Senior Manager, Advocacy and Government Relations

Senior Manager, Advocacy and Government Relations

Hybrid - YWCA Metro Vancouver Program Centre, 535 Hornby Street, Vancouver, with the option for some remote work. Travel across Metro Vancouver required.

Posting Period

Job Description

Advocacy and government relations are a critical and growing function of YWCA Metro Vancouver, as demonstrated in our 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. Through this work, the YWCA influences public policy, informs government strategies and funding, and builds public awareness and support for key priorities related to gender equity, housing, child care, ending gender-based violence, poverty reduction and truth and reconciliation.

You are an experienced and well-connected leader who is passionate about supporting systemic change. As Senior Manager, Advocacy and Government Relations, you are responsible for managing outreach and relationships with a diverse network of government and non-government leaders and advancing our advocacy and government relations portfolio, in alignment with the YWCA’s vision, mission and strategic priorities and in collaboration with leadership, employees and program participants. You will lead on government engagement, policy research and development and advocacy more broadly. You will build strong relationships with government and community, work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment and use your in-depth knowledge of British Columbia’s political and policy climate to advance the organization’s systems change agenda.

What you’ll be doing:

Government Relations:

Develop and implement advocacy and government relations strategies that advance the YWCA’s priorities, in partnership with the CEO, Director of Communications and Advocacy, Manager of Indigenous Relations and colleagues across the organization.

Monitor and analyze government initiatives (legislative activities, party platforms, budget processes) at the municipal, provincial and federal levels to identify risks and opportunities.

Manage outreach and external relationships with a diverse network, including elected officials, government employees, partners and individuals from the academic, business and community sectors.

Prepare briefing notes and other materials, such as presentations and reports and prepare submissions and make deputations to government and legislative committees, when required.

Provide advice to the leadership team and others on emerging gender equity and other social and policy issues.

Maintain a database of key advocacy meetings, tracking outcomes and follow up items.

Conduct government relations in a way that is always non-partisan.

Partnering and Capacity Building:

Identify strategic opportunities to collaborate and partner with external institutions, organizations and individuals.

Collaborate with the fund development department on funding requests and applications aligned with strategic advocacy priorities.

Collaborate with the Indigenous Relations team to deliver on key priorities related to their portfolio.

Develop research strategies and partnerships that advance the scope of knowledge regarding gender equity and support the YWCA’s advocacy agenda.

Create a framework to continuously engage YWCA staff and program participants in advocacy and government relations.

Advocacy and Public Education:

Plan, resource and oversee major advocacy projects and programs, bringing cross functional teams together and managing relationships with external contractors and partners

Monitor public affairs and media related to YWCA advocacy priorities and recommend strategies and approaches in response.

Plan and organize strategic advocacy and public education events, in collaboration with the marketing communications team, Indigenous Relations team and other YWCA departments.

Collaborate on advocacy campaigns, in partnership with marketing communications team and other YWCA departments.

Develop advocacy content for internal and external publications, media, blog and social media.

Tracking and Measurement:

Manage the Advocacy and Government Relations budget, in collaboration with Director of Advocacy and Communications; update projections as required and monitor expenses throughout the year.

Establish clear advocacy and government relations goals and prepare reports on activities and performance indicators.

Other duties as required.

What you’ll need:

Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, public administration or related field. Or diploma from technical college in political science, public policy or similar. Or equivalent work experience with a positive track record of success.

Demonstrated experience and success in the development and implementation of strategic government relations and advocacy initiatives and/or projects.

Three to five years of experience in advocacy and/or government relations with strong relationships across all orders of government.

Project management experience, including demonstrated ability to manage timelines, deliverables and budgets.

Understanding of public policy, including experience writing briefing notes and other materials for government.

Strong understanding of the municipal, provincial and federal government landscape. Strong understanding of First Nations government considered an asset.

Strong writing skills, including experience writing reports and briefing notes.

Superior verbal and presentation skills, public speaking experience an asset.

Strong office and administration skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel and Outlook.

Demonstrated commitment to advancing gender equity and intersectional feminism.

Self-driven, highly motivated and organized.

Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.

A valid clear criminal record check (including working with vulnerable populations) is required.

The YWCA Metro Vancouver’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination from COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the YWCA deem it necessary to reintroduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.

What we offer:

Extended medical and dental benefits

Flexible working arrangements for applicable positions

Employee Family Assistance Program, a confidential and voluntary support service for employees and their eligible family members

free membership to our Health + Fitness Centre, discounts at our YWCA Hotel and priority in YWCA Child Care centres

Pay Rate: $43.48/ hour

Pro-rated, paid vacation equal to 22 days per annum, accrued monthly in accordance with the YWCA’s leave regulations

A workplace that prioritizes employee health, safety and wellbeing, including many learning and growth opportunities such as our staff mentorship program and three equity committees who help to support our goals towards achieving meaningful equity and inclusion.

How to Apply

This is an exciting time for the YWCA. Join us and be part of an inclusive, dedicated and impactful workplace Candidates are invited to send cover letters and resumes by Wednesday, March 13, 2024, to:

Amy Juschka, Director, Communications and Advocacy

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview processes are accessible to all applicants; if you require accommodations in submitting your application, or have other questions, please contact the hiring manager as listed. All employment will be decided on the basis of qualifications, transferrable skills, lived experience, and business need. We thank all who apply, but only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information about this and other YWCA Metro Vancouver career opportunities, please visit ywcavan.org.