ability to support development of multi-year plans;
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills;
• Well developed communications and presentations skills—written, verbal, listening
• Ability to manage competing and changing demands and priorities
• Strong analytical skills, especially with regard to public policy and government operations

Experience

The Government Relations Coordinator will be familiar with current government relations and public engagement practices and be able to contribute to strategic decisions. S/he will need to have a sound appreciation of public policy and media relations.   Qualifications should include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Communications, or a combination  of education and relevant experience;
• 3  years experience in stakeholder relations, public policy development or government;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and enhance external and internal relationships;
• Highly developed communication, research and writing skills, with a keen sense for detail;
• In-depth knowledge of Canadian political structure
• Experience working in a not-for-profit organization, preferably in the conservation field is preferred;
• Experience working as an advocate;
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Bilingualism – English/French fluency, written and oral is considered a major asset
• Passion for natural history and conservation in Canada
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher (or similar software)

To Apply:

If you are interested in joining our team, please email careers@natureconservancy.ca your resume along with your cover letter (MSWord or PDF only) and refer to “NAT Government Relations Coordinator” in the subject line. Deadline for submissions is July 11, 2014.

We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Nature Conservancy of Canada; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.