Government Relations Manager

Position Details: Full-time, Permanent, New Position
Salary Range: $97,600 – $121,900, based on a 35-hour work week. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the successful applicant’s education and/or experience as it relates to the position.
Location: Remote – based out of Ottawa or Southern Ontario
Closing Deadline: November 4, 2024 (11:59PM EDT)

Who We Are

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), one of the nation’s leading conservation organizations, is a passionate community of people who believe that nature is the foundation of strong communities, a prosperous economy and a sustainable future that supports the hopes and dreams of the next generation. Together, we conserve and restore some of the most valuable and threatened landscapes on the planet.

What You Will Do

Reporting to the Manager of Provincial Operations, the Government Relations Manager is responsible for managing DUC’s public policy advocacy and development program with the Government of Ontario through legislative, regulatory and policy means. In addition, they provide targeted outreach to selected municipalities with whom DUC has identified for priority action. Primarily focused on government relations with provincially elected officials and civil servants, this role stays current on existing and proposed legislation, leads the organization of volunteer engagement activities, and keeps the provincial leadership team informed on relevant laws and regulations impacting DUC’s provincial program.  The Manager is a member of DUC’s national Industry and Government Relations staff committee and supports federal advocacy and outreach in the province of Ontario, led by national IGR staff.

As a relationship-builder, the Government Relations Manager will work closely alongside governments, conservation and indigenous partners on conservation and industry-specific topics by strengthening existing relationships and building new ones, including Indigenous communities.

The Government Relations Manager is responsible for developing a provincial non-partisan strategy for policy reform and programs that support wetland conservation in Ontario.  They will supervise a small team performing policy analysis, coordinating wetland tours for elected officials and will facilitate collaboration with communications and marketing teams on campaigns to earn the backing of government officials and the public.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Managing relationships with municipal, regional and provincial governments to influence policies and regulations in support of DUC’s mission and habitat goals.
• Representing DUC Ontario at meetings with key policy staff both at departmental and ministerial levels, as well as with Members of Provincial Parliaments of all parties.
• Securing through lobbying efforts renewed provincial investment in wetland conservation.
• Continuing to maintain and build new relationships with stakeholders interested in establishing wetland protection policy (offsetting policy).
• Leading the creation of a provincial IGR strategy in alignment with the National IGR strategy to advance wetland conservation as a priority with the provincial government and identify opportunities for public funding to support wetland restoration work.
• Developing multi-party policy engagement strategy, including the creation of environmental recommendations for all parties to engage with DUC Ontario to include in their political campaign platforms.
• Providing mentorship and guidance to team members, setting yearly performance targets and engage in performance management for the team.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience working for a provincially elected official, in the Civil Service, or in a professional government relations and public policy capacity.
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public affairs, or policy management.
• A valid Driver’s license is required.
• Strong negotiation and presentation skills.
• Excellent organization, interpersonal communication skills, both oral and written.
• Strong knowledge and experience in budget planning, reporting and project management.
• Ability to work flexible hours in order to meet with external clients.
• Must have the ability to travel across Ontario.

Assets

• Previous experience working within the Government of Ontario.
• A relevant master’s degree.
• Previous experience in Indigenous community engagement.
• Extensive knowledge of DUC’s core provincial government Ministries. Familiarity with partner conservation and industry groups.
• Knowledge of wetland conservation projects.

What We Offer

• 3 weeks’ vacation with paid personal and sick days
• Comprehensive compensation & benefits package
• Hybrid work arrangement

How to Apply

DUC is proud to be recognized as a non-profit employer of choice for the second year in a row. Working for DUC is a career highlight for many staff. Let us know if making a difference is important to you.

If you are qualified and interested in this opportunity, please visit our online career center to submit your application for confidential consideration.

While DUC would like to thank all applicants, only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted