Government Relations/Communications Specialist

**SMART**
**Employer**:
International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) - Canadian Office - Peterborough, Ontario
**Position Title**:
Government Relations/Communications Specialist
**Reports to**:
Director of Canadian Affairs
**Position Overview**:
SMART is looking for a Government Relations/Communications Specialist who will play a key role in driving our public policy and government affairs initiatives and engagements that align to our strategic plan. You will lead in the implementation of SMART’s government relations program in Canada by coordinating initiatives according to our scheduled events and working on initiatives that happen quickly and unexpectantly. It encompasses parliament and legislative days, organizing delegations to parliamentary committees and keeping senior management informed of government activities as it relates to the construction industry. You will oversee all internal and external communications, media relations, social media, and online and print publications.
**Primary Responsibilities**:
- Support the Director of Canadian Affairs in the development, planning and execution of the strategic plan priorities as it relates to government relations and regulatory affairs.
- Collaborate with the Director of Canadian Affairs to drive public policy research into action and legislative results.
- Prepare SMART communications, media releases, op-eds, and other materials for the media and SMART members.
- Write reports, speeches, and letters for the SMART Director.
- Write, edit, and produce SMART policy papers and submissions to the provincial government, opposition parties, stakeholders, and other organizations.
- Monitor and report on key parliamentary committees and government, political and policy announcements. Propose government relations strategies in response to or ahead of (where possible) government policy processes. Monitor and track government appointments, consultation activities, announcements, and parliamentary processes on a wide variety of issues and provide up-to-date information to the team.
- Plan and lead the execution of certain activities for federal outreach programs in coordination with the Director of Canadian Affairs. You will have the opportunity to develop and recommend targeted meeting programs. You will need to develop and maintain appropriate tools and processes to support government relations activities and events, including preparing briefing notes and supplementary work for the Director.
- Write for, edit, and help in the creative development of SMART publications, websites, social media, and campaigns.
- Develop communications and social media plans and carry them out in collaboration with the Director.
- Act as a representative for SMART, both alone and along-side SMART representatives at internal and external meetings and events.
- Ensure SMART’s Lobbying Act reporting is accurate, up to date and submitted in a timely manner.
- Coordinate with the Governmental Affairs and Communications Departments in the United States to ensure consistency throughout SMART.
- Build effective working relationships with all staff, members, and stakeholders, including creating trusting relationships with parliamentarians and their staff.
- Other duties may be assigned from time to time to meet the changing needs of SMART.
**Key Required Skills and Experience**:
- Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Relations, Government Relations, Business, or a related field.
- Three (3) to five (5) years of experience working in a legislature or parliament, working directly with parliamentarians or elected officials in an advocacy or policy development role, or working in a government relations consultancy environment.
- Experience in government advocacy and lobbying, including developing policy positions, drafting submissions and letters.
- Experience in media relations, and communications.
- A strong understanding of legislative processes, government procedures, issues management and their possible risk implications.
- Knowledge of government decision-making at both a political and civil service level is essential.
- A high level of computer literacy and excellent social media skills on a variety of platforms, and experience with WordPress, MailChimp, Adobe Creative Suite, NationBuilder, New/Mode, or similar platforms and software, would be an asset.
Competitive salary based on experience level. Benefits include employer-paid healthcare, pension, dental and vision and generous paid time off. This position requires substantial travel. Travel includes driving;
a valid license, insurance and passport are required. On-site parking provided.
SMART wishes to thank all applicants who apply, however, only those being selected for an interview will be contacted.
Please submit your resume with a cover letter with the names of three (3) references by
**12:
00 noon, Friday, February 10, 2023**
**Job Types**