Manager of Public Affairs

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Vision Statement

We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.

Core Values

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda has four core values:

Hope: We give hope through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Service: We reach out to support others without discrimination.

Dignity: We respect and value each other, recognizing everyone's worth.

Stewardship: We responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us.

About the Position

The Divisional Manager, Public Affairs reports to the THQ-Assistant Director of Public Affairs. Their role involves monitoring provincial and municipal government actions that affects the organization and those we serve, as well as seeking and/or participating in government processes to represent The Salvation Army and our clients to government .This necessitates developing relations with government and sectoral partners and the Manager will collaborate with the Divisional Secretary for Public Relations (DSPR) on matters relating to government relations for the BC Division. In consultation with the DSPR, the Divisional Manager, Public Affairs is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing strategic government partnerships for The Salvation Army in each of the BC.

This role works with PA leaders across the organization and with Divisional leadership to plan and evaluate strategic decisions, goals, and metrics for the portfolio, informed by an organization-wide government relations (GR) strategy (federal, provincial, and municipal).

The role involves increasing awareness of our services in communities and government, building and maintaining the expert brand of the Army, highlighting alignment of The Salvation Army and government priorities to influence policy, legislative change and to seek funding through grants for the benefit of those we serve.

Note: occasional work out of the divisional office in Vancouver, BC is required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Planning and Implementation

• Develops, leads, and evaluates the implementation of a Government Relations strategy in BC.
• Ensures that The Salvation Army's BC Government Relations strategy is aligned, compliant and reflective of our vision and mission.
• Develops a portfolio of relationships with government contacts and supports relationship development between The Salvation Army's divisional leadership, divisional public relations personnel, frontline leaders, and government officials.
• In collaboration with the DSPR and the territorial public affairs team, designs, manages, and executes strategic communications to and events with government.
• Ensures all outreach and follow up to government officials follows the agreed timelines and requirements, in collaboration with key stakeholders across the organization.
• Monitors legislation and media, providing reporting and updates to influence and inform GR strategy and tactics.
• Manages and attends related meetings and event process is, producing briefing notes, Q&A's, announcements, submissions, etc.
• Works with the division's executive board, divisional public relations, divisional development, and territorial public affairs teams to identify potential government funding opportunities.
• Strategically works and contributes as a member of Territorial Public Affairs Team.
• Strategically works with and contributes to divisional initiatives by securing governmental presence and support at events and initiatives at both the divisional and ministry unit local levels.
• Partners with cross functional teams within divisional headquarters and territorial headquarters to ensure appropriate integration across portfolios and systems.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Manages government prospects and partners in various stages of the pipeline management cycle.
• Identifies and develops strategies to solicit and secure funding from new and/or expanded government sources.
• Makes recommendations to divisional leadership and anticipates emerging issues, trends, and risks.
• Monitors the organizations reputation within the sector and government, identifying opportunities for enhanced brand recognition, mitigates threats, and develops recommendations and draft responses as needed.
• Develops and presents concise updates to related information, discussion or decisions that are of direct relevance to The Salvation Army's ministries, operations, and clients across the division.
• Proactively develops and implements guidelines and procedures for the government relations portfolio, including input into crisis communications, based on industry best practices in consultation with stakeholders.
• Liaises with various industry sector stakeholders to inform them of organizational initiatives and keeping up to date with relevant associations and advocacy groups.
• Ensures The Salvation Army is actively championed by government stakeholders and decision makers throughout the division.
• Leverages networking opportunities with professional and organizational affiliations and attends functions that serve to effectively identify and cultivate perspective government relationships.
• Serves as a point of contact for government officials on matters related to The Salvation Army's work in the division.
• Supports and trains officers and frontline leaders to act as a spokesperson when interacting with government and/or ensures an appropriate spokesperson, including themselves, is in place and prepared for speaking engagements.
• Perform other position-related duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college/University program in in Political Science/Public Policy/Public Affairs/Canadian studies is required.
• Valid provincial Drivers License BC, an insurable driver; current copy of drivers abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
• Must provide an original copy of a background police check screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. The screening is secured either through the National Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or through a local police detachment.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• A minimum of five years of government relations experience and
• A minimum of three years leading a team.
• Develop and maintain relationships with public officials and their staff.
• Analyze and interpret legislation and policy documents.
• Develop and maintain relationships with public officials and their staff.
• Analyze and interpret legislation and policy documents.
• Legislative advocacy, negotiation, and persuasion.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of management, boards of directors, and staff as well as external individuals and groups; Communicate complex concepts through oral and written mediums.
• Managing and coordinating special projects (eg. Lobby Days, Government receptions etc).
• Developing and implementing strategic plans as well as responding to short-term objectives.
• Working with people from diverse academic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Strong computer skills with MS office; Utilizing computer technology for communication, data gathering and reporting activities.
• Develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

PREFERRED SKILLS/CAPABILITIES:

• Attention to detail, strong follow through, creative problem solving and analytical skills.
• Critical and strategic thinking.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and meeting deadlines; Able to return project/ submissions around within tight timelines.
• Successful in setting priorities and facilitating strategic and operational decisions.
• High standards of integrity, judgment, and confidentiality. And ability to model the values and standards of The Salvation Army.
• Represent the organization in a professional and engaging manner.
• High level of initiative, tact and diplomacy and discretion.
• Working independently, as well as with a team.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $77,713 to $97,141 with the ability to progress to a maximum of $116,569. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

At The Salvation Army, we champion equal opportunity in our employment practices. We provide a competitive salary, retirement savings, and a full group benefits package showcasing our dedication to recognizing exceptional talent. Join us, where your earning potential is aligned with your expertise and progression and where you can enjoy advancement opportunities within our organization.

Other Details

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please let us know if you have a need for any accommodation.

We thank all applicants and will contact candidates selected for next steps. Internal Applicants, please speak with your manager about your intentions prior to submitting your application.

Application Deadline: February 4, 2025